At the end of June I had an appointment with my business adviser, a man employed by the city/state to help new business owners. I left my application for a few months extension of the "starting money" I got when I started off in February (it is like a social benefit you can get for a few months the first time you start a business). I thought the first five months had gone fairly ok, but he did not agree, my result was well under the numbers in my business plan... I need to change my strategy, he said and went on in the same spirit for quite a while. However I did get the extension for four months, no idea why (I did talk a lot about my visions + I suggested that I could donate the kids to someone with more time), but I am happy and relieved to know I will survive through the Summer.The "change of strategy"-part made me paralysed for some time. What the heck am I supposed to do? Become a combined multi task, mum, factory, marketing wonder genius in one day? Then I came to my senses and sat down to think and count (what should my products cost, for real a.s.o.) and then I started my production line. When I have filled this room* with stuff I will try to become the marketing wonder. One task at a time. I have started to fill the shop with house scarves, it will be autumn soon anyway and it seems I will be wearing a scarf the whole Summer this year...
*we have been rearranging. I got a room of my own , yes! I'll show it as soon as everything is on its place, it can take awhile, but here's my balcony, I can see the flowers where I sit right now by the window!
21 comments:
Thank you for your nice comment on my blog.
I am looking forward to seeing your room when it is all finished.
I hope your business goes well in the next few months, I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
Kathy
x
That’s the least fun part of having a business isn’t it?
Good luck with becoming a miracle-worker!
It can be disheartening when someone cannot see that you are doing a good job and your best but it sounds like you handled it all well. I do hope that your production line process goes well and I hope for great sales over the summer!!
Good luck with everything. It's not easy having a craft business but your work is beautiful so I'm sure you will be success.
Gina x
Love the scarf. I'm going to wear that this fall. Hubby's job hunt is going well. I may be able to shop soon! Read this article on marketing your crafts. Thought you might like it too. http://aussiepatches.typepad.com/aussiepatches/marketing/index.html
i hear ya! i know exactly what you mean about being under your plans. i say send it to the sweatshops of china. ...ok, you know i'm kidding. it has been so hard to focus on being creative and having a little one. so you have come this far with two...i commend you for that. you get GOLD star super mama award! i will come check out the shop. i might need a pillow soon for the new playroom in the new house.
Hi there Wonder Woman:)
Seriously, you are so truly talented. It will all pay off! I know it.
I think that it is really smart to think about the production line. I have to do that myself. Its funny how people just think that if you sew, you can whip up anything in no time.
I always have a hard time with pricing too. There are so many things to consider.
I will end with stating that you are AMAZING!
I'm holding a banner contest for my second blog anniversary. I'd love to have you join! It's a stitchin' one, :)
Here's the direct link:
http://nikisventures.blogspot.com/2008/07/can-you-help-poor-soul-contest-inside.html
Hej, jag har beundrat dina grejer du gör länge. Underbara!! Jag vet hur svårt det är att starta eget. Jag gjorde det för ca 1 och ett halvt år sedan och håller på fortfarande, men det är jättetufft. Det kräver att man har en förstående familj + att man får leva på nästan ingenting ibland. Jag har precis startat en blogg men har inte riktigt haft tid att ägna mig åt den också. Visst är det svårt att hinna med allt som man vill!!
Good luck with the marketing. I'm sure that it will all work out. I loved your multi-lingual cushion, and thanks for the link on Swedish speaking Fins!
I know just what you mean , i have a meeting soon with my business adviser and im supposed to have performed miracles but with 4 kidlets at home and my swimming job as well its hard to keep up .. you are doing a great job and your things are beautiful and im sure it will be worth it in the end !!!
Sara x
Wishing you lots of luck. Your style is unique and fun.
Ooh, I can't wait to see your room!
Good luck with the production line :D
p.s. I love your scarves and once I have found a summer job (and therefore money!) will be investing in one for this Autumn. They're so unique and better than anything you can buy in a shop :)
Hooray, You're on the front page of Etsy today. Hopefully that will help out your marketing situation!! I love the bike illustration.
i'm so excited for you, to officially be a business doing what you love. there will be bumps along the way, but if it was easy, it wouldn't be fun! your work is amazing, and with a bit more time i can easily see you getting more exposure and sales will go through the roof!
Hang in there kajsa! Your work speaks for itself, and you got the extension. Sometimes I don't think the business mind can understand the creative mind. We're pulling for you!
I think you are doing a great job and it's not easy at all to sell things you've made yourself.
Good luck with the business - you are doing great things!
xxxx
Thank you for sharing with us. Makign real money on crafts seems to be a tough business. Listening to the radio today I heard about a recent study in Norway on how much artists make. (Apparently in the last 10 years the number of artists have doubled!) The bottom line is that most were quite poor. I love the idea of making money on crafts though. You are brave and sure to make it!!! Your wares are so original and also wonderful!!!
Happy weekend! I am sure if you wanted to request ideas from your readers/fans we could all brainstorm together!
~Emily
Well, I really hope that everything will work out - it's always hard when you realize that the visions and the reality are not easily combined... I wish you so much luck - and I really adore your work!
oooh that sounds nasty....as everyone else has said...you gotta stick with it - your stuff is so lovely and with even a smidgeaon of good luck your crafting business will go from strength to strength...keep it up!
Sharing about your business advisor is absolutely fascinating! Thanks so much for being you, being honest about the ups and downs of being a mum and an artist and a businesswoman so needs to juggle her time wisely or clone herself. I am going through the same feelings. The biz advisor sounds very helpful if only it wasn't a negitive sort of pressure as well. You are so awesome! I love your work and your blog.
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