There were definitely hurdles I didn’t expect when I opened. For example, when I first opened my shop, I didn’t register it correctly for my state, so I had to shut it down for a few months at the end of the summer (much longer than I expected) and simply wait for applications to go through and for things to get approved. It was embarrassing, and trying, and a good time to step back and reevaluate my goals. Also, I’ve had to learn how to balance my time so that David doesn’t become a lower priority than my work, as awful as that sounds. When your work is always at your fingertips, it is hard to shut off work mode. I’ve had to work through pricing for custom work, having to figure out what my time and skills are worth. This was A LOT harder than I ever could have imagined. To be able to recognize that what I design has value to people.
Overall, the shop has been growing much slower than I thought it would while at the same time I am simply amazed that it has come so far. I love creating products that can be used to encourage others or simply to bring a touch of beauty into their lives. I’ve gone from selling only greeting cards to offering calendars, notebooks, mugs and candles! All of which I hope to continue to add to. I just finished up my first custom business card design for a client, which was so stretching and rewarding.
I see a lot of exciting things in the future. I have big dreams for this little shop of mine and I am so thankful to every one of you who is here, listening to my story, supporting and encouraging me in many different ways.
All my love,
Ellie