I gotta tell you something... and it can be our secret, ok? I'm totally infatuated with "green" items. I am talking bags, shopping bags, lunch bags, snack bags, makeup bags, bags bags bags. And (albeit it may sound a bit gross...) female "time of the month" items. I'm talking anything that can be reuable to reduce the amount of waste that is put into the oceans... I'm all for it! I'm completely and utterly obsessed lately. I can't stop reeling on how many items that I can make.
I've been neglecting 2 blanket orders that I've gotten from people at work (they're in no hurry to get them, but still!! It's HORRIBLE!) so that I can sew snack bags. I'm learning how to make sandwich wraps. I'm obsessed with finding neat and pop culture fabrics to make things with. It's a sickness and I don't need help for it. I'm loving every second of it.
I joined www.twittermoms.com today and I have to say - WHAT A FANTABULOUS group. There are groups for pretty much like everything. Green Moms. Business Moms. Mommy moms. Anything you want to talk about - it's there. And it's ridden with smart and intelligble moms. Smart people? WHAT?! Can it be? Yes.
Off topic, I know, but it ties into this next part (I swear).
So I am browsing the Green Moms forum (duh, I'm obsessed, remember?) and I find this post about www.gogreenetc.com looking for products to sell on the site that are green. I'm totally in. I was going to be researching where else to sell my stuff in a few weeks anyway... Why not start now!? I mean, no, my product lines aren't finished and NO I don't have a whole lot of designs, but I will - right? I mean, RIGHT? Yes. That's the correct answer... *shew* I was nervous there for a second.... Moving along...
So watch this video:
FABULOUS! I'm totally stoked.
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Time Management
I need a course in time management. Seriously. I do.
I always tell Sean that I need to work. So I sit down at my machine, sew something and get up to get something from the office in the garage (really the storage room that we put my junk in) or in the craft closet which is the spare bedroom closet. And then it happens,
I see the dishes. So I stop to do the dishes. I dry them. I put them away. I remember "oh yeah, I wanted to get some ribbon" and I get ribbon. By now, 30 minutes have passed and been wasted.
So I sit down to sew again. And then it happnes...
Lucian comes up to me and wants me to play. So we go build something with Kinex. Another 45 minutes of my workday gone. It was fun and SO worthwhile. But I'm not working.
SO I try to sew again and realize that I need to do laundry. SO I figure that I can throw a load in and sew while it's washing. But on my way back to the machine I need to clean off the counters because they're cluttered. Another 20 minutes gone.
Then something else happens. Someone calls. Sean wants me to go do something. Whatever the case may be...
How much time wasted? What's the use keeping track.... because the point is that the day is gone.
So then Sean gets on my case for always WORKING. But in reality, I'm not WORKING... I'm in the house and distracted. So I get what - an hour or two at the most of actual work happening. Out of an 8 hour day (on the weekend). I try getting up early but that's just an excuse to clean. Sean thinks that I'm working too much. I think that I'm not getting anything done and need to spend time with the family (I agree... which is why....)
It's frustrating. VERY frustrating.
It's frustrating because Sean feels like I'm deserting them. When in reality I'm doing this so I have MORE TIME with them. More time in that when I'm not working my day job - I'll have all day to do what I need to do and then the night time is free - totally free. Free nights and weekends... can you imagine that? Some of you can! I can't. Not yet.
So I have decided that the time that I'm going to work is at night. The weekends will be a STRICT 3 hours of work per day (and that will probably be at night as well).
It's a start. Wish me luck. I'm going to see if I can get some tools and actually USE them to manage my time. I'm nervous. I have butterflies....
Friday, May 29, 2009
Introducing... SEDILU GREEN!
SEDILU GREEN! Logo coming soon (yay!)
I am always one to complain about the plastic in the oceans. I started using reusable bags. I HATE HATE HATE paper plates (we're too much of a society of trash, you know?!!). I don't like plastic cups or styrofoam. I limit the amount of plastic we use (ok, I try, but it's slow - just like everything in my life!). So I decided that I was going to learn how to reduce our waste beyond the plastic grocery bags.
So then the idea of reusable snack bags popped into my head. It's not a new idea - some people have been doing these for a couple of years now (if not longer!) but I fell in love with the idea (and just discovered it really!) and I'm hooked. I decided to start selling the bags in different designs on etsy and I'll be doing consignment as well.
So right now my designs include rock and roll skulls and sort of "gothy" stuff (I am in a total obsession mode with this stuff right now - and to look at me - I don't look anything like that on the outside but inside - retro and rock are busting out!!). Mod. Retro. Rock. Such a combo.
So, in conclusion I have a total of 2 (ok, 3 if you count my backpacks that I do!) going and it's harrowing. Especially only having about 3-4 hours a night to do anything! But it's going to be worth it.
Check me out on etsy (I'll have ebay stores set up by July if backpacks don't kick my rear this year for back to school which really - I HOPE THEY DO... we need the cash flow!):
I'm working up to be able to stay at home and work from the house. Oh the excitement is building daily! And the frustration too of course by me not being able to do it RIGHT NOW. But life goes on and we can only do so much. Typically it takes about 2-3 years for a business to really get in the marketplace. I'm determined to speed that process up.
In the next few weeks I'll be doing some giveaways on different blogs (mine doesn't have any traffic - YET) so my name will be out there. I just have to get my logo designed and everything that goes with it. I'm excited really...
The ideas are flowing! But nothing has materialized again. Time management anyone? I haven't mentioned that yet in any other posts, have I? HA! Such a jokester.
I am always one to complain about the plastic in the oceans. I started using reusable bags. I HATE HATE HATE paper plates (we're too much of a society of trash, you know?!!). I don't like plastic cups or styrofoam. I limit the amount of plastic we use (ok, I try, but it's slow - just like everything in my life!). So I decided that I was going to learn how to reduce our waste beyond the plastic grocery bags.
So then the idea of reusable snack bags popped into my head. It's not a new idea - some people have been doing these for a couple of years now (if not longer!) but I fell in love with the idea (and just discovered it really!) and I'm hooked. I decided to start selling the bags in different designs on etsy and I'll be doing consignment as well.
So right now my designs include rock and roll skulls and sort of "gothy" stuff (I am in a total obsession mode with this stuff right now - and to look at me - I don't look anything like that on the outside but inside - retro and rock are busting out!!). Mod. Retro. Rock. Such a combo.
So, in conclusion I have a total of 2 (ok, 3 if you count my backpacks that I do!) going and it's harrowing. Especially only having about 3-4 hours a night to do anything! But it's going to be worth it.
Check me out on etsy (I'll have ebay stores set up by July if backpacks don't kick my rear this year for back to school which really - I HOPE THEY DO... we need the cash flow!):
I'm working up to be able to stay at home and work from the house. Oh the excitement is building daily! And the frustration too of course by me not being able to do it RIGHT NOW. But life goes on and we can only do so much. Typically it takes about 2-3 years for a business to really get in the marketplace. I'm determined to speed that process up.
In the next few weeks I'll be doing some giveaways on different blogs (mine doesn't have any traffic - YET) so my name will be out there. I just have to get my logo designed and everything that goes with it. I'm excited really...
The ideas are flowing! But nothing has materialized again. Time management anyone? I haven't mentioned that yet in any other posts, have I? HA! Such a jokester.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Logo Designing... so important!
When I first started this Sedilu Venture, I decided that I was going to whip up a quick logo. I was going to focus on baby items which is fab. It's what I'm going to still be doing. But I realized, after really focusing on boy items - that my logo (with the pink butterfly) didn't really go between boy and girl. So I changed the color of the butterfly to green and blue.
CUTE! But... I'm still not happy with it... It is still too girly. It's not modern. It's not hip. It's... quite frankly... BLAH. And I'm starting to hate it.
So I just didn't know where I was going. I was in a sort of a fog... floating through with temporary stuff like temporary tattoos - luckily I didn't spend money on designing it. I did it myself. BUT I did spend a lot of time on it... so that's about all I've wasted (and about $10 for the vector images)... but life goes on.
SO today I'm browsing the web (http://www.istockphoto.com/) for my new logo for my spinoff venture SediluGreen (which is totally cool reusable items!) and I find what is called...
RETRO. AND I LOVE IT!
I can't begin to express how I was like "oh wow! Check that out! LOVES IT! OOO! OOO!" Anything with that Olive green and brown that is sooooo in right now - Yeah. I'm digging it to the 100th degree.
So I think that I'm going to have a logo designed (you can get GREAT designers to do this for CHEAP on etsy - I'm talking like $50 compared to like $150+++ by designers on the web!) So I've been browsing for about 35 minutes over my lunch break to find some fabulous images for someone to design my store header (on etsy! YAY! LOVES THE ETSY!) and my logo for print design and labels.
I'm pretty excited. BUT - I have to remember that the logo is going to be for a long time. It's branding. Remember that branding is a HUGE part of business. People need to be able to recognize your items by your logo. It's your imprint on society and your niche. I have to think about this before jumping in headfirst (and you do too if you're starting a business or a boutique or anything!!) - is this a lasting thing that I can use for the next 10 years or is it a passing trend?
Whatever you do - don't follow trends when it comes to design and business logos. No no no! It's sure disaster when you have to redesign in 5 years and pretty much start over on branding...
But if you're not concerned about that - more power to you go for it!
I just know what I love. I totally *heart* retro/mod. Every time I see an item with a retro owl or mushroom (and I used to LOVE mushrooms back in the day - I even had clear mushroom stickers on my car tail lights - many many moons ago!) I'm a pile of "awww!"
So, that's the update. I'll be posting about my new "Green" venture and of course the ROCK N ROLL stuff I have rolling out.
Now... just to get time to.... Oh... MAKE the stuff! Now, that's a novel idea!! Making the stuff to sell it and getting it out of my head. hmmmm...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Slow going - for sure!
So this is all so slooooooow going! I had the idea that I would be sewing away and all of my ideas would be fabulous (which most of them are, if I do say so myself - haha) and I would have all the hours in the day to sew my heart out. Well. Guess what? That's not really the case, now is it? Uhhh. No.
Here's the reality -
I work 40 hours a week. I pick up the boy from "daycare" (really Karate with an afterschool/summer program - I LOVE IT). I go home. I make dinner (it's past 6 by this point). I get the boy in the bathtub. I get the boy his bedtime snack (now it's 7:15 PM). I put him in the bed. We read a book. I cuddle with him for a few minutes. Now, it's past 8 (most nights). I wipe the nearly asleep from my eyes. I talk to Sean for a few minutes. I work. Now it's 9 PM. I work until Midnight. I'm exhausted.
I get up at 6. I should get up at 4:30. But no. That's not happening!
I'm starting to realize that I'm gung ho. But... as Sean mentioned to me several times - I need to manage my time. He's so right. On the weekends when I'm working, I try to get stuff done - but in reality - I'm all over the place - I'm cleaning, cooking, doing dishes, playing with Lucian. And... in the midst of all that - I work for about ohh.... 2 hours. Boooo!
So, here it is. Time management time! I'm going to manage my time. Effectively.
Now, just how I'm going to do that is a little beyond me... Hmmm... *scratching chin*
Any help? :)
Here's the reality -
I work 40 hours a week. I pick up the boy from "daycare" (really Karate with an afterschool/summer program - I LOVE IT). I go home. I make dinner (it's past 6 by this point). I get the boy in the bathtub. I get the boy his bedtime snack (now it's 7:15 PM). I put him in the bed. We read a book. I cuddle with him for a few minutes. Now, it's past 8 (most nights). I wipe the nearly asleep from my eyes. I talk to Sean for a few minutes. I work. Now it's 9 PM. I work until Midnight. I'm exhausted.
I get up at 6. I should get up at 4:30. But no. That's not happening!
I'm starting to realize that I'm gung ho. But... as Sean mentioned to me several times - I need to manage my time. He's so right. On the weekends when I'm working, I try to get stuff done - but in reality - I'm all over the place - I'm cleaning, cooking, doing dishes, playing with Lucian. And... in the midst of all that - I work for about ohh.... 2 hours. Boooo!
So, here it is. Time management time! I'm going to manage my time. Effectively.
Now, just how I'm going to do that is a little beyond me... Hmmm... *scratching chin*
Any help? :)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Ideas Abound
I started an informational website. Let's not beat around the bush here people. I did it! I've actually been pretty busy doing a few things when it comes to Sedilu. I got the small business development class lined up (after missing TWO of them because of LIFE coming in and saying "not today Dinnetta. Not today"). And Life sort of came today and said "woah Nellie! Not today" but I'm telling that LIFE to just hush for a minute. I'm doing this. I'm just going to have to compromise and improvise a little bit. I'm not waiting any longer! Lucian. Grab your games boy. We're going to learn about business!! I can almost hear his squeals of delight (yeah, not so much).
The website is (drumroll please!):
www.sedilu-boutique-designs.weebly.com
This is how it goes. I'm going to be doing a lot of custom items. I LOVE custom items! So I'll post the fabrics that I have available (or have access to!) and people can go and choose their fabrics. Snazzy huh? This is going to be great for blankets, pillows, onesies (once I get there) and other clothing items (again, once I get there!). I'm actually really super excited about it!
In reality, by the time YOU are reading this blog, it's going to be fully operational because I haven't advertised this blog pretty much - at all! So how would you know it's here? The internet is an OCEAN of EVERYTHING and I'm just a plankton being swept along in the current. Oh, my trusty lovelies, the day shall come! And when that day comes that I have followers - mwuahahahah! I'll love it! :) I know. I'm such an attention fiend. *wink*
Anywhoo! Back on topic (I swear I have ADD!). I'm going to continue to increase my arsenal of fabrics and include a TON of popular designers like Michael Miller, Amy Butler, and Alexander Henry. I absolutely ADORE these people's whimsical designs. I mean, ADORE! If you have any ideas or suggestions for the website (which will include a business blog too! OH. MY. GOSH this blogging thing is totally addicting - I act like I have a lot of time but I love it! I like to talk. What can I say?). It's exciting to start something.
Advice for today?
Stick with it. Regardless of how "far behind" you think you are, it's not that bad. If you quit, you'll have a problem. But as long as you WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS, and make them realistic (that's a key there), you'll be just fine. I have yet to learn how to use my embroidery machine, but I was unrealistic about my goals. I just didn't have the time (or, quite frankly the motivation) to do it. But if you are realistic, write it down, and keep trucking along, you're going to make it.
Right now I'm in a learning stage. I am taking a free marketing and SEO class (YOU HAVE GOT TO TAKE IT. Awesome lessons. I'll put the link at the bottom of the post) and learning as much as I can. I think that I jumped into this a little too early but you have GOT to learn these lessons. Otherwise you'll never have lived.
Take chances. Live life. Go. Go. Go! Take your baby steps because it takes time. But once you learn how to walk, you're going to learn how to jog. Once you're jogging, you're going to learn how to run and when you take off running - there's no looking back. Ignore those side stitches and keep going lovey! You're going to be amazed at the power of YOU!
Here's the link to the free marketing and SEO classes. The founder's name is Cricket and she's the nicest, informative, and attentive person! If you have a question, you better believe it's going to be answered. I haven't had a chance to keep up with all the lessons, but I'm telling you - I have learned SO MUCH from her!
Best of luck and BLESS! I'm on the way. And you can be too!
Until next time lovies. TTFN.
http://www.gnc-web-creations.com/web-training.htm
Check out her website. You won't regret it. On the page that I posted, you need to scroll down to register. Super easy. It's a web group. She gives specific instructions on what to do to join! Lots of information. LOVE IT!
The website is (drumroll please!):
This is how it goes. I'm going to be doing a lot of custom items. I LOVE custom items! So I'll post the fabrics that I have available (or have access to!) and people can go and choose their fabrics. Snazzy huh? This is going to be great for blankets, pillows, onesies (once I get there) and other clothing items (again, once I get there!). I'm actually really super excited about it!
In reality, by the time YOU are reading this blog, it's going to be fully operational because I haven't advertised this blog pretty much - at all! So how would you know it's here? The internet is an OCEAN of EVERYTHING and I'm just a plankton being swept along in the current. Oh, my trusty lovelies, the day shall come! And when that day comes that I have followers - mwuahahahah! I'll love it! :) I know. I'm such an attention fiend. *wink*
Anywhoo! Back on topic (I swear I have ADD!). I'm going to continue to increase my arsenal of fabrics and include a TON of popular designers like Michael Miller, Amy Butler, and Alexander Henry. I absolutely ADORE these people's whimsical designs. I mean, ADORE! If you have any ideas or suggestions for the website (which will include a business blog too! OH. MY. GOSH this blogging thing is totally addicting - I act like I have a lot of time but I love it! I like to talk. What can I say?). It's exciting to start something.
Advice for today?
Stick with it. Regardless of how "far behind" you think you are, it's not that bad. If you quit, you'll have a problem. But as long as you WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS, and make them realistic (that's a key there), you'll be just fine. I have yet to learn how to use my embroidery machine, but I was unrealistic about my goals. I just didn't have the time (or, quite frankly the motivation) to do it. But if you are realistic, write it down, and keep trucking along, you're going to make it.
Right now I'm in a learning stage. I am taking a free marketing and SEO class (YOU HAVE GOT TO TAKE IT. Awesome lessons. I'll put the link at the bottom of the post) and learning as much as I can. I think that I jumped into this a little too early but you have GOT to learn these lessons. Otherwise you'll never have lived.
Take chances. Live life. Go. Go. Go! Take your baby steps because it takes time. But once you learn how to walk, you're going to learn how to jog. Once you're jogging, you're going to learn how to run and when you take off running - there's no looking back. Ignore those side stitches and keep going lovey! You're going to be amazed at the power of YOU!
Here's the link to the free marketing and SEO classes. The founder's name is Cricket and she's the nicest, informative, and attentive person! If you have a question, you better believe it's going to be answered. I haven't had a chance to keep up with all the lessons, but I'm telling you - I have learned SO MUCH from her!
Best of luck and BLESS! I'm on the way. And you can be too!
Until next time lovies. TTFN.
Check out her website. You won't regret it. On the page that I posted, you need to scroll down to register. Super easy. It's a web group. She gives specific instructions on what to do to join! Lots of information. LOVE IT!
Moving right along
I can't believe how quickly time goes by. I remember when I was in high school it seemed as though time dragged on and the weekend NEVER came. Sitting in class nearly falling asleep listening to the teacher drone on about the civil war or some biological wonder that no one really cared about in class except for the teacher.
But here I am. Sitting on the couch on a Saturday at 7:07 AM (and have been up for nearly an hour now) blogging because I haven't done it since FEBRUARY 24th! It feels like I just sat down here about 3 days ago. *sigh* Where, oh where, does the time go? I have a sneaky suspicion that there is a gremlin somewhere stealing it, but my suspicions go unfounded (for now - only because I don't have time to investigate the matter). And THEN, society throws a wrench into my life once again and takes an hour from me TONIGHT - darn daylight savings time. I personally think they need to get rid of it - Arizona doesn't have it - and they're still doing just fine. Go figure!!
Anyway, so I am going to a small business development class today to learn about licensing and permitting and other such things that I am going to need when I finally get enough financial backing and "peace" to start Sedilu going on the right track. I'll have to blog and let you know how it turns out. I think that it's going to be good. Considering that I have zero clue on where to start and it's proven that when a person feels overwhelmed... they SHUT IT DOWN and I am no different. I did some research and found about 8 BAZILLION websites with information - not all pertinent to my state - and my head about exploded. This is a free class mind you - and I'm loving that. With the economy being so shaky, it would be crazy not to learn everything you can right now to get things going. I can't procrastinate this! I have to take Lucian with me to the class (gulp) but he's a good kid. So it should be ok. I'll take his PSP and some food and he should be ok for the 2 hours (please please please hope that I'm right!). Sean has to work. Dang job. Oh yeah. WE LIKE WORK! Work is good. Work pays the bills.
You know, I had it in my head that this was going to be simple. I was going to sew some stuff. I was going to list a few things on etsy and VOILA. I was going to start seeing my investment make some returns (that oh so lovely ROI). But after starting, I realize - that this needs more. I need to market my wares. But to market anything I need to HAVE A GOOD set INVENTORY of items. I can't just start sending out marketing materials for what - 4 designs? Crazy! So I am taking Dave Ramsey's advice and taking BABY STEPS! Shockingly good idea! I got overwhelmed sewing until my fingers bled (not really but it felt like that!).
SO if you're starting a venture - work at it slowly. Nothing comes quickly. Good things come to those who wait. Patience is a virtue. Am I making you sick with these cliche's? Yeah. Me too.
But it's true. Don't rush it. Take your time or you're going to shut right down and get nothing accomplished. I started a little informational website because I have a great idea for customizing blankets, pillows and even dresses and such (when I get to that point) which I'm going to post about in a little bit. It's actually pretty cool and I had a BLAST doing it! As of today, I haven't gotten much on it, but it's going to be really neat when it's done! I'm totally excited about it! I'll be right back to post about it! YAY.
But here I am. Sitting on the couch on a Saturday at 7:07 AM (and have been up for nearly an hour now) blogging because I haven't done it since FEBRUARY 24th! It feels like I just sat down here about 3 days ago. *sigh* Where, oh where, does the time go? I have a sneaky suspicion that there is a gremlin somewhere stealing it, but my suspicions go unfounded (for now - only because I don't have time to investigate the matter). And THEN, society throws a wrench into my life once again and takes an hour from me TONIGHT - darn daylight savings time. I personally think they need to get rid of it - Arizona doesn't have it - and they're still doing just fine. Go figure!!
Anyway, so I am going to a small business development class today to learn about licensing and permitting and other such things that I am going to need when I finally get enough financial backing and "peace" to start Sedilu going on the right track. I'll have to blog and let you know how it turns out. I think that it's going to be good. Considering that I have zero clue on where to start and it's proven that when a person feels overwhelmed... they SHUT IT DOWN and I am no different. I did some research and found about 8 BAZILLION websites with information - not all pertinent to my state - and my head about exploded. This is a free class mind you - and I'm loving that. With the economy being so shaky, it would be crazy not to learn everything you can right now to get things going. I can't procrastinate this! I have to take Lucian with me to the class (gulp) but he's a good kid. So it should be ok. I'll take his PSP and some food and he should be ok for the 2 hours (please please please hope that I'm right!). Sean has to work. Dang job. Oh yeah. WE LIKE WORK! Work is good. Work pays the bills.
You know, I had it in my head that this was going to be simple. I was going to sew some stuff. I was going to list a few things on etsy and VOILA. I was going to start seeing my investment make some returns (that oh so lovely ROI). But after starting, I realize - that this needs more. I need to market my wares. But to market anything I need to HAVE A GOOD set INVENTORY of items. I can't just start sending out marketing materials for what - 4 designs? Crazy! So I am taking Dave Ramsey's advice and taking BABY STEPS! Shockingly good idea! I got overwhelmed sewing until my fingers bled (not really but it felt like that!).
SO if you're starting a venture - work at it slowly. Nothing comes quickly. Good things come to those who wait. Patience is a virtue. Am I making you sick with these cliche's? Yeah. Me too.
But it's true. Don't rush it. Take your time or you're going to shut right down and get nothing accomplished. I started a little informational website because I have a great idea for customizing blankets, pillows and even dresses and such (when I get to that point) which I'm going to post about in a little bit. It's actually pretty cool and I had a BLAST doing it! As of today, I haven't gotten much on it, but it's going to be really neat when it's done! I'm totally excited about it! I'll be right back to post about it! YAY.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Marketing Op!
I have been wringing my brain clean of any sort of ideas trying to figure out what the most effective method of marketing is going to be to get my blankets "out there" in the public eye. I can't afford to pay for the site right now and I can't afford to print up 100's of brochures to hand out and I don't have enough samples (ok I have ZERO samples right now) to take to boutiques and such. What a dilemma. What a frustrating dilemma. Then I realize - this is going to take some time. Breathe. That is one of the most important things when starting a new venture - take your time. Things are not going to happen overnight. Evaluate what you're going to do and where you want to go and set a REALISTIC goal. Without realistic goals (and realistic is absolutely the key word here) there is no use in going forward because you will fail. There is no doubt in my mind - frustration makes everyone just want to throw in the towel... but don't do it. Keep forging ahead. (wise words of the day alert!)
So, I stopped thinking about marketing and started focusing on making blankets. How can you market if you have no product? Yeah. That's what I said to - you can't. It's impossible. What are you going to sell to people - an idea? Ideas don't get you very far when you're manufacturing something to sell. Brilliant me coming out now.... Marketing AFTER product. Check. And then I open Lucian's backpack....
On February 10th there is a silent auction happening at his school. Apparently it's like this big deal. People donate a shitload of stuff to make up these baskets for people to bid on. My Business hat IMMEDIATELY goes on and I email the organizer - HollyJo. I ask if I can put my cards attached to the blankets and donate them to the auction. She's ecstatic and tells me "YES! Of course! If you want, you can set up a little stand with samples or a booklet and a bunch of your cards!" I almost pass out. COOL! I mean, it's a small thing, but it will at least get my blankets (which totally rock) out there in the public eye... Women who know women who have babies (I don't know any of those women - You need to leave the house to know women who have babies!). So I'm rockin' and rollin' and need to make 5 blankets in 8 days. *gulp*
I started on the cutest blanket last night. I think I'm going to call it the "Patsy blanket" because Sean said "you know - some people probably would want cutesy blankets. Baby-looking ones."
To which I am staring at my minky swirl and pink zebra fur block blanket back and say "what do you mean? This is totally cute!"
His reply "yeah. It's cute. But not everyone wants their baby walking around dressing like Pat Benetar."
*rolling eyes* Then I laughed. Where does he come up with this crap? That's why I love him. FUNNY...
So the "Patsy" blankets are born. I'll post a picture of the finished sample product (that I'll donate for 95% a good cause - 5% selfishness to get my stuff out there!).
I realize that you have to start somewhere. Start small. Work your way up. I LITERALLY just started making these blankets and I'm already getting myself in deep emotionally. Which is great. But I need to understand that stepping back and taking it a little slowly is how to go. If I don't, I'm going to get burned out quickly and I don't want that. I still have my other products to make (unrelated to this venture) and it's time consuming. Focus. Re-Group. Take one step at a time. The product is the most important thing right now. One step at a time.
But that's not my style. If I do something I jump in and jump in the deep end - HARD. I immerse myself into everything that I do and I need to be the best at it. Childhood trauma I suppose. Feelings of inadequacy seeping through. But... the upside of it is that it makes me work harder and be the best I can be at everything I do. Failure is not an option. :)
Until Next Time...
So, I stopped thinking about marketing and started focusing on making blankets. How can you market if you have no product? Yeah. That's what I said to - you can't. It's impossible. What are you going to sell to people - an idea? Ideas don't get you very far when you're manufacturing something to sell. Brilliant me coming out now.... Marketing AFTER product. Check. And then I open Lucian's backpack....
On February 10th there is a silent auction happening at his school. Apparently it's like this big deal. People donate a shitload of stuff to make up these baskets for people to bid on. My Business hat IMMEDIATELY goes on and I email the organizer - HollyJo. I ask if I can put my cards attached to the blankets and donate them to the auction. She's ecstatic and tells me "YES! Of course! If you want, you can set up a little stand with samples or a booklet and a bunch of your cards!" I almost pass out. COOL! I mean, it's a small thing, but it will at least get my blankets (which totally rock) out there in the public eye... Women who know women who have babies (I don't know any of those women - You need to leave the house to know women who have babies!). So I'm rockin' and rollin' and need to make 5 blankets in 8 days. *gulp*
I started on the cutest blanket last night. I think I'm going to call it the "Patsy blanket" because Sean said "you know - some people probably would want cutesy blankets. Baby-looking ones."
To which I am staring at my minky swirl and pink zebra fur block blanket back and say "what do you mean? This is totally cute!"
His reply "yeah. It's cute. But not everyone wants their baby walking around dressing like Pat Benetar."
*rolling eyes* Then I laughed. Where does he come up with this crap? That's why I love him. FUNNY...
So the "Patsy" blankets are born. I'll post a picture of the finished sample product (that I'll donate for 95% a good cause - 5% selfishness to get my stuff out there!).
I realize that you have to start somewhere. Start small. Work your way up. I LITERALLY just started making these blankets and I'm already getting myself in deep emotionally. Which is great. But I need to understand that stepping back and taking it a little slowly is how to go. If I don't, I'm going to get burned out quickly and I don't want that. I still have my other products to make (unrelated to this venture) and it's time consuming. Focus. Re-Group. Take one step at a time. The product is the most important thing right now. One step at a time.
But that's not my style. If I do something I jump in and jump in the deep end - HARD. I immerse myself into everything that I do and I need to be the best at it. Childhood trauma I suppose. Feelings of inadequacy seeping through. But... the upside of it is that it makes me work harder and be the best I can be at everything I do. Failure is not an option. :)
Until Next Time...
Monday, January 19, 2009
Samples & Sewing
I'm getting the samples done to photograph and put online. My site won't be done until probably more towards the end of the year, but that's ok. That gives me plenty of time to sew sew sew. I have to say, I think that I have finally found my passion. Creating these things really gives me a creative outlet and I just totally love it. It really makes up for all of the things that I was told I couldn't do while growing up... It's therapy of sorts. I recommend it to everyone and anyone that needs something more in their lives... find an outlet and go with it. Whether it is fishing, hunting, sewing, reading, speaking to crowds, volunteering at a shelter - anything that you're good at - do it and do it often. You'll be surprised at how fulfilled you are after you do something that YOU love - not something that someone else WANTS you to love. Ignore any naysayers because you need to make you happy before you can truly live life to the fullest. (Wise words of the day alert)...
I was so inspired this weekend by family and good times. I felt revived and refreshed. We sat around and played Monopoly until 11 (it's unheard of that Lucian stay up that late but he was a trooper and played "big people" monopoly with us!). I should have taken pictures but didn't. Horrible, I know. But it was a blast.
Sunday I woke up at 6:30 and immediately started working on some projects. It took me all day (mainly because I had to figure and re-figure measurements - anyone who knows me knows that math is NOT my strong suit...), but I made a gorgeous blanket for our friends' newborn and I absolutely STINKIN LOVE IT. I almost don't want to give it up. But... I must. I just want to carry it around with me and look at it. It's THAT cute. It's going to DEFINITELY be in my line of blankets.
I found a new way to organize myself.
Writing things down. Go figure! Who'd have thunk it? If you write something down, it's amazing what you can accomplish because it's solid. It's there. Staring at you saying "you lazy thing! You can never get me done... Or can you?" And guess what? I scream back "oh yes I can!" and Voila! Stuff gets done. Amazing.
I have set goals.
By the end of the year, I am going to have my site up and fully functional chock full of handcrafted items made by me and other Mom-preneurs (I LOVE that word)
I am going to have stock of fabric and designs for pre-designs and customs ready
I will have learned how to use my embroidery machine (received 1/16/09) by February 15
I will be turning a profit on my custom items by March (or before, but March is practical)
I will also, by March 30th learn more advanced sewing techniques to better enhance my projects
By 2011, I will be designing clothing
By 2012, I will have others manufacturing my items for me
Oh, and did I mention that I wanted to quit my job by the end of the year too? That might be a good one to mention!
Hefty goals you say? Yeah. But it's possible. VERY possible. Even with working a full time job on top of it. I'm strong. I can do anything.
I am woman. Hear me roar.
I was so inspired this weekend by family and good times. I felt revived and refreshed. We sat around and played Monopoly until 11 (it's unheard of that Lucian stay up that late but he was a trooper and played "big people" monopoly with us!). I should have taken pictures but didn't. Horrible, I know. But it was a blast.
Sunday I woke up at 6:30 and immediately started working on some projects. It took me all day (mainly because I had to figure and re-figure measurements - anyone who knows me knows that math is NOT my strong suit...), but I made a gorgeous blanket for our friends' newborn and I absolutely STINKIN LOVE IT. I almost don't want to give it up. But... I must. I just want to carry it around with me and look at it. It's THAT cute. It's going to DEFINITELY be in my line of blankets.
I found a new way to organize myself.
Writing things down. Go figure! Who'd have thunk it? If you write something down, it's amazing what you can accomplish because it's solid. It's there. Staring at you saying "you lazy thing! You can never get me done... Or can you?" And guess what? I scream back "oh yes I can!" and Voila! Stuff gets done. Amazing.
I have set goals.
By the end of the year, I am going to have my site up and fully functional chock full of handcrafted items made by me and other Mom-preneurs (I LOVE that word)
I am going to have stock of fabric and designs for pre-designs and customs ready
I will have learned how to use my embroidery machine (received 1/16/09) by February 15
I will be turning a profit on my custom items by March (or before, but March is practical)
I will also, by March 30th learn more advanced sewing techniques to better enhance my projects
By 2011, I will be designing clothing
By 2012, I will have others manufacturing my items for me
Oh, and did I mention that I wanted to quit my job by the end of the year too? That might be a good one to mention!
Hefty goals you say? Yeah. But it's possible. VERY possible. Even with working a full time job on top of it. I'm strong. I can do anything.
I am woman. Hear me roar.
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