[Warning: long rambling post ahead] Okay, so I've been trying to write this post for a few weeks. I've been struggling with what to say and how much to share. And I wasn't really sure where I was going and where everything stood. Then I Saturday I had an epiphany...in Spotlight, of all places. I have come to the decision to step back from Notions for a while.
Below is the original post I started writing last month, just after the Magnolia Square market, and I think it explains (in part) of why I have made this decision.
I've been debating with myself whether or not to write a post about my Magnolia Square experience. But when I started this blog I wanted it to be in-part about my experience of trying to build a craft based business and if I am to do that then I need to be honest. Not only with myself, but also with my readers.
The last week has been exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Up front I want to say that my experience is not a reflection upon Magnolia Square as a market. I think they did a great job putting this event together. The Malvern Town Hall is a fabulous building and the crowds were good. But it was not the market for Notions.
My sales were well below my expectations. If fact, I just broke even (with market costs- not my airfares or any extras). It's hard not to take it personally when you have poured your heart and soul into something. I started wondering what I'd done wrong. Why didn't anyone want my goods? Were my designs no good? Were the colours not right?
Chatting to other stall holders I realised I was not the only one struggling for sales. The last few months have been hard. Although I've picked up new stockists. The retail downturn that we've been hearing about has had a big impact on my business. Sales have been down and to be honest, at times I have struggled to pay the rent.
Standing around all day gave me time to do some soul searching about the future of my little business.
Having said that, this is the life that I choose. I choose to quit full time work and start a small craft business. I choose to forgo the regular pay check. [end original post]
On Saturday I realised that I could choose to stop. To step back. To take a break. To reflect. I'm exhausted- emotionally, physically and financially. At this point I don't want to invest any more in Notions- emotionally or financially Having said that, I have just released the Winter Catalogue and I will happily fulfil any orders that result from that. But I am not going to plan any new collections. I have taken up full time research work and have been enjoying crafting for fun and for myself. I have several dresses on the go and fabulous swing jacket almost finished. Sadly I broke my camera last Friday so I can't share any pictures of these just yet.
One of the things I wrote down in my little note book at Magnolia Square was a list of what I want Notions to provide me with- 1. a liveable wage 2. ability to live a creative life 3. flexible work hours. As the song says, two out of three ain't bad, but sadly the one thing I haven't been able to achieve this year is a liveable wage and to continue with Notions I need three out of three.
Over the Winter I will think about whether or not I will jump back on the small craft business band wagon. I'd love to, but it has to be viable. And if I do, what do I want to create? Lately I've come to realise that quite a few fellow designers/crafters that over have met around Australia actually have their product produced off shore. I think this is the only way to really make good money from a small designer/craft business, but is this the road I want to go down? I don't know.
So, for now I will keep this blog going. I love finding inspiring images and sharing them with you and I will continue to do so. I will also endeavour to share my creations (once I have a new camera sorted).
Um, okay, so I think that's it for now. Apologies for the length of this post. Congratulations if you made it the whole way through! Righto, I'm off to get a cup of tea and do some crochet. Yes, I have finally picked up the hook again...and I'm loving it!
11 comments:
I completely understand... wowzers. Maybe I'll email you instead.
xx
Sorry to hear about it... It certainly isn't your products, I think that the retail sector is pretty slow everywhere. It is great that you have a rent-paying job and having a break has got to be a good thing!
Oh Rosie, I am so sorry to hear this. Sorry, because I think you are very talented, but also glad to know that you have something you can fall back on, and haven't ended up in the gutter!
You have got over the learning curve hurdles, and alot of the hard work is done with Notions. I am sure you will come up with something fabulous using your knowledge.
I have noticed the overseas production prevalence as well. Oh being a grown up is hard!
A small craft business is hard, hard work. Everyone loves what you make and do, but are not prepared all the time to pay a price that makes it worth your while.
I too began a small business, and had big dreams of making good money from it. Those dreams were quickly diminished, but I keep it going and treat it like a hobby, and am happy to be able to share products I love with people who love them too.
Hope you love your new job, and enjoy spending time crafting for yourself!!!
You're so brave and honest. Sometimes the best thing to do is to step back, take stock and reflect. All businesses are organic and need to change and adapt over time...I doubt this is the last we see of you...Take care.
I am glad your were honest to yourself. I know the feeling since the my online tea business is not faring well and when you put your heart and soul into something that barely breaks even in heart wrenching emotionally and physically! I take my hat off to you! Enjoy some time out to be re-inspired.
so sorry to hear this rosie. i've heard of a lot of people in the handmade game are finding it hard right now, so it's not your products. i hope handmade wasn't a fad that has just died off...
Oh Rosie...I'm so sad to hear this but I can totally understand how you are feeling. Believe me, it is not your products. You are so talented and creative and I have loved your gorgeous wares from day dot. Rest and reflection are good..enjoy getting paid and have fun rekindling your passion without pressure. And next time your up my way we must do coffee!! xxx
Rosie,
I just love your products, your enthusiasm and your smile... You need to make the best decision for you at the time, and I hope that you find the right balance.
Julie
Good on you for making choices that are right for you - and there is absolutely no reason why you can't change your mind! It must have been very hard to make that decision though. I'm very lucky at the moment in that I do what I do whilst supported by Sam's full time wage (although i also look after 2 kids full time!) so I don't have to worry about a liveable wage. That is my aim for the future though and to be honest I don't think it'll be possible whilst sewing myself. Sometimes I think my "business" is just self-indulgence and sometimes worry that of I was totally honest about the costs (both financially and in time taken away from me being a mum and looking after all the things I should be in the house) it would be absolutely terrifying!
Hope you enjoy the research work and have some fun doing things for yourself. I've recently stepped back too (although you can't tell!) and have been sewing a bit for myself - first time in years and years and it's great!.
I feel for you. Your products are beautiful.
I think it's very hard make a living from our art.
But I'm sure you will be successful. Good luck.
Chrisartist
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