I'm posting early, half term kicks in today and Club Penguin obviously has priority over the internet!
My Demon? Nothing major and quite common I think - lack of self-confidence/self-belief.
I wish I was one of those people that decided something and did it rather, than feeling that they need permission, approval or just weren't qualified.
It comes and goes, annoyingly it's not even consistent! I packed up the family and moved them from London to Warwickshire without a second thought. I was always fine about starting new jobs, I knew I was good . But now if someone asks me to make them a dress? I get cold sweats and worry that I'm not good enough. Hello! 15 years as a pattern cutter and sewing since I could walk apparently. Someone give me a slap because I'm getting on my own nerves!!
Maybe it's because I was always The Good Girl, did as she was told, no fuss, smiley but quiet. I still wouldn't dream of parking on double yellow lines- that would be outrageous!! (I do grab the girls hands and make them run down the school corridors when no-one's looking though! Such a REBEL!!!)
Maybe it's because I'm short, 5'2", that's ALOT of arrogant tall blokes talking over the top of my head (and I mean literally) not listening or acknowledging me, not valuing my opinion only to repeat it back to me seconds later as if it's their own!!
Mostly it's fine, I've surrounded myself with great friends and family and the super-annoyingly confident bordering on arrogant people don't really have a permanent place in my life anyway. They add nothing to it.
But the thing I've wanted to do for the longest time is sell My Stuff, maybe alot maybe a little, I've wanted to do this since Bigski was a baby ( she's already 13) and I've realized I have to be pro-active, get over my self-promotion issues. I have to stop holding myself back. I don't need or want to change who I am, I'm nice and that's more than good enough. I just have to believe in me a bit more.
So here's THE PLAN!
Step 1: This blog was step one, it took me along time to do it, MONTHS and MONTHS!!!but now you can't shut me up!
Step 2: Craft Fair in Leamington Spa at the Pump Rooms on June 1st. I'll be there! (Selling that is, not just buying!)
Step 3: Register an Etsy shop. DID IT!!! http://www.irisandlilyhandmade.etsy.com/ Got nothing in it yet, but Rome wasn't built in a day you know!
Step 4: Coffee and cake
Step 5: Promote day job to pay for other faffings! ( Am self-employed alterations/sewing lady, which I like.)
Step 6: Breathe! Enjoy! Create! Coffee and cake!
Step 7: Get someone to remind me that I've got a plan, and it's just as valuable/important in the great scheme of things as everything else. Just as important, listen to yourself Shar, JUST AS IMPORTANT NOT LESS!!
This turned out to be a long rambling, emotional post. I'd say sorry for that, but I refuse to apologise for myself anymore! I knew you'd understand.
And thanks to Drewzel for this weeks "This is..... !"
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22 comments:
Oh that is a tough one!!!
I know all those emotions you described and my etsy shop has been opened and empty for 3 months. My blog took almost a year from the first thought to the first post. Stick to your plan ...and keep us posted. Your work is amazing and I can't wait to see what you sell.
you are and always were BRILLIANT! Self promote away dear girl, you have plenty to blow your trumpet about. Get some stuff in that shop, you know you can do it. Weren't you the one who was sewing like a loony when Bigski was just a littleski? If you could do it then, and WORK! you can do it now. Otherwise, I'm going to promote myself to the position of your promotion (eh?) I know what I mean. It's a business idea and a good one at that. Of course it's important!!! DO IT! you've taken the first steps and I know you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I'm off to watch my smallski in easter bonnet parade, in the rain.
Oh dear.. wait for mine...
But here, here let's hear it for more cake breaks... I upped and moved from london to france and I was terrified.. now i've learnt french and opened my dream shop.. you can do anything Sharon...tell yourself you are wonderful, beautiful and talented daily, flip I wish I could pattern cut... sighs...how clever....oh could you take a photo of the pump rooms, it all sounds so Jane Austen xx
ps.. went to spain again today..
You go girl. This whole short people making amazing things that make people smile and feel goooood is certainly someting to be VERY proud of. You aren't just doing this for you but for every slightly defeated under-valued short creative person out there!
Huggs
I have only had one go at a craft fair in the last year. It went fairly well and I would do more. It just seems a bit cheeky leaving Daddy with the two (monsters) children. I was selling brooches through a really cute local shop but sorry to say it's now closed and I just don't have the guts to offer them elsewhere. Rubbish isn't it.
wow. you know, a lot of that I could have written myself, and no doubt will come Sunday!! It sounds like we are in a similar place. Self confidence and self belief are huge, and how we experience them impacts majority on how we operate- or don't operate.
Good luck with everything- your work is great, as I am sure you hear ALL the time. :o)
Bonne Pâque Sharon to you too...
I am going to be late with the demons as I have a packed few days ahead... maybe it's best... not sure If I want to cope with the demons, far better off eating chocolate xx
here here!
i can relate to this...i think a few of us can...Ive been wanting an etsy store for ages - ive opened one up but need to make stuff for it - mine is empty too...i need that extra push to just go for it - stop the fear huh?
I believe many of us could have written the above. I find my increasing self confidence comes from surrounding myself with like minded people, who are either putting themselves out there or who are already successful. Take note of how they do it and learn, ask questions and you will find that many people in the crafting world are more than happy to share their insights.
But most of all do the things that you enjoy and love and the rest of it will come. Also the feedback you will get after selling some items in your shop will surely boost you aswell.
pardon the long comment
hope you had a great easter
Great post, thanks so much for sharing.
Go you!
It's only Step 6 that gets me through most days. :P
Your post was definitely another angle I sooooo understand, Thank you for sharing....But your taking all the right steps by writing out a list of the steps you need to take! I like the fact that each step should be celebrated with other (demons?) coffee and cake..I will celebrate with you too even on the the other side of the world-sort of..now I just have to bake that cake!
I love that you have a plan. I find that it is better if you post it somewhere to remind you of what you want to do. So for you to put it on your blog for everyone to see is AMAZING!
Kyla
You can do it. Success is 90% showing up. You've shown up so most of the work is done.
Good luck at the craft show. I hope you sell tons, but if you don't use it as a learning experience. What will you need to do differently next time. Making a lot of sells is mostly about knowing your market..where to find them and what they want.
I had my own craft business for 9 years. I miss it but I had to get a 8 to 5 job with benefits. I have been thinking about an Etsy shop.
I hear what you are saying, but I think an Etsy shop does wonders for the confidence. Oh the soaring joy and pride of selling something to a stranger. It's addictive I'm sure.
My shop is empty, but we won't go into that!!
I felt like I was reading about myself. I was always the 'good little girl' too. And I am 5'1", so also used to people not acknowledging me (I still don't like standing in a 'milling about' kind of queue, because I know people behind me will get served before me, and I just can't do the 'excuse me I was first' confrontational thing...aaahhhh, at least it's nice to know I'm not the only one :)
Oh, and I also have a plan, albeit a shortened version of yours....it pretty much goes like this "stop over-thinking and just %$#$$%$% do it!" Working for me so far :P
Hi Sharon! Your plan is the perfect first step in any new business venture, in effect you have just written up a small business plan.
It does take courage to put yourself out there, I went through it too and now that business is going so well I'm a little upset with myself with not trusting in my abilities sooner in life.
Go for it and don't be afraid, everything is a learning experience!
And hey! Your name come up for choosing 'This is' this week!!!!!
I love the plan. It's just perfect. I am in the same boat at the moment. Blogging was the first step and has been so great for my self confidence. Step 2 was setting up a flickr account to share photos of my art work. Next comes my first ever market stall in May. It's so nice to read about others who are on the same journey.
Hows the half term going ??
good luck with your venture,
sounds like great fun. looking at your blog, you more than have the ability to do this.
thanks for sharing
wow, what an amazing and powerful post!
don't be daft you're great, talented & we ( me & scratch) love you! hels t.c.h.xx
ps pls can i have a tea cosy
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