Lessons Learned in 2017

One of the reasons that I have blogged for the last 12 years is because I am driven to share stories. They might be funny, like when I had a blog called "Things I Shouldn't Have to Say" and I shared stories like the time I heard the chainsaw start up in the backyard and looking out to see one of my children sitting on a limb that he intended to cut off. ~Like a cartoon.~ Or like when I had a homeschool blog and I believed we were "doing it right" and I shared all the wonderful things we were doing. And since I believe in transparency, I shared issues my kids were having and ended up having a lady email me for days telling me I needed to lock my kid up and pour all the rubbing alcohol and vanilla down the drain. The internet is full of crazy folks that feel free to say whatever pops into their heads. Blogging can put you in a very vulnerable place.

In terms of being a professional crafter and this blog, I would like to share some of my thoughts, now that I am almost two years into owning my own craft business.

I started this business because I needed to change something in my life. So many things were just out of control and I need to control stuff. Something, anything. I decided to be a professional blogger. Because that's exactly how it works, don't you know and it's what I knew how to do. Central Texas Spirit Wear was going to be the shop for my monetized blog called Athletics Mom. AM started pretty strong, but I quickly ran out of ideas for writing material, the shop idea stuck though, and CTSW was born. (I didn't make a penny with AM, btw.)

Running a small business is full time + overtime work. It's difficult, but so rewarding, like raising other people. And if you pay attention, you'll learn some stuff.

Here is what I learned this year:

1. I am still learning. And that's ok! 
2. Asking for help is a good thing.
3. It's true that you have to spend money to make money and you really do get what you pay for. 
4. Always always always pay your taxes on time. 
5. You have to go out and get the sales. It's not a brick and mortar store. People aren't just wandering in and buying stuff on a whim. 
6. I do not enjoy marketing. But I see the results every time I put effort into it. (So, maybe I'm decent at it?) 

I'm sure that's not all. But it's all for now. I just want to encourage anyone, particularly moms, who think they have no skills or anything to contribute, that you do have skills! Someone wants to pay you for something you do and that they need. During homecoming season, I kept saying, "I love this made up job!" Seriously. Who would have guessed people would pay me really good money to make a homecoming mum?? 

Don't be restrained by analysis paralysis. Just do it. Quick like a band aid! You'll be so happy that you did.