DEEP THOUGHTS ON SHOPPING SMALL

Just because Small Business Saturday is over doesn’t mean the opportune time to #shopsmall has passed. Small Biz Sat was a success, but this year its success almost made me a little bitter. The fact that this new found holiday was created and sponsored by some corporate giant spending thousands and thousands of dollars on marketing & producing free shiz to hand out made me a little upset at first.

However, if this credit card mogul didn’t do it… who would have?

It’s only took about 5 years to really catch on and become nationally recognized. Had a small business itself deemed the holiday it would’ve taken much longer to make the same impact.

Also, I hope this is just a small stepping stone in changing our mindsets towards what shopping local really is. It’s not just one day out of 365- it’s making a conscious effort every day. You’ve seen the statistics and the cute graphics explaining how dollars kept in the community are uber helpful. But unfortunately you can’t bottle up the feeling that comes when hoards of people support the baby {I mean business. No, actually I do mean baby} that you’ve built from the ground up.

That’s priceless.

#whatsnew

GOAL HUNGRY

I’m a real anti-believer in New Year resolutions.

My theory: If you want to change something, just do it now!

Every now and again I set down and get goal hungry. I dump everything in my brain onto paper in order to figure out what I want to accomplish in the near future and beyond, and figure out how the heck to get there.

So what made the most recent list?

1. Travel

Planning extensive trips is my kryptonite. The thought of booking a flight, hotel, and stuff to do is enough to make me want to hide under a rock. But there are so many things I want to see and do! So NYC and London made the list. Consequently Las Vegas happened, too. But more about all that later.

2. In Person Events

Working in retail my whole life has brought about so many great relationships with customers + it’s a great way to get instant feedback. Pop up shops and trade shows take a lot of time and preparation, but in the end it’s totally worth it! So I set the goal of completing 3 events this year. So far, on track for 4 or 5. More about that later, too.

3. Wholesalers & Retailers

There’s a sea of information out there about attracting retailers to sell your goods, I’ve tried almost all of it with a lot of trial and a shit ton of error. This year I’m trying some new techniques and with the help of Etsy Wholesale, I’ve already reached 24 of the foresighted 35. My other shop, Humble Postcode, is lagging behind with 1 newbie- but still celebrating the little victories.

What sorts of goals have you set for yourself? And what are you doing to achieve them?

I wanna know! Tell me in the comments below.

Happy goal setting {& more importantly, accomplishing}!

#goals #whatsnew #behindthescenes

DREAMING HUGE (PS I Need Your Help)

My business tactics include a lot of dreaming big.

...and let's be real- just as much flying by the seat of my pants.

Recently, I've applied for a FedEx Small Business Grant with the hope of winning & doing something super cool {like finding a studio space that doesn't share a wall with my living room or hiring some kick ass team mates}

Will you dream big with me?

All you have to do is click this link & vote {PS repeat daily if you want to help me dream HUGE}

Thanks for your support. You rock. Seriously.

Photo by JaneCane Photography

#whatsnew