3 years on

As I mentioned in my last post it has been 3 years since I opened a little shop on Etsy. Something that was only meant to be a hobby when on maternity leave with my daughter Anya grew slowly into a business. 

When A. was one  I made a picture for my friends wedding and a couple of others just to be creative and do something else, have a hobby. I had a few positive comments on flickr and this blog so decided to open a shop on Etsy. It was easy to set up, be part of the Etsy community and always have quick feedback. 

I was so happy when people started writing about my work on blogs and other websites. I was working myself, just a few hours a day when Anya was sleeping. 

A Few months later I joined Not On The High Street. They have been very supportive and encouraging, it was good for me. I didn't have a much of an idea what I was doing. Later that year I was very lucky and  my work was featured in Real Simple magazine in their summer gift guide. My picture was featured on a full page of the magazine. I was warned to be busy after that, but didn't realise how much work was going to be involved. I worked with the help of my family about 18 hours a day and had to close the shop a few times as I couldn't cope with my orders. I was completely unprepared, with the work load not having had this experience.

I worked as an interior designer and visual merchandiser before, but I had never sold anything, I didn't have a clue how to price items, how to deal with wholesale. I just knew how to make things pretty:)

That year I employed two part time girls to help me out with my orders. Both mums with small babies as well. 

My business has grown slowly and steadily since then. I have been learning everything myself, from photography, styling, dealing with suppliers, absolute lack of sleep and little time for my daughter. She was often playing in the background while I was packaging pictures and replying to emails. 

But she has been my inspiration, energy boost and a little friend:)

I missed on lots of opportunities due to my complete absence of business mind at the beginning but I don't mind that. I wanted to grow my shop comfortably, in speed which I could keep and stay sane. 

In last 3 years I had workspace in our kitchen, upstairs in a little studio and now outside of our home in an office. I employ 5 part time girls. I'm still learning so much, making small steps one by one. I have more responsibility not just to me but other people as well. 

I feel very happy I can be doing something what I love, work hard but also take time off when I need to. But I believe none of this would be possible without people around me, our customers and also this blog and community, you. 

I had so much unexpected support from you guys and I'm immensely grateful for that. THANK YOU!