The Adventure Begins...or, a Divapreneur is Born.

I'm kind of glad I decided to write this blog, maybe not now, when I really feel I don't have time to spend on it, but for the "me" that's in the future, looking back, trying to remember years from now what it felt like when I first started out on this path. I guess in a way I really don't feel like it might be a good use of my time to write a blog. I'm one person, trying to make my products, take and edit photos, organize paperwork, manage online contacts & emails, build a web presence, not run out of ribbon or barrettes (lol!), make jewelry, rhinestone-studded leashes, do portraits and photography...tell me if you're tired yet just reading that, because I AM! Oh, and I'm in a Detroit band (don't get me started on how much work that is...) and I have 11 dogs. Yes, ELEVEN, several of them either elderly or special needs. Sometimes I think it'd be easier if I just had a 9-5 job where I could leave my brain at home and my work at the office when I left, but I've been there/done that, and was completely unsatisfied. I guess I'm not really happy unless I'm constantly pushing a big boulder up a hill, only to have it roll down on me several times over. (Greek myth anyone?)
At the same time, I suppose I feel like it might somehow be important to share my experiences and ideas, challenges, trials & tribulations with anyone who might be reading. Who knows? It might even inspire someone out there to try to be a divapreneur/entrepeneur as well. I hope to share that it can be done, that one person can decide to do something and make their dreams a reality.
Let me tell you though, it ain't easy, so if you're thinking, "I'll be self-employed because it's EASY", THINK AGAIN!!! It takes a TON of discipline, you'll work way more hours than you would if you were just employed by anyone else, and you'll have to sacrifice a lot more than you might think. I haven't taken or been able to afford a vacation since I became self-employed over three years ago. I don't mind though because at least I don't have to punch a clock everyday, deal with rush-hour traffic, or listen to a boss or co-workers complaining to me. I DO have to deal with my own issues. I have to push myself to work and stay inside on nice days. I have to do a bunch of stuff I DON'T want to do so I can get to do the stuff I love doing. An example of that: I love making bows and barrettes and esp. jewelry, but I HATE getting my dogs to model and then having to resize, crop, edit and post the listings of things for sale. That's the first thing I'd hire someone to do if I could! It just takes up time I'd rather be making fun stuff...
The rewards are so wonderful if you can handle all the stress and hard work that comes with running your own business, ask anyone who does!
To me, the pride that comes with selling something I made myself, by hand is huge!
It makes it all worth it in the end...
Also, remember: when you buy something off etsy.com, or anything homemade, it's not mass-produced in a factory, it's made with love & care in someone's home, like mine. The person who made it has a passion for their work and they truly enjoy making something special for you and yours!
Support your local (and all!) hand-crafting artists. You'll be guaranteed to own something truly special and unique. Thanks!