Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Pivot. Two years ago I didn’t even know that word had a context in business (I was a science major…). This year I’ve been using it frequently to describe the soul-searching process I have been through this year.

Last fall I began to meet with a business mentor through S.C.O.R.E. I did some hard work and made some tough but wise decisions. The first thing my wonderful mentor helped me to see was that I made way too many different products. I am a People-Pleaser by nature and that contributed to me wanting to provide a variety of products so that I would appeal to a broader audience. What it did instead was muddy my brand a bit. If you walked by my booth at a show you wouldn’t be able to readily identify my specialty. Another eye opener was when I did cost analysis and learned that many of my products weren’t earning a profit. Pricing is especially hard for me. I am thrifty. I prefer to Make It or Make Do. News Flash: I am not my customer! The reality is Handmade can be expensive. It’s not for everyone. It’s hard for me to pay myself a fair wage and the majority of the cost of a handmade product goes toward labor (I have much more respect for that Labor charge on my car repair bills now!). Sometimes I say “No” to making a product because the time involved in its construction would make the cost of the finished product so high. All that to say that I SO appreciate each one of my customers! I know you make a conscious decision to spend more on something because you appreciate handmade. Thank You!

It’s hard to say good-bye to some of my favorites products. I’ve spent much time perfecting patterns and construction techniques. I have customers who tell me, “You have the best ____.” I don’t want to disappoint anyone by discontinuing their favorite Naptime Inspirations creation. Through this process I allowed my daydreams to guide my plans. I had a vision for linen! I love the organic look of linen and I envisioned it paired with vintage and heirloom textiles. I allowed myself to be motivated by my passion and trust that customers will follow. I narrowed my offering to three product lines which have a similar “vibe”: Wallets, Baby Bibs, and Pillow Covers.

I wanted to take the summer to build up to a launch. But the reality is, I’m just not marketing savvy enough yet to do what I see the Big Kids doing. Instead I’ll do it my way—little by little. I’ll put myself out there and learn as I go. With the release of this blogpost you’ll be able to access the SHOP feature on my website. Here you can view and purchase any of the new items that I have in stock. If you’re local you can choose Local Pick Up as a shipping option, which is super cool! I’d love to hear your feedback on the new products! You’re also able to purchase masks directly from the website. Some of them are already made and their quantities and sizes are noted. For others, you can choose the fabric and size and they will be made to order. I’m hoping that ordering from the website is simple and seamless, but if you have issues or questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Miss your favorites? I still have boxes of inventory! Those items are what you will find on my Etsy shop. I always welcome requests. If I can’t make it for you I will try to refer you to someone who can!

Hope to see you in the Shop!