I'm going to make the leap...I want, need, and crave to run my own business...I am so sick of taking orders from others...I'm tired of knowing I would do a more efficient job that would be worth my while...I'm burnt out on putting on a uniform and smiling to simply pay the bills...
I'm so inspired by the women that are able to take charge and run their own business while still keeping hold of family and social values....I absolutely love reading the 'Quit Your Day Job' articles at http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/tags/quit-your-day-job/ I know not all of them are about women but the majority of individually run craft/art businesses seem to be headed up by women. I think that's wonderful! I want to be one of those women because I think I deserve it....
Step 1: Game plan...aka a business plan.
This is something I have been tinkering with on and off for 2 years now...I have been selling my art and crafts since I was about 8 to kids around the block....after my son was born I didn't want to go back to work but with bills coming in I didn't think I'd have a choice...I did however quit and come back to my job about 3 times to experiment with staying at home and finding money....I would sell on ebay, have numerous yard sales, budget like a bitch (which I still do compulsively), and started modeling...then my sister introduced me to the site, Etsy. I started out making hair bows...it flopped...I made purses and totes...this flopped....I make baby blankets and aprons...this also flopped...but just in the last couple of years I found my love in a simple bottle cap...Now I make necklaces and bracelets (amoung other oddities) using recycled bottle caps from local bars (and drinking buddies hehehe)...I'm receiving great feedback and best of all I've been introduced to the festival/fair/event crowds through a new job I've had since November 09 (yes...a uniform is involved)...this has been the most thrilling experience ever...I love gathering instant feedback from customers...I love talking with other vendors...I love the fun atmosphere...So here I go to explore this further and with it I will explore my own ability to stay afloat :)
Step 2: Go back to school.
I'm kicking myself now that 5 years ago I had the chance to go to college but back then I felt I had no need for it....I'd rather hold a steady job and live with my boyfriend (now hubby)...Now I understand the benefit of furthering my education not just for the simple fact of learning but also so that I may be taken more seriously in the world of business....frankly, it just looks good (and feels good) to hold up a degree with your name on it.
This is really just the beginning....I feel am only just touch the tip of my own personal reinvention.....but to those also looking for a way out of the daily grind I can give you this to take with you....never ever give up on that dream...hold on to it and keep going...it will be more than worth it in the end :)
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