In January of 2013 I would not have thought I'd be where I'm at today. Back then I was constantly mentally beating myself up for leaving the social work profession to do a job that offered several perks but was one I had no interest in and no passion for. It was a job that on my best day I felt mediocre at, despite working my butt off and being stressed beyond belief the majority of the time.
The first half of last year, I was struggling with feelings of failure and hopelessness. Basically just feeling stuck and wondering if this was really what my life was going to be like for the sake of stability.
Then we got a few tangible blessings and just lots of cosmic hints that made me think making my little Etsy shops my full time job could really happen. After LOTS of stressing, I took the leap June 1st.
The second half of 2013 has been nothing short of amazing, stressful and terrifying all at the same time. I made the decision early on to start offering clipart and expanding my digital papers. I have created my own clipart since starting my first Etsy shop back in 2009, but never really thought of selling it. I'm SOOO glad I made that decision because currently that shop is the most popular of the three. I also re-opened With Envy Babies (now known as With Envy Home & Apparel) to focus on digital iron ons and art prints. With Envy Parties, which has been the main shop has been going through its own growing pains. I kind of let it slide a bit while I was working on getting inventory in the other two shops and in that time what customers are buying has changed, so towards the end of 2013 I started to revamp, pair down and streamline what I'm offering.
I have been working my butt off at the expense of sleep and my sanity and I ended 2013 with my highest grossing month ever!
With 2014 here I have lots of goals but, the main one is that I am able to earn enough to keep doing this full time. I also would love to get and STAY more organized. It's hard finding consistency when trying to juggle working, wrangling two kids, daily house stuff etc. It doesn't help that I am easily distracted most of the time. Also it wouldn't hurt if by the end of 2014 I am able to go to bed before 1 or 2am more often than not :)
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Here is what I am hoping to add in 2014:
With Envy Parties:
-More party sets
-More instant download party sets
With Envy Paper
-Etsy shop banner sets
-More clipart/paper coordinating items
-More paper/element coordinating items
With Envy Home & Apparel
-Expand birthday shirt offerings
-Add bookplates
-Add more home decor items
I will also try to blog more about my journey! Here is to a GREAT 2014!!!
