{print by the parchment place}
This month heralds a new direction for me. I have said goodbye to my baby – *bespoke* – and let it fly away to a new home.
Letting go of *bespoke* was a hard decision, and it took me a long time to decide that it was really what I wanted to do. When you’ve poured so much of yourself, your time, and your passion into something, it can be incredibly hard to let go of it – even if you know it’s the right thing to do.
I am incredibly glad that I found 2 awesome women to take over – I don’t think I could have given *bespoke* up if I knew it was going to end. But letting it fly into the hands of 2 people I know and trust, who will bring fresh life and ideas to it, was a relief.
So, why did I give it up? Well, I realised my passion has shifted a little. Also, my time is becoming more precious as Epheriell grows.
You might have noticed things are a little quieter around here these days – transitioning from daily (and sometimes multiple-times-a-day) posting to posting only a few times a week has been a necessary thing at this point in my life and business. However, now that I’ve let go of *bespoke*, things might change.
I’m taking December (once I’ve finished all my Christmas Epheriell orders, and in the in-between-times) to decide exactly what direction I am going to take my business in during 2013 and beyond.
I have a few ideas… I just need the head-space to decide which way to go.
You see, I’m considering separating the crafty business stuff out from Epheriell Designs, and using this blog to focus on my jewellery work and celebrating/sharing handmade, design, diy, fashion – kinda getting back to ED’s roots so-to-speak. However, I’ve done that once before and ended up combining them again… but I’m thinking that long-term, having the two things separate might be the way to go.
I have dreams of creating a site that caters specifically to people wanting to make a living selling their craft online. Focussing exclusively on sharing what I – and others – have learnt. Creating a place where you can learn from people like me who actually make a living from selling their craft online – not just the plethora of folk out there who make money off teaching you how do be successful doing a certain thing, but who haven’t actually done it themselves. I know that might sound a little harsh, but there’s a lot of that out there.
I’m a big believer in learning and teaching – I am a qualified teacher, after all! – but I think it should come from people who actually know their stuff. People who have walked the walk, who have figured out how to actually DO what it is you want to do. Of course, most of those people are too busy actually doing their craft to take time to teach, but I reckon I can track them down and make them spill…
Before I go ahead and head down that path, though, I’d like to hear from you. Is that a place you would like to see come into existence? Is there already somewhere like that online that you hang out?Â
As a reader of this blog, would you like to see me go back to talking more about handmade, design, diy, and fashion a little bit more, and talk about the business stuff elsewhere? I really want to know what you think, so please leave me a comment and let me know!
I don’t mind having a mix of handmade, design, DIY, fashion and business on your blog, although finding the right balance might be hard? I do think a site dedicated to crafty businesses would be an amazing hub for online crafters and super handy for those looking at starting their own.
Thanks so much, T 🙂
A dedicated site focusing on small design/craft biz is a good thing I think, with attention to online setups (especially tech tips for wordpress etc!), and marketing. That’s what I want!
See, that’s what I wanted a few years ago when I was starting out, but couldn’t find!
I have always enjoyed your blog. Thought it was a good mix. I am sure what ever feels right will be the right path. Hope your Dad is doing well.
http://iliska-dreams.blogspot.com.au/
Thanks so much, Julie. And he is – he’s in remission, thankfully! So finger’s crossed he stays that way 🙂
A dedicated site for crafter’s (as opposed to crafter’s and customers) would suit me, I am always looking for ways to improve my manual skill, design, market placement and social networking skills. I do tend to look for snippets in information all over the net, and am still floundering to be honest. I have admired your business ethic and the many ways you have put these practices into place. I have wondered though how it all doesn’t do your head in! I guess its because your brain is much younger than mine. I am really looking forward to your new direction.
cheers
Thanks so much, Leoni. Yes, there are snippets all over, which is why I think a central place would be so helpful. And it does do my head in occasionally… but I thrive on figuring stuff out, so it works for me! 🙂
Hi Jess,
I just finally had a chance to read some of your business tips and I thought they were great. I especially liked that you don’t shy away from the hard facts such as that you have to work very hard, and put in long hours to build a business. A lot of other people make it seem much easier than it is but you’re quite realistic about it, so I think you’d do a great job creating a crafty business site and it would be really useful. A lot of work though! And thanks for all the tips you’ve already given us too!
Thanks so much, Sarah! And yep, it’s true – becoming successful with a genuine handmade biz takes a LOT of time and effort, but it’s so worth it!
I’d like to read about business tips. Running a crafts business is a dream of mind. Haven’t started, but I like to dream. I trust your advice.
Thanks Jusa, it means a lot to hear you trust what I have to say 🙂
Jess, as one on your Crafty & Connected students I will soak up any info you share on a crafty business site. It makes such a difference to get advice from someone who has actually done the hard yards 🙂
Thank you Lisa – so glad you enjoyed that course – might be something I can bring back next year, perhaps!
I don’t mind things as they are; I think it makes sense to include a few business-y things on a crafty blog.
However, I think you’ve touched on a need and a want for a lot of artists and crafters. I know that I looked for, and didn’t find, a one-stop site designed for us when I first started. It could be an awesome thing for both new and established artists.
And frankly, yes, I’m so tired if hearing advice from people who haven’t done this themselves, too. So, as a fellow artist, I’d definitely be interested in a site you’re describing!
That’s it, Brandi – I can think of a few that have a business focus, but none that are exclusively craft business focussed – broadly, not just talking Etsy, for example…
Hi Jess,
I for one love the mix, it works for me but I also am a firm believer in following your gut, sorry I think that’s a bit on the fence and not very helpful.
I really do love your dream of creating an online site for crafters wanting to grow a business, I would definitely find that helpful and love to participate. It sounds a bit like Oh My Handmade but I am not very familiar with the site, I have just heard Jessika Hepburn speak about it.
I definitely agree about learning from someone who has done it themselves. I have done both firstly with someone who comes from a coaching perspective and another who is very successful handcrafter and for sure there is no comparison, so I think you are definitely on the right track there.
I have a similar dream but in the offline world and at a very local level. I very inspired by the Brisstyle model that was presented at The Etsy Success Symposium in Sydney earlier this year.
Back to where I started, trust your gut. you seem to have done very well so far. Good luck with your decision, I will be following along with interest 🙂
BrisStyle is amazing (I am biased, I’m on the committee now ;D) and anything like that at a local level is just absorbed by people so readily. Good luck following your dream, and thanks so much for your input!
Hi Jess, i don’t mind either way, as i read both your craft and business side of things. Good luck whatever you choose! Step away from it over xmas and the right thing will appear to you when you are not thinking about it.
Carolyn
Carolyn, you’re absolutely right! 🙂 Thanks x
I think you should go with whatever feels right for you – I’m pretty sure I’ll be reading your blog either way 🙂
Thanks lovely x
I love your blog and newsletters so I certainly don’t mind the mix. However, if you feel it would be better separated I think that might work too. You’d possibly get more subscribers because each one is geared to certain people. I look forward to whatever you bring to us in the new year! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you so much, Elisa – and Merry Christmas to you, too!
Having a site for crafty business tip-sharing sounds terific. I am an art student about to set up in business with my art and photos. I’m glas I found Epheriell a few weeks ago, you’ve already given me some clarity in the maze of information on the web. Being able to give something back would be brilliant. Having helped to set up an exhibition and social network here in Northern Ireland I learned the truth of the tenet that plenty want to make us of these things but few are willing to put in the work. Your work and time is valuable. Have you considered how you will be remunerated? In shared responsibility/guest blogging/organising individual events (like the mentioned Crafty + Connected)? At the risk of committing myself I would say I am willing to be supportive of global venture in more than just comment. Enjoy your time out and the festivities, your subconscious will take care of the subsequent direction. 😉
Hi Chel, thanks so much for such a thoughtful comment. My plan would be to sell ebooks and courses (like Crafty + Connected) – that would be how I would support the work I do on that site 🙂 I’d be offering a stack of free helpful info, too, of course!
Hi Jess,
It would be great to have a ‘one stop shop’ to go to. With time so precious it gets hard with your time getting sucked up by too many different websites to have to keep track of. If you save me time, half the job is done!
I would definitely say yes do it!
Cheers
That’s just what I need to hear, thanks Nikki!
I really enjoy the business info in your blog and newsletters. I’m starting my own craft business (knitting and crocheting mainly) and I appreciate your info. Whether it is included with your diy and fashion or separate, would be fantastic. Just don’t ditch the business info, please.
Thanks so much, Kathrynn, and don’t worry, I definitely won’t be ditching it! I know what a need there is for it out there, which is why I want to create a dedicated space for it 🙂
To be honest I love both but I understand the convoluted feeling I sometimes get one I read from one post to another in my RSS feeds and it changes direction from something businessy/helpful to what’s going on in store as products… I would suggest splitting it into two sections like two sub-domains? That way you could link to the shop-related one from your Etsy etc… and then for the rest/business help side of things, that can be your main blog for everything else in terms of articles, diys etc! For me, I enjoy the latter much more because I find them really useful for myself as a work in progress blogger and crafter 🙂 Hope that’s helpful Jess albeit slightly delayed!
Jess, I did your workshop at HeyMakers in Murwillumbah and whilst I knew I wanted to get my creations on the net hadn’t considered the social media as THE way to go. I was inspired, yet overwhelmed by the info you shared and am gradually taking steps to put it into action. Found someone to hold my hand and walk me through the door of facebook – now I am exploring the corridors and finding the nooks and crannies. Have found another to help me with website and then I can begin running solo.
As I am a novice in this area and love the fact that I can refer to your site for lots of things, whatever you do, make it simple for people like me to find, so your site can remain an example to explore, to gain info and to
be inspired by the creative efforts.