You might have noticed a few changes going on around here. Don’t be alarmed. I’m still my usual old self but I thought I’d have a spring spruce up. I really love the 3 column layout. More space for blog loveliness. The other thing that you might notice is that I’ve changed my name. You’ll see me commenting around the place as TinnieGirl now instead of BigCat.
If you haven’t caught up with things around here for a while and are wondering why I’ve changed my name you should pop over and check out the new shop.
So what about the blogs you might be asking? BigCat’s Emporium and Tinniegirl? Well don’t worry. I love Big Cat’s Emporium with all my heart and soul so I’ll be keeping it going for a long, long time.
Tinniegirl is my new blog that goes hand in hand with the new shop and I’ll definitely be creating something special over there. At the moment you can check out all the things going on with the new business as well as a weekly “What Shall We Make Today” post to give you project ideas and inspiration. My vision for the Tinniegirl blog is to create a space that’s full of craft projects, ideas and tutorials, and a place to share your completed projects. If you haven’t been to visit, go and check it out.
You know, when I spoke to Handmaiden about starting a business she said something that has really resonated with me. She said that most people don’t think very far beyond opening their business. I found this to be very true. I was so busy and excited getting ready for the launch of Tinniegirl that I didn’t really think about what happens next.
The first weekend was so exciting and I was so delighted when I made some sales. The next week after that has been odd. I’ve been a bit lost really. Wondering what to do next? When do I update the shop? How often should I do it? How do I keep letting people know about it? What kind of marketing activities should I be doing? I have shifted constantly between joy at making a dream come true and the pervasive self-doubt and questioning that seems to be ever present in my creative life. What I know for sure is that I have so much to learn.
Another thing that has presented as a challenge over the last couple of weeks is finding places to fit all the different aspects of my life now that I am working, running a business, pursuing my own creative development, working on personal goals like exercise and healthy eating, blogging and trying to have a home life somewhere in there. I knew that it was going to be an adjustment and alluded to it in this post. I want to really enjoy this time of starting my creative business and take time to enjoy the fine details. I imagine at some stage that there won’t be as much time to take. I realise that there’s going to have to be time management strategies in place, that I’ll have to recognise some limitations in terms of not trying to do everything. I also think that priorities are going to have to be set and time out planned. It’s never easy to balance the many demands that life has for us, and I see how important it is to keep an eye on this. Again, the one thing I know for sure is that life-learning is a continuous journey.
So that’s what’s happening in my neck of the woods. That and some knitting.
What’s going on in your world?
13 comments:
Oh! What a wonderful world it is! When I first opened my shop, I never imagined selling at weekly markets. It's put a different spin on how I make things and what I make. I love the shop and want to keep it up-to-date, but I struggle with what I should post and what I should drag to the markets with me.
I'm not sure about you, but I also struggle with the "oh, I really like this one... I better keep it." In truth, most of those 'must-keep' items are the ones that would sell the fastest! It's all very fun and exciting to have a new shop. I can't wait to see all of the inspiration at Tinniegirl, as well as the wonderful creative things you show us at Big Cat!
I also wish I could knit. I can do a basic stitch, and I can purl... very... very... slowly. For now, I'll just have to enjoy looking at your knitting delights!
apologies for the small novella of comments. I was just so excited about everything you said!
I forgot to mention that I'm a fan of the three column format. =)
I'm loving the three column format too! I must find out just how you did that. My sidebar is way too long and cramped.
I'm with you, I haven't really given much thought to what happens next... and the things that I think people will snap up end up sitting in the shop for too long.
I think it's a learning process as we go along.
Go Big Cat! One thing is fur sure, you can only go forwards and never back. The fun part is what happens while you figure the rest out along the way.
what a wonderful post!! I love your makeover too looks great!!!
It's exciting when your creative life is changing and evolving, isn't it? Good for you! It looks like the other blog and the shop are coming along nicely.
My world seems busy... as we slide from the Thanksgiving holiday into Christmas time, it seems as though balancing the time crunch with crafting and personal needs becomes more of a challenge... like those Christmas cards hanging over my head! ;-) It's a good thing though.
Don't we all feel the crunch at this time of year? I was just sitting here wishing I could craft ALL DAY (oooh), and not go to work, which is not to say I'm not enjoying work, but the juggling, man, that kills me some days.
I know you can do it! I've seen that light of ... mm, what is it .. enthusiasm and purpose! You're going into this thoughtfully and sensibly, but the fun is right there too. I'm impressed. Enjoy!
I love the purple!
Opening up a shop is an exciting endeavor, isn't it? It's also a huge learning experience but a very satisfying one!
I find it hard to keep up with the blog and I haven't been working or anything.... I am sure it will all turn out very successful!!! And I enjoy reading both blogs and seeing what fantastic things you are making! I am very envious, keep up the Great work!!
Sorry I am back again, I like the 3 columns too! And my favourite colour is purple so good choice there. If you like Purple it means you are very intuative....
ok....I think u have just doubled the work load with 2 blogs! much luck! this is a learning curve for all of us.....so as u know I have taken small step into selling my jewellery, just to see what works, what doesnt and then make some changes... and I am going to use the blog as a primary communication plus friends and keep my expectations low! then there is the book submission. thats done and posted! big tick my end, now have to wait 3 months for a reply
Go Tinniegirl! Yes, I nodded in agreement at the "not thinking beyond starting" part. I've been going for a while now, and I still don't manage to plan ahead very far. I plan to plan, but just never get around to it. So I think YOU are on the right track.
The new blog look is great! And congratulations on your new shop... I just popped over there, and it looks like you're going really well. Good luck with finding the balance to accommodate all those different aspects to your life and your self... you seem really focused though. More good wishes...
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