My life is rebooting. I didn't push the button or anything, it's just rebooting. Mega heavy conference with my orthopedic/pain doc yesterday (AKA Dr. NomNom because he is HOT!) has left me with a fist full of new prescriptions and the realization that I am not ever going to be as carefree-mobile as I was ever again. The surgical options were rejected by both of us, him because they are rarely successful and me because I'm DONE with surgery. (If they gave out frequent surgery miles I'd be traveling non-stop.) It's simply degenerative. There are no do-overs or rewinds or magic cures. Phrases like "managing the pain" and "experimenting with different drugs" are written - with ink - in my file.
So where do I go from here? What do I do? I need a job. I can't commute very far, it's physically impossible and consequently rules out a shot at the better paying and more interesting jobs. I know what I want to do. I want to do what I've wanted to do all my life. I want to sew. I want to make quilts. I want to make quilts, totes, bags, my
funky necklaces (like these), custom quilts for babies, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays. I want a room in my house where I can walk in every day and be happy that I am there and do what I love. I have the room. I have the equipment. I have a good stash. That part is done. I have my husband's shop to sell in, as well as being ready (and able) to set up and market an on-line shop. I even have all the wholesale paperwork and permits because we have them through Joe's store.I have no idea how to do the rest.
Venture capital would be necessary - the bills still need to be paid while all of this is being sorted out. I can't see mailing Verizon a nice wall hanging and saying, "Here, this is for July, August and September, I'm trying to get my business up and running, m'kay?" Frankly no bank around here is going to invest in a home business making "those blanket things" as the Illuminati tend to call quilts.
I'm not getting any younger. In fact, in about 3 weeks I'll be getting another year older. If not now, when do I do this? I've had it in the back of my mind for ages and ages. I always thought, "Someday I'll be able to do what I really love." I have fewer days in front of me than I do behind me. This is probably my last chance to do this. I'm terrified. I'm not sure how to make this happen but I want to close my eyes and jump. No regrets. I never want to look back at this time and think, "I should have done it then."
So what do I do? How do I make this happen? Anyone? Esty and Twitter peeps who have done this - how did you get started?
Your post left me thinking a lot. I'm English, new to living in America, and on the brink of starting to sell my quilts too via Etsy and my own blog/website. I'm wondering about the wholesale paperwork and permits that you mention - I don't know anything about this and now I'm a bit worried that I need these to start up myself. In England you wouldn't need any permits, you just set yourself up and off you go - then you'd declare your tax at the end of the year if you are one of the 'honest' ones. Any extra info/advice would be much appreciated before I dig a hole for myself :)
ReplyDeleteI don't really know what to say except I'm sorry you have so much to worry about and congratulations on following your dream. I don't have much business advice, as I'm just getting started too. One thing I suggest is to read! Read anything you can about starting a craft business (maybe an online course too). But if you have a store, you probably know a lot already. I think building relationships is key as is not under-selling yourself! I wish you luck and if I think of anything/learn something new I will definitely share. Your Twitter friends have your back :)
ReplyDeleteLove!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement and "having my back". You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe main reason for wholesale status is to purchase your materials at cost instead of buying them at a retail store. There are pros and cons, but discount on wholesale goods is substantial. I'll email you with details!
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My life was re-booted forever on January 1. My husband died. I have a new life now and not sure what I'm going to do with it but I have to tell you about the little business that dropped into my lap. Serendipity. I have made quilts for my kids and grandkids for years. My daughter had her first baby last September and I made a funky, quirky colorful quilt. I called it the gypsy caravan quilt. She lives overseas and has a wonderful job. Her friends all have great jobs. I'm talking money to spend and all of them at the "procreation" stage. You can see where this is leading.... My quirky quilt turned into "I want one." I set a price and have sold a dozen already. $150.00 each. And...more orders coming in. I'm not going to make a living from it but all those quilts will buy my overseas plane tickets and add to my enjoyment in life. My advice to you is to find your market. There are thousands of people on line that sell quilts and I doubt all are successful. Find a niche. Target your customers. My niche? Procreating young people with money to spare and good taste....lololol.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your health problems and hope that good pain management helps.
Oh Liz, Liz, LIZ! I am so sorry - that's more than a reboot, that is a boot in the ASS (pardon the language.) Wow. Words fail me here.
ReplyDeleteHow utterly wonderful that making the baby quilts feeds your travel fund - overseas tickets are spendy! I do need to find that market, find the people with the money (and good taste- argh argh) to support it!
Bless you. Thank you. But mostly - bless you.
In most cities in the US you need a business license and have to collect local and/or state taxes. My municipality requires me to list my equipment and then they will tax it! The rationale is that I can claim the depreciation on my taxes. I still don't get it but that's the rules...
ReplyDeleteWe "get" to pay a personal property tax on the inventory in our store. THE ENTIRE INVENTORY. Because we own it. Because we paid for it. Because it is our personal property.
ReplyDeleteThere is no shortage of ways to get taxes out of our threadbare pockets, it's no wonder so many small business go under.
Thanks everyone, that's a bit different to the UK and much food for thought.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I am sorry to hear that you have reached a point where "managing pain" is the best they can do for you. I hope your newer prescriptions work like a charm. I have no business advice, but hope that you work out the details so that you can pursue your dream.
ReplyDeleteJo...So sorry to 'hear' of the prognosis. Our son is in the same situation but continues in his job with an excavating company and doing his custom bike/car painting on the side. Like he says, just have to keep going. I know that MN is very UNfriendly to small/home businesses. I had a sewing business (bridal gowns/formal wear) for almost 10 years. Some of the time was in a rented space, then I moved it home to accommodate the required fitting sessions that fell outside shop hours. Sales tax on alterations got to be a major issue (and SS, etc). The 'tax' number will get the necessary wholesale status with suppliers but will, also, alert the 'powers that be' of your business existence. Finding a niche (creating a unique quality product) will help get you the needed public attention. I wish I had a magic formula I could send you for this endeavor.......BUT I can tell you that I will add you to my prayers (along with Liz)........Blessings and hugs.....Doreen
ReplyDeleteThank, Doreen. It seems so ironic that people who WANT to work have such issues. You'd think the government would HELP more by hindering them LESS. That is me being logical, and the government is apparently allergic to that!
ReplyDeleteLet's see........logic vs. politics........DEFINITELY mutually exclusive concepts these days!!!!!! Really forces one to 'think outside the box'.....which is not necessarily a bad thing. Reaching out with hugs-D
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