Photo by the Geek
A week ago I opened my Etsy shop. That was a really big leap for me, something I was scared of and excited about at the same time.
I had been dreaming about my Etsy shop for quite some time - way too long, actually, before I finally started to make it happen. Even before Kelly Rae's "Flying Lessons" did I know that I wanted my shop, my own little space where I hoped to sell the pieces I created.
Why did it take so long? In the end, it certainly was fear. But I think it also was being sick for such a long time without knowing it. When your body isn't healthy, it lets you feel that without you realizing it. You're tired all the time. Your energy level is extremely low. Your optimism shrinks quite a bit. There are times, sometimes several days in a row that you feel downright depressed. You're the worst company you can imagine.
Since my surgery almost three months ago I do feel like a new person - just as my surgeon had promised. I feel healthy, energetic, optimistic. These days I have more energy than I had for a very long time - I've almost forgotten what it feels like to be healthy. I will never ever again take that for granted.
With this new energetic me I've felt confident enough to deal with my fears and see them as a challenge. I told myself that opening my own Etsy shop really does not carry a big risk - I can't lose anything, but I can gain a lot instead. So why not try it? In the worst case I am not selling anything. That would hurt, of course, but it is nothing that would ruin me. And I can tell myself that I tried and it didn't work out. Still better than not trying at all because I'm scared.
With these thoughts on my mind I set up my shop and finally opened it last week. I only told a handful of people. Of course I feel like a complete newbie which I am, but everyone at Etsy once was a newbie. I'm slowly making my way, finding connections, building up my "circle" and just getting familiar with the Etsy environment.
Yes, it is scary. It is also exciting and exhilarating. It's discovering new things every day.
It makes me feel ALIVE !!!
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18 comments:
I am so thrilled and proud for you!!! I know this was a huge leap for you & I'm sure that regardless of whether you sell one item or 100,000 it's going to be an experience that you'll look back on with pride & a sense of accomplishment. You are a wonderful artist & photographer. Let your light shine!!!
By the way, I so get what you said about how your health can really affect so many aspects of your life, particularly your energy levels, motivation & even confidence. Having dealt with two pregnancies in two years, gall bladder surgery the year before that and chronic depression I understand how amazing it is just to begin to feel normal & healthy. Every day that I wake up excited & ready to do things just gives me a little thrill because for mist of the past decade all I've wanted to do is hide under the covers. I'm so glad you are beginning to feel like yourself again.
I'm so glad you're feeling better, Carola, and I know an accomplishment like this — just starting the shop, never mind selling anything yet — is SO good for your mental and emotional health.
I took a peek at your store, and I love your things. It's been fun watching some of your works in progress on your blog, and now it's great to see them in your store.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Yay! for you! So glad you are feeling better, our health is one of those things we take for granted until it gives us trouble...
Etsy does seem scary at first, but you will get the hang of it very quickly!
This is so very inspiring. I - too - have been afraid of opening an etsy shop. Maybe your courage will send me soaring. And - as you say - if you never try..you never know.
YOU GO GIRL!!!
Hey Carola, I am so very happy for you in so many ways and so proud of you, too ... and I must say that I absolutely adore that photo!! one of my favorites!
Well done, you! I will browse your store very soon!
Congratulations! That's something I've thought about doing more than a few times.
Rinda
Congratulations on your shop! I understand the leap of faith and dealing with fear. I have that issue a little too. But Bravo for you and the turtle does beat the hare so sometimes us slower bloomers do shine when it is time! I have loved many of your pieces and so will others! Best of luck and so happy you are feeling better too. All the best, Amanda
Dearest sweet carola, a huge Congratulations on taking the leap, practicing courage and opening your new shop! I am soo soo happy for you!
I totally could relate to what you mention about health. It's so so important to try our best to stay healthy. I am so glad to hear that the surgery went so well. :)
Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
Carola! So very excited for you to have opened your etsy shop. I know how you feel! I was overwhelmed in the beginning. You have been doing so much with your blog and art- so happy for you! And also glad you are feeling a lot better!
so HAPPY that you made the leap!
Congrats on a job well done...the hard part is behind you now
Congratulations on the etsy shop and going public. Thank you for sharing your fear with such honesty - its easy to think no-one else feels such fear.
life is all about discovering new things each day, that makes it worth living for me
Congratulations on your new Etsy shop. I clicked, I saw, and I purchased! Maybe I'm your first customer? :-) Here's wishing you many more.
PS - I love the leaping fox photo!
Congrats! Since I follow your blog, I've enjoyed watching your artistic endeavors. I visited the store and your offerings are great! I've been planning the same thing and slowly working on making some inventory.....somehow I convinced myself I needed a large offering to get started.
Now I see that baby steps is not such a bad thing and maybe I've just been using "lack of inventory" as an excuse. You've inspired me to get off my fanny and move forward! Thanks.
I'm so glad you are feeling better and bravo on your new endeavor. I will visit for sure.
Congrats Carola!! I'm so excited for you. It sounds like you were just waiting for the perfect time, and NOW is it.
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