This marks the concluding day of our "Selling Handmade" short series. Start from the beginning if you wish.
Most individuals manage several tasks concurrently daily. While I appreciate life's variety, I recognize the necessity of consistently maintaining my priorities! I gained valuable insight by consulting other women regarding daily time management challenges. Our four guest bloggers offer excellent advice today.
Day 7: "Achieving Equilibrium" {Life Multitasking}
Inquiry:
Since incorporating Etsy into my enjoyable activities, balancing life—my family, home, cooking, blogging, crafting, Etsy, and the camp I reside and work at—has become tough. It feels like there aren't enough hours! How does one manage the issue of "finding balance"? {A complex question, I acknowledge!:)}
{Gina, from The Shabby Creek Cottage}
It took me a significant duration to find equilibrium. Previously, I engaged in everything from wood working to sewing to painting and much more, but refocusing on what I genuinely enjoy, I realized sewing was my specialty. By concentrating and employing two assistants (one for the blog and one for the shop), I learned to work fewer hours while maintaining output. My incredibly supportive family assists greatly—two teenage girls help maintain tidiness, and Mr. SCC handles most major remodels. I would be overwhelmed without them!
{Jami,from freckled laundry}
I concur with my previous response. You must establish a priority list based on your personal, family, and Etsy objectives. If your aim is to replace your day job income with Etsy sales in six months, prepare for intense work and a temporary lack of balance! Success is not immediate. You need to operate like a smooth machine, perhaps sewing until midnight to ensure dinner is ready by 6 pm nightly. Ask me how I know.
Currently, my day job is being a stay-at-home mom, and my creative pursuits are my blog and Etsy shop. I organize my time based on this. However, as my twins begin pre-school in the Fall, my role will evolve to textile designer and shop owner, requiring a schedule adjustment to meet these aims.
Regardless of your Etsy aspirations, here are some helpful strategies I've discovered for attaining balance…
1. You genuinely {love} what you create or sell! Enthusiasm for making handmade items or sourcing vintage pieces to sell will help you feel balanced.
2. Implement a schedule. Treat your shop like any employment. Designate specific daily slots for checking email, connecting socially, creating, packaging, and shipping, and strive to adhere to it. I become disorganized without some structure to maintain focus.
3. Etsy offers the freedom to control your pace, unlike a physical shop requiring constant stocking and open doors. Produce and sell in limited runs or editions if needed for balance. If your items resonate with you and your buyers, they will likely wait for your work! Remember that some may not. Set a pace fitting your goals. I utilize every spare moment for small, deliberate steps toward my aspirations.
4. As previously noted, if sales volume is challenging, consider engaging a volunteer or intern for support.
{Lisa from The Pennington Point}
It is genuinely difficult. I must actively pursue balance daily. My target is only to process orders on Saturdays, with potential Sunday afternoons if necessary. This is just order fulfillment; the week holds other tasks. I reply to customer emails, create new listings, source supplies, edit photos, and plan my Saturday schedule for peak efficiency. The weekly planning greatly aids Saturday's productivity. I maintain a running list for my Saturday duties to maximize that time.
Furthermore, I integrate the children into my work time. The older boys assist with some woodworking while we converse. The girls might thread needles or pack finished orders for shipment—a wonderful shared experience. One daughter manages my photo tasks, which helps me gather everything needed for pictures; I hope her photography interest leads to her handling all product photos eventually. Another daughter acts as my "shop manager," tidying every Sunday afternoon to prepare for the coming week. Every child contributes a small part. Some call it a sweat shop; I call it family connection.
{Aimee from My Pink Life}
Achieving balance is quite hard. Since all my work is home-based and always visible, maintaining priorities can be tricky. I must regularly remind myself that my husband and children are paramount. I continually pray for divine guidance on my actions. I REQUIRE His assistance to be a good mother, wife, and business owner. He remains faithful, granting me grace and strength when needed most. My husband is also a great source of encouragement; he assists with both the children and the business. I could not run this business without his support!
Concluding this final segment of my blogger interview collection brings a feeling similar to bidding farewell to my sisters—it is truly a mixed emotion! I have cherished the opportunity to converse with these exceptionally gifted women and sincerely wish we were neighbors to become friends.
Today, I extend my gratitude to every single one of you who joined this discussion in an ocean-side kitchen: the four individuals who kindly shared their insights, and all who paused to read them as you set down your coffee cup in the sink and retrieve your coat from the hallway closet.
Please remain a moment!
I send you a warm embrace…
Here you go.
Wishing you joy today, and may your creative endeavors flourish!
