Last night I attended an Etsy Success Workshop lead by Becky of Sweetie Pie Press. She's inspiring– since 2005 she road trips every year from her home in Toronto, Canada across the US vending at craft fairs, staying with friends, visiting independent retail shops, and connecting with other makers.
Someone asked how she balances the business decisions she makes and Becky's response hit me hard....
For her, it was more important to see the Grand Canyon than to be home where she could be making more money. One side effect of all of us living online so much is that we've created this "cult of success". We see one side of everyone's story and we compare ourselves, our businesses, our accomplishments. Instead, invest in people and your community. I've been trying so hard to connect with people through craft, especially since I work from home by myself. It's the reason I attended this event in the first place - to learn, to support Becky, to be with other makers, and I always come away inspired, even if it's only one little thing.
It was also refreshing to hear her say, "failure is important." I think it's just part of the creative process. Ironically, I just saw this Ted video, The Fringe Benefits of Failure, by JK Rowling.
I'm aching for a road trip now and feeling a positive mental attitude...
photo:Stacey Bode via
Someone asked how she balances the business decisions she makes and Becky's response hit me hard....
For her, it was more important to see the Grand Canyon than to be home where she could be making more money. One side effect of all of us living online so much is that we've created this "cult of success". We see one side of everyone's story and we compare ourselves, our businesses, our accomplishments. Instead, invest in people and your community. I've been trying so hard to connect with people through craft, especially since I work from home by myself. It's the reason I attended this event in the first place - to learn, to support Becky, to be with other makers, and I always come away inspired, even if it's only one little thing.
It was also refreshing to hear her say, "failure is important." I think it's just part of the creative process. Ironically, I just saw this Ted video, The Fringe Benefits of Failure, by JK Rowling.
I'm aching for a road trip now and feeling a positive mental attitude...
