6011 Collective: Jackie’s Story
March 6, 2012Greetings!
My name is Jackie and I am participating in a monthly project with Ann, Lesley, and Sherisa. Each month, we will be swapping blogs to share our experiences running a business.
Take a look around.
Meet the other ladies.
Comment. Share.
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WHERE I AM
In 2009, I quit my job of 10 years to pursue my business full time (I was completely miserable and the job environment had become very toxic – a sista needed a break!). I had a plan! I had talent! I had a customer base! I was going to be successful! Right? Well, not exactly. I increased my sales and got my merch into local shops, but it wasn’t enough. Eight months later, I was broke and found myself with a crushed ego. I started looking for a new job…six months later, I found one. During this time I did not pick up a needle or a hook. I was mentally tired and creatively drained. I entertained the idea of quitting my business for good, but while on a trip to Denver last spring, I was inspired. My creative juices started flowing again and I made the decision to rededicate myself to Butta.Fly Wears.
The bulk of my business in 2011 was custom orders. This year, I see myself starting from scratch by regaining online visibility (social media, blogging) and building sales virtually (by stocking the shop regularly) as well as locally (fairs/festivals). Planning and goal setting has always been something I struggled with (I’ve always been a “fly by the seat of you pants” kind of girl), but over the last several months I have come to understand how important those two things are.
Here are a list of goals I have set so far:
For 2012:
- do 10 fairs/festivals (summer and holiday)
- get 10 wholesale accounts
- create a better visual presentation for events
- build a website
- expand into clothing and jewelry
- create a new brand identity package
- get 750 email subscribers
- create look book
In three months:
- have a completed summer collection
- have completed photography for summer collection
- have 200 mailing list subscribers
- have a booth at a local fair/festival
This month:
- start executing spring/summer 2012 collection
- contact graphic designer re: brand identity
- choose mailing list service/add 60 subscribers
- blog 3x week (at least)
- take pics of merch
- update shop
That’s all I got for now. Don’t forget to check out Ann’s, Lesley’s, and Sherisa’s posts today!
This entry was posted in 6011 Collective. Bookmark the permalink. ← And The Coffee Was Amazing What Would You Do if You Could not Fail? →4 Responses to 6011 Collective: Jackie’s Story
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We’ll be here to cheer you on Jackie! I’m a long time believer in you. We’re here to help you get it done!
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Go Jackie!
I remember when you first took your business online — at least 10 years ago! (I even ran across that first website a few weeks ago in my archived files!)
I am so happy to hear you didn’t let the small downfall pull you away from something you love.
You can do it! You’ve done it before. Try also partnering with shops in other areas.
Good luck!
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It’s funny how inspiration can strike and all of a sudden we are back into “it.” (Whatever your it is.)
I am totally with you on expanding merchandise and photographing it. Well, I’m saying its a challenge for me. I will have things just waiting for me to be about my business and finish the process and I stall. I need to work on that. (Adds to goals.) PS I really love the knitted cap w the flower (gold) that you have in your Etsy shop!