For the Record

Friday, September 28, 2012

Keep going no matter what
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Our website www.mcmasterandstorm.com was taken down on 9/27/12. We launched it in May of 2008. The last I had updated it was the fall of 2009. I launched an Etsy shop McMaster & Storm's Swan + Shears Fall of 2010 {Yup, we still have our Etsy shop!}. Our tech guy wasn't much help on our main website once he graduated from college. He was a great guy to work with, however you must hire someone that has an interest in helping you maintain it. {that's key, a big one!}

Once Vivian arrived 8/10, I was exhausted and the littles took most of my energy, in a good way! Zach & Vivi are 18 months apart! I'm tired of having inventory in our upstairs. Sure, we have an attic space plus another room, but missed having a "back room" like we had in our physical store. Plus, I needed time with my family and to enjoy the days when they are little.

As my close friend says before you know it it's the dating scenario with your teenager. HA. Really not so funny...we even discussed arranged marriages in a funny text! {told my friend she picked a good one, so I'm sure her daughter can too!}

Taking our site down made it official for me to start working on something I have wanted to try do.

Great advice.
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In a few weeks we head to Atlanta for the Country Living Fair. I will be cleaning and making my office a fresh new space for new endeavors. It's time.  When I was talking to our former tech guy yesterday and he said "are you sure you want me to cancel your site"? "Yes"! Should've been done awhile long ago.

It's ok to drift if you know the reasons and when you are ready to really get down to business....you will do so!
 
On the side bar on our blog, the "boutique" takes you to our Etsy shop now. 
Jay Roeder
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Q&A
Where will we get our staplers and refills?
1. On our Etsy shop; Swan + Shears! Just received an order today so all colors are currently available.

What are you working on? What are your plans?
2. To be announced! Must have some key things in place first & I've been working on them.
Everything just takes twice as long as I think it will!

What advice do you have for those of us wanting to start a business?
3. Do what you love & love what you do. I have a whole Pinterest board of inspiring thoughts!
Don't be scared, just start; one step in front of the other. There is a niche for everyone & enough room for all!

I feel I need to rethink my business path, any thoughts on this?
4. Always, always be flexible with your business! It's ok to change how & what your doing as long as you feel comfortable and confident about it. Sometimes change is the best thing!

Small business is BIG business!
If you have more questions--fire away! I will be happy to help! 
I promise to share more about shopkeeping, etc...... 

Want to read more on inspiring people? Nicole Balch is now the sole breadwinner in her family. {high-fve!} Her blog, Making it Lovely is well, lovely indeed!
Jami of Freckled Laundry wrote her creative business advice for you on Miss Mustard Seed.
xo
kara

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today
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7 comments:

Free Art Printables said...

good for you! change and chances are both good things!

Sarah Beth said...

I'm excited to see what you have in store!! I loved your booth in Columbus and actually I get to go to Atlanta this year!! My uncle lives there and we are going to the CLF!!! Best wishes!

Susan Baldwin said...

Kara,
You will be successful in any endeavor because of your love for people and especially because you seek God's wisdom and guidance in all things. I'm grateful to have found you when I did. I've loved everything I've purchased from you and all your creativity. It will be exciting to see what's next for you!
Much love to you and yours.

Jen Kershner said...

Whatever you do and where ever you go I will be there cheering you on! Good luck on the next chapter.

SLR said...

i closed my physical store in IL in 2002. i was heartbroken at the time, but it paved the way for so many better things! now i can do shows that i want (hopefully CL) someday and not be chained to a store, as i now have a little on myself. looking so forward to your new endeavors, kara, they will be amazing!!

SLR said...

a little one, not "on"...whoops!

The Vintage Farmhouse said...

I am so so so sooooo glad you commented on my blog today. I feel like such a jerk for not being able to remember the name of yours! I remember I think the first time I met you was at Horton's French Flea last year? Anyways, I am following you via Pinterest now too!