+ Part 3 +
Becoming a Creative Business Owner.
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What started as a way for me to share my observations with the world, transitioned into a business. A very intentional transition. And if I am being honest, probably the most important part of my journey.
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Finding ceramics, creating art, observing the natural world, these were all already who I was. But business woman? This was new territory and it scared me.
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I knew I had to learn how to market, how to keep my books, build a website, branding and so much more. But I wanted it on my terms, and not to just make something and try to sell it. I wanted to create something that resonated with people, both my business and my products.
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So I settled in, read and listened to a ton of books by entrepreneurs and I outlined how I wanted my business to feel, my WHY and not just the what. I worked through everything from branding visuals, to copy, and packaging. And while these have changed over the years, my initial intentionality lay the groundwork to have something I was proud of from day one.
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This process of becoming and expanding into a business owner has been such an incredible blessing. I am driven, extremely hard working and have a vision in my head that I get to live out each day.
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But it is also extremely tough. When things don't go well it is hard to separate the businesses success from my own worth. I find especially with a creative business, where art is the focus, the work you put into the world is an extension of yourself. This type of business is so different from others, being an artist, an author, or maker you create something from your soul and have to put a price tag on it. In many ways it feels like an impossible task.
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I have to remind myself to "fail forward." When things don't work, I lean into what has. Where I hit roadblocks and doors close, pivot. I must move forward.
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So here's to the job title I get to add to my very "eclectic" resume. Creative Business Owner!
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Interested in collaborating? Reach out here: Collaboration, Commissions and Custom work