A lot happened in the new year of 2024! After reaching all of our goals in 2023, one of us is finally moving into the shop space full time! Before this year, we were both working full time manager positions at a regular 9-5. We worked hard to stay on track all last year and it paid off! One of us is a full time shop keeper!
What does this mean? Well, one us, meaning me - the wife, is going to stay home. We came to this decision because my handmade miniatures take longer to create and I couldn’t have given my husband a bigger hug. No more stress of the 9-5 only to come home too tired to make anything.
Show weeks used to mean that I stayed up until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning and only had a few hours of sleep. Trying to have conversations and not look like I was about to fall over was tough. I didn’t want to seem ungrateful or crabby in front of those who too the time to appreciate mine and my husband’s work. And I am so thankful to all those did come visit us!
When we added up our numbers and paid in our taxes, I was excited by what I saw. We actually exceeded our goal and this meant I didn’t have to take on 2 full time jobs. Running a store and going to events is a full time job. Remember that if you want to turn your handmade creations into a business, it requires the same work as a 9-5.
As I try to figure out my new routine and work schedule, I’m finding that Is still need the same discipline to get pieces done but my time is much more flexible. I can leave for coffee in the middle of the afternoon without someone questioning me or waiting at my door. I don’t have people calling me at all hours of the night to get approved for overtime, telling me they’re sick, or other reasons I can’t mention. My time is my own and coming from someone who’s not a morning person I’d be lying if I said I didn’t jump for joy the first few days of not having to way up to an alarm.
What does the future hold? I’m hoping this means that the pieces people asked about will finally be available in our online stores. More time means more creations. I might actually be awake under my makeup at future events. I’m also documenting my journey on YouTube. You’ll see more vlogs and blogs. Wish me luck because I still have to figure the insurance thing, and plug the heck out of what I do manage to create because I have to make up for the income lost.
For all those out there want to do the same thing and turn their passion into their dream job, I wish you all the best and I hope sharing my journey helps you follow your dreams! -Mahieu
Spring Shows in Minnesota:
Spring Event at Cantebury Park in Shakopee Minnesota, April 12th - 14th.
Geek Craft Expo - Minneapolis Convention Center, April 19th - 21st.