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The State of Independence

16/12/2013

15 Comments

 
At the start of 2013 I never imagined that I would be working for myself full time. It had always been my dream to be self employed but I never quite had the courage, until now!
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How it began
I had been in the same job for 14 years but, since I had my son, I was struggling with less hours and no flexibility. It all began as an extra income project, making up bits and bobs in the evening and whenever I had any other precious spare time. Luckily for me, it seemed that people really wanted what I was offering. The orders started to trickle in and I thought if I could concentrate on this project fully I could really make a go of it. By June, I was ready to take the plunge!

It was a bit scary, leaping into the unknown but at the same time, a complete thrill. I knew I wasn't going to be earning millions but, on the other hand, we wouldn't starve! The last six months, the hours have been gruelling. I have been fitting in work around the school day and then beavering away until midnight every evening. But it has been so satisfying! 

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Finding a niche
It was when I came up with the idea of my 'hat' pincushions that the ball really got rolling. I was amazed that, among the many pincushion styles, there really weren't that many hat shaped ones around! I had stumbled upon a little niche. My style had come together and I could now stamp the 'Crafty Jo' look onto any idea I came up with.

Are you ready?
If you are thinking about doing it for yourself, I thoroughly recommend it. There are a few, what I think are, golden rules. 
  • You have to be willing to put in the time and lots of it!
  • I think it is also essential that you make quality products that you are passionate about, not something that you think will make a fast buck. The public are discerning and will see through tat. 
  • Countless hours will be spent social networking. Luckily for me, I rather enjoy this part. In this day and age it is completely necessary. There is no point having a beautiful website and gorgeous creations if nobody sees them! 
If none of the above fazes you too much, then you are ready to go it alone. Without wanting to sound like a trashy, self help book, if you believe in yourself and go for it wholeheartedly some success will follow. Here's to the next year! 
15 Comments
Emma Smyth
16/12/2013 04:23:21

A great read, so pleased its all going well for you Jo, your work is beautiful x

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Crafty Jo
16/12/2013 04:30:23

Thank you so much Emma.

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Hayley wright link
16/12/2013 04:25:08

Wow - I'm at the very beginning of my journey. Trying different things to find my niche. Your words are inspiring me to keep on going ;). Not sure will ever be confident enough to take the plunge but who knows!!!

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Crafty Jo link
16/12/2013 04:31:50

Thank you so much Hayley. It only took me 14 years to have the confidence to do it! Lol

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Claire Wheat link
16/12/2013 04:42:14

Totally agree, especially about the niche. That's one of the first things I noticed when I first saw your page...a definite "brand" and with the leading product of your unique had pin cushions. The second thing I noticed was the quality of the products and the attention to detail. I was very tempted in the early days to make lots of different things, but I've decided to concentrate on one and do it really well - in my case fabric book covers. I've only been trading for about 3 months, but it's going well so far, so I can only endorse your approach and wish you lots of luck for next year :)

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Crafty Jo link
16/12/2013 04:48:42

Thank you so much Claire for your thoughtful and articulate comment. I really hope your business continues to be a success. Do you have a link for it?

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Crafty Jo
16/12/2013 05:15:34

It's ok Claire, I just found the link!

Claire Wheat link
16/12/2013 05:50:49

Thanks so much for visiting my page earlier. And for your lovely comments and for sharing one of my book covers...it's much appreciated :)

Crafty Jo
16/12/2013 05:59:46

You are very welcome Claire. Your books are great and very unique !

MD link
16/12/2013 05:15:56

I am huge fan of your hat pin cushions & its a fab niche to have found =] We sing from the same song sheet where the golden rules are concerned ..... Brilliant blog xxx

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Crafty Jo link
16/12/2013 05:28:10

Thank you so much MD for your comments. Now I really must follow rule number 4 which I forgot to say is 'more regular blog posts'! Lol

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carol marks-smith link
16/12/2013 06:58:33

It's refreshing to read your journey. I left work in July this year, I couldn't take the bullying any longer so I had turned to the only thing I knew my crafty arts and slowly I am trying to establish myself as a serious arts and crafts person, it can be lonely making decisions and always trying to think of new ideas. I have just started creating a portfolio with a selection of my items so its encouraging to read your story, thank you.

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Crafty Jo link
16/12/2013 07:32:55

Thank you very much for your input Carol. I just took a look at your website. It looks like you've managed to get yourself very organised in a short space of time! Good for you, I wish you every success!

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Gina whiting link
17/12/2013 00:11:26

It's tough. I too started recently, not quite for the flow of orders yet but have started to get my mech I think. Great read thanks xx

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Crafty Jo link
17/12/2013 01:11:54

Thank you Gina. I thought your houses on wood were really great. I've not seen anything like that elsewhere.

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