2024 Reflections
So this year has been pretty wild. Two moves with two babies- a studio of my own and a sudden retail popularity. Adjusting to life as a mom while also transitioning back into work.
I recently listened to a sermon where the pastor discussed the concept of God working all things for good. It’s a concept that we hear frequently, and I think sometimes lose sight of in the midst of own struggles and discontent.
My initial concern with the move to TN was a lack of representation. I felt totally out of place (stylistically) in my new city. I was so blessed back home to have such a variety of local retail and craft fair options that aligned really well with my customer base and aesthetic. I rely primarily on online sales and wholesale, but it’s still nice to have a place in the community where your work is well received. I was SO EXCITED to stumble upon a shop downtown called Rala - and NO SHADE whatsoever to this shop, its still my favorite for gifts and goodies by so many talented artists. If you’re local, check them out!
I applied as soon as I was up and running about a year ago. I had initially called to see if they were accepting applications for new vendors, and the sales associate asked me if I was on Faire. I knew nothing about the world of online wholesale (or the platform) but dutifully created a profile in the hopes that it would make the process smoother for prospective retailers. Up until this point, I had only worked on consignment, but the possibility of expanding my reach was exciting. I feel like my work does better in person (my photography skills are lack luster) and I’m in a never ending competition with paid for advertised listings on etsy, so at some point I have to pursue other strategies for growth.
Well, 6 months passed and I did not receive a response. I was totally bummed. My husband encouraged me to try again, so I did! Still… nothing. I felt totally defeated. I decided to start reaching out to other retailers - concentrating on one geographic region/city at a time. I was sending out hundreds of emails a week. I would get an order or consignment offer response from maybe one for every dozen or so emails I sent. I was starting to gain some confidence when my Faire shop suddenly became organically…. dare I say…. busy? People that I had not personally contacted were finding me on their own (despite my best outreach efforts). Could it be that I had been wasting all my precious time sending these emails?! Anger, frustration, embarrassment don’t cover nuanced feelings of shame and imposter syndrome that I was feeling despite my recent successes in this new wholesale space.
I’m realizing that I’m kind of a glutton for punishment. I’m not sure that I will ever really accept the possibility that I am talented or worthy, but I wanted to share my most recent ‘defeat’ with you all because I feel like it actually ended up becoming a huge win for me and my business. Instead of whining about it to God, I’ve been thanking him for the uncomfortable experience of rejection that lead me to forming incredible relationships with new retailers across the country. In about 4 months, I’ve painted over 600 plates and 400 ornaments for both wholesale and consignment retailers in a SEVENTEEN states. I’ve gained representation in several galleries and applied to join my first ceramic artist collective!
Not every closed door is meant to put an end to what you’re working towards. Sometimes, it’s an uncomfortable redirection to a different door. One with sparkles and rainbows and cats and people that love and appreciate what you do. It means so much that I get to do this full time and stay home with my babies. I cannot thank my retailers and customers enough for their love and support.
Walking in faith has always been a challenge for me. Despite my general understanding of Christ’s love for us, I still find myself trying to do everything in my own strength. I’m trying to be more open to what God’s doing in my life and accepting the challenges that come with things not going exactly as I have had planned. I know many of you may find yourselves in similar situations - having high hopes for some particular outcome. What I think most of us would agree on is how time and perspective often reveals the good in the outcome we received - even when it’s not necessarily the outcome that we had hoped for (or frankly sometimes deserve).
If you’ve made it this far, and you need some prayer power, feel free to drop your requests below. So happy to pray for whatever it is you’re going through. God’s got you - even when you don’t trust in the current outcome or result. Hope this was some encouragement to someone - onward and upward!
