The holiday rush is over and I have, for the first time, given myself time to relax and reflect. 2009 had many firsts for me: 1- it was the first year I wasn't working full time, while building Hammocks & High Tea, so it afforded me time to actually focus on retail as well as wholesale. It was also the first year I didn't have a "security" blanket of a full time pay with benefits. Let's just say it was a scary ride at times. 2-It was my first major press year with steady coverage from international as well as stateside magazines. Having done it on my own up to now, that was definitely moving for this indie biz lady. 3- this is the year I realized the trap of being small: working all the time. The workaholic trap is easy to fall into when you pair loving what you do with the desire to grow. The reason I started this business? Well, so that I could put beautiful work out into the world and so that I could have a LIFE. Working on that stat.
The desire to travel is at the top of my goals for 2010, and will be reflected in my work as well. But the full circle comes with knowing that I need to work to achieve those goals, that only I can give myself two weeks paid vacation from now on. Oye. Now what? Well, I hope that the choices I'm making are going to lead me in that direction. Moving into production of the fabric, working with a PR agency, and giving myself at least one day off each week to recharge. Hey, it's a start. Is it scary? Yes, very much so. But part of that fear is knowing that I have no choice if I want to grow. To paraphrase Holly Hunt 'there comes a time when one must go from creative to being a business owner'. 2010 is that time, so I guess I best say- (insert your own colorful expletive) to fears, doubts, and economic woes and dive in. I've already got both feet in the pool and the sun is just starting to warm the water.
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