When I first started my business about three years ago, I basically had no budget. Now, my wee little no-budget, counter top business has grown far beyond expectations and beyond what I can handle myself. I’ve struggled over the last year to know what to drop, what to outsource and how to best prioritize. The time finally came when I realized that, while I need to be the driving creative force of Mustard Seed Interiors, I needed to let some things go.
It may sound like a no-brainer, but I’m used to touching everything I make and sell. I’m used to doing the sewing, stripping, upholstery, painting, sanding, staining, refinishing, crafting, writing, styling, moving, shopping, scheduling…everything.
I decided I needed to look carefully at everything I was doing to see what I could let go. I had been printing and hand punching all of my tags…OK, I can let that go and pay to have them printed. I found all sorts of simple time-killing things like that and sourced them out.
OK…what else can I let go. What do I not enjoy? Well, upholstery is not my favorite thing in the world to do and it’s not my specialty, but the thought of taking a piece to an upholsterer never seemed like a good option to me.
I’ve turned out some pieces I was really proud of and it saved a lot of money to do it myself.
Then Ruthie sent me an e-mail offering her upholstery services for hire. I had to have some conversations with myself about it and then decided to take her up on that offer. I put four French chairs in her very capable hands and…
…I’m so glad I did. I just gave her the “grass settee” and three more chairs today. She can do what she does best and I am freed up to do what I do best. I also have a better product to sell to my clients. It’s still my style, it still has my stamp on it, but it’s done by a perfectionist with the right tools and the knowledge to do it properly.
I’m dealing with all sorts of other growing pains right now, but it’s so nice to know the upholstery work is under control.
74 Responses
Wow that chair looks amazing! It's good that you're getting some things off your plate. The more time you have, the better you'll be able to be creative & dream up new things! That's what it's all about right? Plus you're helping give others a job, which is awesome!
She did a wonderful job! That fabric is beautiful, great choice!
I totally have no right.. but I am proud of you.. I know it's hard..but you are making the right choices.. more power to you!
Maddie
p.s. almost done with the small project for you
Those did come out just beautiful! I totally agree with you that you have to let some of it go to others so you have time to breath just a little 🙂
My husband always tells me that I cannot do anything my best if I am scattered all over the place ~
Sounds like you've made some good decisions. The bottom line is, you can't do it all once your business has grown the way yours has. Congrats on not only the success, but on having the sense to outsource some of the things that you can so you can remain sane and creative.
Hugs,
Judy
Great news that you have more on your plate than you choose to handle. It's always a good thing to know you have options…you can do some upholstery yourself and source some out as needed.
What a good example for me to follow! I always think, "What would MMS Do"? I am about a year behind you in the "business", and as things are progressing for me and my husband, (including opening our own shop), I know that some of what we do ourselves, is going to be passed on to others. The chairs look great and remember that it is the growing pains that make us stronger. Terry from The Vintage Bricoleur
The upholstered chairs look fantastic. Sounds like you've got it 'going on'. Was thinking about this earlier today, and don't ask me why I thought this, but what if that 'grass' had been 'weed'?
I agree with you. It is so hard to allow anyone to do the work you have done all this time. I find it hard to let someone help me paint. I can not imagine what pains you must have. I have been a fan of yours for a while and admire your work so much. I hope someday to be where you are. Thank you for sharing your amazing talents with us.
Wow! That french chair looks top notch! 🙂 That must have been a hard decision to outsource some of your projects and figuring out which ones you didn't want to/couldn't do and it looks like you're making the perfect choices! If it were me I would have let the upholstering go as well. :)Do you find you have to sell your products for a whole lot more though now that you're outsourcing? Or maybe since time is money it's the same? Just curious if that hurts or helps your business more, in terms of how fast you can get things off the floor.
Hugs,
Gail
This is a great problem to have. I wish I was younger and lived closer it would be a wonderful experience to work with you.
Traci
BTW, speaking of farming things out…I found this etsy art, and it reminds me of you. I actually ordered the pumpkin print (on pg 4), and have been very pleased. The sheep, bunnies, etc. sort of remind me of your cow painting.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/rachellelevingston?page=1
Congrats! What a wonderful problem to have. 🙂
Now try throwing a day job into your niche job! I'm getting buried alive here…
Donna
I sure hope you are getting a business manager next..someone to add up weekly and monthly expenses and sales, revenues from various writing and partnering projects, to pay taxes correctly and on time..and to generally let you know that you are making a profit, not just activity! Those people who can do that are a Godsend, really!!
Ruthie's work is beautiful. How fortunate to have found a working relationship that benefits both parties so well.
Growth can be painful and change while relinquishing control is particularly difficult for most individuals. With your positive attitude and creative drive all of this change will soon be a thing of the past and you and Mini will be moving along at warped speed once again.
Continued success as you navigate these changes.
Congrats on being successful! The chair looks beautiful and you'll enjoy your work more now!
She did a beautiful job – fits seamlessly with your work! In some women-owned business classes I learned that the main destroyer of women owned businesses is the inability to delegate… let go. You are so wise, even if it hurts!! Congrats on your growth; may you have peace with each decision!
You'll feel so less stressed by delegating some of the process! And, like you said, you're still the "designer" so it all still has your touch. It looks like Ruthie does an awesome job! Can't wait to see the "grass" couch. 🙂
Letting go of things can be so difficult, but sometimes it's the only way you can grow and move forward. Clearly, Ruthie does fantastic work – the chair is beautiful! I hope you feel good trusting your instincts. Congrats!
This is such good news. I love hearing about these kinds of problems, especially coming from a wonderful woman with a wonderful business. Congrats to you, keep delegating and keep blogging about it. It gives all of us other bloggers hope. It does happen! By the way, the chair is awesome. Thanks
It looks like Ruthie does a great job. Sounds like it's a win, win situation for you! Can't wait to see what you do together.
Ha! I am nowhere in your league and probably never will b (and I can live with that, lol!) but I never bothered even trying to upholster…I outsourced that right from the start. Except now I have moved countries, and I need to find another one who was super skilled and lovely to chat to and cheaply priced…waaahhh…I miss Maury! 🙁
Sounds like exciting times at MMS! You seem to take it all in stride. You are truly an inspiration. — Those chairs look fabulous!
Christi
I can tell your work is in good hands with Ruthie. However, I can still see you in the design. It's a winning combo.
Awww shucks Marian ( *lightly kicks foot in the dirt*) you sure do know how to make a gal feel good!
Thanks, you rock!
Wow! The chair, just wow! So gorgeous!
How cool that your business is growing! In this economy especially, that's awesome. Congratulations. And BTW, the chair looks awesome. I'm your newest follower (but thought I was following already). Your button is on my blog 🙂
Good for you! You are moving up to design director and CEO. A big part of leadership is learning to delegate. You could let Mini Mustard Seed pick the favorites for the Friday Night Lights once in a while. I am dying for you to come to NYCity to visit the Salvation Army. Mr Goodwill Hunting has been getting unbelievable buys there, like 6 cane chairs for $100. Ann
I think you are going in the right direction. As a mother of 2 girls, I look back, and have to say, I did way too much. My husband was running a successful business, I worked while the girls were at school. And the girls were involved of every extra curricular club, etc. And now that they are 28 and 31 (the time flew, literally!) I should have cut back on, mine and their activities. You need to take time for yourself, your children, and your husband. Take a vacation every year, and take at least 1 three day holiday with just you and your husband once a year. Take care and good luck.Blessings Paula
I stumbled across your blog about a year ago and I was an instant fan. It's creative, informative and inspirational. I'm getting ready to start my first reupholstery project–a wingback chair (yeah, I decided to start big)–using your video tutorials. Congratulations on your growing business! Outsourcing some things is a great decision; it will give you more time to concentrate on being creative! Can't wait to see what's in store for MMS! 😀
It is definitely a good idea to know when to call "uncle"!!! Ruthie does a fantastic job for sure! Good call!
Hugs
SueAnn
Like the songs says…
"know when to hold em, know when to fold em"
You have made the right decision…now go swim in some glitter and celebrate ;->
Janet xox
http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/
smart woman!
Rie
I love that material!!!
Will you post a tutorial on how you made the cushion that is "puckered" (it's the one covered in drop cloth)?? I think it looks amazing!!
Thanks,
Kaye
You're on the right track. No one can do everything and I'm happy you are so open about it – that is helpful to your followers as well. You do beautiful work.
That's so amazing, that you have that opportunity ! Just don't ever give up your blog!!
Good job, Ruthie! Every business that grows experiences these same growing pains. Here's a way to look at it that someone taught me: Draw a triangle. Write tone of these words at each corner of the triangle: Marketing/Sales, Accounting, Product/Service. Every busienss must have those 3 main components, but no business owner is adept and gifted at all three. Most owners have a real hard time giving up the "doing", but in order to grow, it becomes necessary to keep doing what got you started and what you love, and hand the other off to someone who can express their talent and love through helping you succeed.
I think that is a great choice.You are a natural at what you do.I truly believe that your own line of decor is right around the corner. A store front or maybe a line for one of the big guys. Well I'll have my jealous face on.Haha.If I could just quit my day job working in an office and follow my designer dream.
Mary
RENONFL@YAHOO.COM
GREAT DECISION!!! Behind you all the way! It's great to re-evaluate. I often wonder how you find the time to respond to all the comments on your page. In fact, I hesistate most of the time to comment because I don't want you to feel you have to respond. For that reason, I usually don't comment unless I have a question. I was chatting with a blogging friend, Deneen over at dreamingincolor, about something you said to one of my comments. She said to me, "You talk to Marian?!! She's like…the Oprah of the blogs!" !!!!! Funny stuff. Funny…..cuz it's true. You ARE the Oprah of the blogs. lol Do you have a friend named, Gail??? LOL Congrats on the new decision.:)
Wow……you are an inspiration to me, for sure! You go girl……so happy for you!
Good for you letting some things go….it's still your stamp on it and your quality of work that keep people coming back for more….
You can't do it all!! I learn from you everytime you post. It seems you are doing things right!
It is always good to focus on what you do best, and let others like Ruthie shine in their talents too. In the beginning when you have no money you have to do it all, but now you can go to the next level because Ruthie makes your business even better. 🙂
Better 'growing' pains than 'can't sell a thing' pains… things are not going as well for many of us…
solongfarm.blogspot.com
I'd say that is a good problem to have. Congratulations on your growth. I do love to read your post and I've enjoyed your DIY section in Cottages and Bungalows. Love that mag.
Oh the growing pains of a successful business. Things many people only dream of (myself included someday) Rosie did an amazing job on your chair and you both are blessed to have found each other! She just might be in the same shoes you are right now if she can keep up with your stuff and the new stuff that word of mouth will bring in for her just by association!
I'm sure giving up this part of what you do has got to be a bit of relief and giving some breathing room. I'm excited for you both!!
Well done Ruthie! The chair looks fabulous!!
I hear you girl. The printing, cutting, hole punching, stringing of tags takes a lot of my time. Getting ready to outsource that. I need to find an upholsterer that is affordable as there are so many pieces I pass up because they are over what I feel is my level of expertise. Meaning they scare the heck out of me. You are doing amazing. Now off of this blogging before I waste too much time. Back to creating Christmas items..tammy
I adore that chair that Ruthie did!!! It looks like a gorgeous job, and definately Miss Mustard Seed worthy! I found the same struggles with my business (I am a veterinarian). While I wanted to be behind the scenes, and involved in staffing, organization of the clinic, paperwork etc, I realized I best served the practice by vetting. I had to hire out some of these tasks, and while I enjoyed them, the business was better off as a whole by allowing myself to focus on where I was needed.
Isn't it good to look back and see the growth. And remember the time when you weren't THE Miss Mustard Seed 😉 Ruthie did a great job.
Deciding what to do and what to outsource is not just for small business owners, it's for everyone. We all have to decide how to use our talents and time. I'm trying to do that in terms of my own art and life direction. It's an interesting process but sometimes with the growth comes growing pains. 🙂
I've enjoyed watching you grow through your blog. You're a green dot to me – I am reminded that beyond the red zone there is a place of mastering the learning curve. Kudos.
I too have enjoyed seeing your business grow and have benifitted from your generous sharing of ideas. Good for you for knowing how to streamline things and yet still have your creative touch on things. First (and still I'm sure) your parents, brother and husbands help, then Miss Mini, and now taking the time to really assess your direction and steps to save time. You are also giving people jobs, way to go!
I'm just glad you're not giving up the blog! I'd miss you terribly. Remember the leg cramps when you were younger? It the same throughout life if we are lucky enough to change. Good luck.
Way to grow, Miss MS, way to grow…
Swimming in your strengths is so much better than drowning in your, dare I say.. weaknesses? maybe. Perhaps, drowning in the minutiae is a better way to say it… Takin some o' those weights off yur feet is gonna make it lots easier to fly…
Hi Marian,
My daughter, a bit older than you I'd guess, is a textile and clothing designer who has had to deal with the outsourcing issue, too.
She is stuck at the technology wall, though. She can't seem to figure out how to sell online…
But really, more business than one can handle alone is a good kind of problem and brings with it the opportunity of increased creativity and connections.
I am very impressed by all you do and follow your blog with joy.
Ann
Congratulations on all your success – you are the "American Dream" personified. Starting with zero budget and growing your business into a thriving on-line business AND brick and mortar store.
I look at it this way – you grew your business and now your outsourcing – helping put people to work, helping people put food on their table. Nothing is more important in this economy. I have SO MUCH admiration and respect for you. I want to be you when I grow up (who doesn't??) even though I probably have a daughter your age. Anyway, I hope you still read your comments because you ROCK!
These kinds of growing pains are good to have and they won't leave stretch marks! ha!ha! This is what happens when you're so awesome…and you are!
It is hard to let go of things and delegation is tough too, I think you're finding your balance though. I just had a talk with my daughter about your assistant (mini mustard seed) I explained to her assisting me could be a fun and lucrative side job. and she enjoys shopping for the things I need but don't want to run out to get all of the time.
I enjoy learning from your growing pains 🙂
This post totally hits home with me. I have a small business too, and I've been at it for two full years. Things are going wonderfully, but I am really struggling with the growth part. It's very difficult to let go of a few things!
Such a wonderful problem to have in this economy — growing pains. What a blessing! Ruthie did a great job on your chairs too.
~ Jules
What a lovely problem to have! Ruthie did an amazing job, those are exquisite.
Good business decision. Prioritizing is crucial. Having said that, I am tickled beyond belief that I have that dining room set that you did all by yourself. I adore it. It's a treasure to me…..and another good business decision to sell it to me!!!!!
Again Marion, what an inspiration you are! In three short years look at what you've accomplished. It's really amazing. Love the grass chair – very very pretty. Can you tell me what the grass fabric actually is? Thanks!
quick question: what kind of fabric is that? BEAUTIFUL! congrats!
Marion,
Those chairs look amazing! I noticed a change in the table pictured with the chairs above….I LOVE IT! I would love to see the before and after and a little "how to" on that one!!! Your work is inspiring to say the least!
Good for you. It's great that you found people who share your work ethic and high standards. It will help your business grow while maintaining your sanity.
How wonderful! Great for you and great for Ruthie! Congrats first on your business doing so well and second on recognizing how to move forward in the best way. 🙂
Stephanie
http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/
So smart! Wow, I was wondering when you would have to start outsourcing some of that talent. Looks gorgeous. Really good you are going through growing pains now, and getting it under control. So much harder to figure this all out when your kids are going through growing pains too!
The chair is fantastic…it's good to stick with what you love to do, and outsource the yucky stuff 🙂
I'd LOVE to know what kind of fabric is on that beauty and where you got it? I'm guessing it's part of the tons of hemp you recently said you bought?
on a side note…I found an upholster's kit when I was at my grandmother's house last year…shocked to find out it was hers! She was amazing but I never knew she did an upholstery project. She's now passed away and I still have the kit…for when I want to actually get to my project 🙂
Yay for getting help, Marian! Less stress equals more sanity, right?
Hi. Sometimes delegation is the answer.
"Do what you do best and leave to others all the rest…" lol x
Great, great business advice. Anyone could apply this to so many situations. Thank you!!!!
Everyone needs to have a good upholsterer in their back pocket! I think you've done the right thing.
It's hard to outsource when you want to continue giving of yourself to others. It sounds like you made some good choices and a big congratulations to you on the growth of your business! 🙂
We have a garden spider, an Argiope, on the side of our house. Huge but pretty. Today we saw her with prey wrapped in her web and she was like beating they prey against the house really hard. We walked away and came back 5 minutes later to find her still doing it. This puzzled me. I can’t find out why she might be doing it, but it really looked like she was knocking it unconscious. Anyone ever seen this?
I was on your blog just wandering and I saw a “running a creative business” I knew I had to click to see what this was all about we are a new business, So im trying to soak up and much information a possible. I loved reading this. I also hand make the tags and ect. Our blog is slowly coming together. A household filled with children I also relate to your family lifestyle. Thank you. I look forward to reading what you have and excited for your book. Hopefully We will be on furniture feature Fridays soon!