What happened to…?

by | Sep 28, 2010 | Miscellaneus | 17 comments

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…my starting a business series?  Well, I kinda got busy running my business that I just had to abandon it.  Lately, I have received so many awesome e-mails from ladies who have been inspired to start their own business by my blog and my story.  I can’t tell all of you how encouraging that is to me.  I’ve shared many times that I never saw myself as a business owner, designer, writer, or artist.  Now, I fill all of those roles.  I don’t have a degree in any of it.  I wasn’t trained in any of it.  I don’t have any initials or credentials after my name.  I started my business by painting wooden ornaments over my kitchen counter with a toddler and an infant at my ankles.  If I can do this, you can do this.

In a recent e-mail I received, I was asked how I would spend $2000 if I was starting my business over again.  I was surprised how easily I was able to answer that question, so I thought I would share the answer with all of you.

I would buy…
A decent laptop and some kind of accounting software
A paint sprayer
Business cards
Things to refurbish and sell

(As a secondary thing, I would buy a decent camera and take a photography workshop to learn how to use it properly.  Photos matter a lot when you’re writing a blog and selling online.)

And I would definitely start a blog.  It’s free and it’s been the biggest enhancement and best move I have made for my business.  Opportunities that I’ve gained through having a blog (that might not have come otherwise) are…

Advertising/Sponsorship money
Writing for HGTV.com
Becoming a vendor at Wild Rose and Co. Marketplace
Internet sales
A few other super exciting things that are around the corner
AND the amount I made at The Old Lucketts Fair was triple what I made last year, all from blog exposure

So, have you been feeling “the draw” or “the nudge”?  If so, start a blog.  Buy a laptop, a paint sprayer, some furniture and some cards.  File as a business in your state.  Take the plunge.  Dream big and take baby steps.  Let the road stretch far out in front of you and see where it leads. 

To quote one of my favorite books…

“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”

(Dr. Seuss was a smart guy.)

“KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So…
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!”

Miss Mustard Seed

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    17 Comments

    1. Nutbird

      Your posts always make me smile. You don't need a degree in art, business, accounting, etc. Most business, which includes marketing, is common sense. I know and I have an MBA. I always told my kids, who used to boast to me that they were smart, that a person with average intelligence that works really, really hard, will beat them every time. You are creative, and work really hard. Your skills are really good and I am sure that they are getting even better, the more you try different things. Items that are perfectly manufactured usually have no charm., ie, modern furniture. I am looking forward to adding a Mustard Seed Creation to my collections. I know that it will grow in value to me and the rest of the world with time. Please sign and date your creations. Ann

    2. Nancy

      Ditto to the above comment! You are doing such a good thing here 🙂 and I love coming to your site. Call me a true fan from Alabama!!

    3. Funky Junk Interiors

      Well written, friend! You are setting a wonderful example for other women on the verge of doing it on their own as well. I fall in that group. Bravo!

      Donna

    4. sherryz designz co

      thats all great and I too want my own business but cant seem to get EXPOSURE of my site ? LOL I guess I need to work on my products ?? haha I am happy for you !!!!!!!!!!

    5. SueAnn

      Great advice!! And it made me smile from ear to ear. Dr. Seuss is a wise man!! Ha! As one who enjoys your blog, I say…Bravo!!! Well said!!
      Hugs
      SueAnn

    6. Paint Me White

      Your words are so powerful – you see I have a blog, the laptop, the camera, the spray gun and the furniture, I just need the guts to do it. Whats stopping me – fear – the fear of failure. I guess I have nothing to lose. Thanks for your wise words. Sandy x

    7. Custom Comforts

      Thank you for your kind and wise words of inspiration. I'm taking design classes at Ohio State while working a full time job. I'm 57yrs old and you know how old the other students are. Fall quarter just started and I found myself thinking "Am I really cut out for this?". I really miss the time school sucks out of my life. But . . . the good news is, I am already doing all the things you listed above except I have a home computer instead of a laptop, and you have inspired me to keep going. Thank you so much.
      Cindy

    8. Deborah

      Inspiring!
      Im your newest follower!
      (purehunnybee)
      Come and visit…

      With all my heart…Deborah

    9. Auntie Bliss

      Well if I wasn't thinking about starting a business LOL…I am now!
      🙂

    10. The Far Fifty

      Thanks for this insight and wonderful tips. You are definitely inspiring!

    11. Kate at Dream To Life

      I can't even begin to tell you how much this just literally LIFTED my heart.

      Thank you so much! I had to link to you on my blog…I know my sisters will feel just as renewed as I do..

      cheers!
      kate

    12. projectanthologies

      I LOVE when people take their success and share with and encourage others rather than feeling threatened. I think it is the sign of someone amazing. Thank you!!

    13. KimW

      Marian is a great time manager and works quickly. She let's a piece sit until she has a vision for it and then there is no stopping her. It has been a joy to watch her business blossom and each day things are happening. You bloggers are an incredible group and it has been fun meeting some of you. Thanks for all your encouragement – you have been a big part of her success. Miss Mustard Seed's Mom

    14. cleverpenguin

      Wonderful advice, and I have to say it's great to see an answer that is so 'nuts and bolts'. Thanks!

    15. Robin

      you are doing exactly what i WISH I was doing…….I'm constantly trying to figure out a way to do this and transition out of my BIG GIRL JOB….
      I think its awesome how you've shared so many tips and secrets. And like someone else said, you don't feel the least bit threatened by doing it. You are doing such a wonderful service to so many of us dreamers!
      Robin

      "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life"- Confucius

    16. freckled laundry

      I missed this one when you originally posted. LOVE these posts. You have inspired me so much. There are days when I'm out at yard sales and just want to buy up the furniture & things to repaint and sell it but a) I have to remember that I don't even have my shoe line off the ground and b) my confidence lacks. Following your advice about baby steps.

      I agree with Nutbird about the hard worker, too. And, An artful heart is more important than an Art degree. You can't teach creativity and passion…just technique. Ask me how I know.

      Hugs,
      Jami

    17. Midwest Cottage, Liz

      When you mentioned the things you would buy for your business. I totally agree on on all of them. But what about a trailer to haul your furniture. I find it best if I go "hunting" at all my favorite spots in one day. It saves on gas and time. I only have my SUV though. So right now I am between a paint srayer and a trailer. I may just take the leap and get both.

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