Sunday, March 2, 2014

Self Employment

New Wires
I'm trying out Soft Flex Metallics wire in my shop!

I carry copper in Accu-Flex but some customers are brand loyal to Soft Flex. This antique brass finish is new for my shop. Perfect for those vintage inspired designs! It looks a bit like Accu-Flex's bronze. Available at Etsy

Self Employment
I'm not one to write a verbose post but that is what this is. Yes I am almost there! I have given my notice at work but have not yet set a date. I have been doing the same job for 11.5 long years now and want to make sure the office is all set when I leave (it's a unique job). 

I wanted to share a little of my story since many of us tend to go off track as we need to make a living! However I want to show that you can get back on track if that is you (I will be turning 40 in April...better late than never)!

My Bachelor's degree is in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. I envisioned myself sitting at fashion shows in Paris and Milan while choosing fabulous pieces for my store. After interning at a local retailer in the buying department, I realized that glamour was not quite there! They did offer me a full time position but it was about 1 hour from home without rush hour traffic. Merchandising and marketing still intrigued me.

So out of college I got my first extremely boring full time job. About 6 months later I decided to start night classes working towards my Masters in Business Administration. I figured I could work my way up a corporate ladder. What was I thinking? That is so not me! However the blessing in disguise here was that I realized I really wanted a business. However I was in my 20s and still didn't really know what that meant. 

I continued working boring jobs and purchased a town house after earning my MBA all before age 30. I was super motivated! Then I got lazy for a while since my 20s were nuts. Laziness never lasts long for me. 
this was my first place - Brady Bunch style
After a trip to a craft store in my 30s coming home with beads, findings and tools I learned making jewelry felt perfect. Shortly thereafter I started selling my jewelry online and at parties to support the hobby.

Then I decided I wanted to prove to myself that I could purchase a house and manage it on my own...just me.  So crazy!!! During the transition between homes I started adding supplies to my inventory (November 2008). Since then, this venture turned from a hobby into a business!
my cute little house
A couple of years ago I realized I actually had the business I always wanted and that I could make a living with it. So I got serious. Having a mortgage, bills and knowing I would need to pay for overpriced healthcare, it was time to figure out the numbers and where I needed to be in order to take the leap of faith. 

So it may be a little time until I am full time on my own, but I am 100% ready....especially after doing the equivalent of 2 full time jobs over the past couple of years.

After that I will be putting my house on the market, crossing my fingers to hopefully sell it and then move in with my beloved Jim! Oh a crazy 2014 this will be!!!! 


We are also seriously discussing the possibility of relocating to the Gulf Coast of Florida this year where Jim's family is. After this winter, I so want to be among palm trees and to never touch a shovel again!
Emmett and Alice
With the Polar Vortex this year my kitties have realized the power of each other's body heat. They have their own bed in the guest room. Spoiled little felines!

If you stayed with me through the post, thank you for reading. :)  Have an awesome week! ~Val

25 comments:

  1. oh, i am very happy for you! sounds like you've worked very hard to get to this point, have a good head on your shoulders and know what you're up against. and congrats on the relocation plans, too! sounds very exciting!

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  2. Your story is so inspiring and I'm glad you shared it! I have no doubt that you will be successful when you go full time on your own! Emmett and Alice look very comfy on that guest bed!

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  3. Best wishes for you as you move on with the plan. ;)

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  4. Of course I read until the very end and then reread a paragraph or two in case my eyes got crossed up (since it's kinda late right now), but I read it. Your 2014 is going to be a full fledged adventure! I'm happy that you are finally pursuing your dream of self employment. What an amazing journey!

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  5. I love reading about how others craftspeoples got where they are. It sounds like you deserve to be following your dream after all your hard work. All the best for 2014!

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  6. Many, many congrats! 2014 is going to be such an exciting year for you!!!
    Congrats on becoming self-employed full-time, on putting your house up for sale and the potential big move!

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  7. Am very happy for you...many congrats, that's wonderful!! Have a gorgeous week doll xx

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  8. congratulations!! good luck to the house sale and I envy the idea of Flordia :-)

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  9. Very exciting news Miss Val!! I know you will succeed these are all wonderful plans and I am sure you've worked very hard to get where you are right now. The best thing you will soon be with your loved one in Florida!!

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  10. You worked hard for your dreams. Now live them! Great! I once was in Florida and I really enjoyed the weather and the entertainments there. Good luck!

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  11. How exciting to be well on your way toward all the positive changes! Congrats to you for sticking with your goals...not easy to do. I hope you and Jim do make it down to FL and soak in that sunshine all year long! Who needs snow and cold?!?

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  12. Hard work and perseverance pays off! You've done well to follow your dreams. Sounds like 2014 will be a big year for you -- wishing you all the best!

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  13. Oh my goodness, Val, I am SO thrilled for you.
    I especially like the moving in with Jim/Gulf Coast part! :-)
    You have worked very hard, and you so deserve this!
    Happy day to you!

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  14. Best wishes to you, Val! I hope you realize ALL your goals. How exciting!

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  15. Yes, I did stay with you through this post! I found it inspiring and I'm so happy for you! Just going through this myself a few months back, I know how exciting it is. To know that you can earn a living doing what you love and being your own boss is a dream come true. I hope your last days on the other job go quickly. It's funny because I always described it just like you. I always told people that I felt as if I worked 2 full time jobs because, that's exactly what I was doing. Another nice thing about your own business in this industry, is that you can do it anywhere. I think that moving where there are palm trees is a wonderful idea. I know the kitties will agree with you too. And 40 is not to old to make this big move. I was 52 when I made mine. And I've never been happier. I'm so happy and excited for you. Best of luck!

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  16. I'm so happy for you to be able to buy a house on your own with your work and business money.

    And, I'd love to visit in FL, winter is tooooo long in the midwest.

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  17. Val, I am so happy for you and so proud of you! Keep going girl! I have always believed, we can do anything! It might be hard (at first), but if you love what you are doing, it's worth it!
    I was in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing as well!
    I wish you so much!!! I am so happy for you and Jim! Give big hugs to your fur babies for me!
    xoxoxo

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  18. Ooh, how exciting! I am so happy for you, Val :)
    I worked in fashion for 15 years, and although I did get to travel to Paris and Milan, I was office based and that certainly wasn't glamorous ;-)
    You've achieved so much at such a young age. I got a late start to my craft business too...
    Plus I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your planned re-location to Florida :)

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  19. Hi Val! Your story is so inspiring! What a blessing to "almost" be there - I am quite happy for you :) Thank you for sharing...it shows everyone to not give up on their dreams, no matter how long it might take.

    Hugs to you!

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  20. Wow, you are an inspiration! I love how you dream big and keep pressing on. I truly admire your adventurous spirit :)

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  21. Those kitties of yours are so lovely x

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  22. Wow sounds complicated. A complex fun journey. Good luck with your move.

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  23. you accomplish so much and you are happy :) definitely needa learn from you :)

    the STYLE Fringe BLOG
    the STYLE Fringe BLOGLOVIN
    http://the-stylefringe.blogspot.com

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  24. How exciting to know that you will be running your business full time in the very near future. I know you are excited, thats how I was when I left my job. It sounds like you have a plan in place and you are ready to go to new places and do big things.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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Thank you for stopping by! I love reading visitor comments! ~Val