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