my first space,10 months ago, 2 weeks before i opened my shop, started on 2 months salary!
my third premiseslet me let you in to a little secret that shop and business owners don't tell many people.....it aint the dream we thought it would be, to have our own businesses. its a soul journey that teaches you life lessons, almost every step of the way. dealing with debt constantly, loans, lack of customers, quiet times, low season, mounting bills, more loans, more expenses, more debt.....its hard on the emotions and the psyche. and on top of it all, we take it personally when you don't even make the effort to walk into the shops that we have spent years investing everything that we have in us, every cent, every ounce of passion, and you just hover at the entrance. we take it personally when you can't even make the effot to say, 'its lovely...' when we invite you in, when you are a friend or a family member! lie, if necessary, for goodness sake! it takes its toll and there are times when you realise why so many people play it safe working for other people, working for salaries, in their glorious 9-5 lives. salary, whats that? a small business owner can only take a tiny salary about 3 years in! so imagine the pressure of trying to support your child on your own and yet ironically it was my child that prompted me to start my own business so that i could spend more time with him. its hard, its trying, its character forming and it makes me feel fragile, yet i couldn't imagine doing anything else. all i can hope for is that it will all have been worth it in the end.
13 comments:
I have a different business - part owner of a school photo business - and while we don't rely on walk in business, I so get this. I once co-owned a decorating business, and after dealing with the IRS and other assorted griefs, I sometimes laugh that I did it again. Cause it is definitely not easy, it is hard, hard, hard, and I haven't had a vacation in over a dozen years, etc., etc. etc. Every friend I have (except one) is self employed - they would get this also. It takes a special person, a different personality to do this, and there are easier times, but there will always be scary times. I love that you posted this.
:) Debi
I almost cried when i read your comment! Thank you! Your last line especially. . . that you loved that i posted this, i feel like you are an angel. So you remember these feelings, these plateau's of insanity?! And starting a shop in a recession aint been no fairytale either! Here's to us for surviving so far!! Thank you x x x
Hi Thaya - I think you're doing a great job. You're really inspirational! So, keep it up, please... Don't let the doubters get you down... Mary x
Mary, thank you so much, your words are heaven sent! I received your email too. All we need at times like these, is a few kind words. Kindness is so underrated! Let us put out the intention for all our hard work and creativity to be appreciated, although with my blog reader's kind responses, i'm feeling appreciated already. Thank you x
Your blog is so lovely.
I too am glad read what you have to say about running a business, because it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels this way.
It's hugely rewarding, but often scarey and keeps you just on the border of crazy.
I always hear how wonderful it must be to work for yourself and only work the hours that you want to. I guess that means that I dearly love working 14 hours days?
But on the other hand... if I was working for someone else, I would be longing for the time when I had my own business and trying to figure out how to do it again.
It's how we are.
Dear Thaya,
I just wanted to say thank you so so much for that wonderfully honest post you put up today. It spoke to me so directly. I'm only seven months into owning my business and I cannot believe how constantly full my mind is or how overwhelmed I feel, it's an immense pressure. Your post made me realise that I'm not alone.
Thanks again, and remember, you have built something so very beautiful.
Yours,
Anna
Thank you for all the reassuring and kind words, I feel soothed! I think that watching person after person NOT 'getting' what your shop is about, is perhaps the thing that hurts the most...more than not selling! I take it so personally....because it is personal! I chose those items to sell, I am passionate about them, I went to the four corners of the country to choose that retro cup and this vintage blanket etc etc, and then people hover at the entrance. I have to get over it though, its always going to happen, but thats why my blog readers are so amazing and fantastic....YOU GET IT, or you wouldn;t be following my blog!!!! THANK YOU ALL! xxxxxxxx
Thanks Thaya, I know how you feel. People don't realize how personal a shop can be, and sometimes will say such insensitive things, but we just have to let it slide. There are enough people who will get it, don't even think about those who don't.
It's tough, yes. Salary? Holiday? Hmmm... sounds lovely! The best and worst thing about having a small business is knowing that YOU are responsible for everything. It can be overwhelming, but also liberating sometimes. You can choose how hard you'd like to work, where to spend, and to us creative types, the all important thing is obviously complete artistic control.
I have one tip for people like us. Start feeling grateful for every sale, however small. Really feel grateful, from your heart. It helps attract more.
lots of love
Lynne
PS summer's coming!
Lynne, that was beautiful....that is something that I have never thought to feel...grateful for every sale....truly beautiful. Thank you, that made my day :)
really interesting that you write this right now, when in the back of my mind i'm contemplating something similar. i think you're brave and your shop(s) are beautiful and i would love to come in!!
I remember reading all about starting your own retail store before i opened mine, and the only comments i kept reading by the entrepreneurs were things like, 'you have to keep up the cash flow.' there was NO mention of, keep up the sanity, or Warning-can cause nervous break downs!!! My little shop is irrevocably linked to my emotions because the whole of my heart is in it. I couldn't imagine it being any other way! So i say, go for it J, you never know how you might grow :)
Thanks for posting this! I think one of the hardest things is feeling as if you're the only person who struggles to deal with all this uncertainty; it helps to know that others do too.
I used to sell at a market, but discovered I didn't have the constitution to deal with all the people who just walked past without a glance!
It must have caused you alot of pain, knowing that your whole life is centred around your creations, just to see people not even glancing!! I know the feeling all too well. Knowing that debt is mounting every single day without any sales is my worst. I have never been in debt until now and it has to be one of the worst feelings. Doing grahamstown festival was the worst business decision i've ever made-it cost me my kalk bay shop! But all is hopefully not lost and maybe someday soon, i'll be back there.
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