Busy Summer

Although I've been very quiet online, I've been sewing like crazy and working on business growth. As far as the blog goes, I felt like I had gotten very stale and needed a break. So I've concentrated on living my life rather than writing about it.

Annarella Girl has moved into a new space in on the square in Georgetown, "Little Loft." This children's boutique is upstairs in the new location of "The Exchange" which is now on 7th St opposite the courthouse. The boutique is an innovative combination of really. really gently used clothes (wait until you see the brands she has) and new handmade items. If you're in town, you must check this out. I think you'll make it a regular stop for kids clothing and gifts.

Last night my favorite photographer, Sarah Havard, stopped by "Little Loft" to take some pics of AG clothes. Here is a sneak peek of what she does so well.

 She really makes my clothes look good. Of course, Johanna, the model, also makes the dresses and headbands beautiful. She was a trooper with all the clothing changes and posing. What a joy to work with.

On another note, I've been one of the featured sellers on www.cheepboutique.com.

White onesies with attached skirt and a matching headband for $18. With free shipping for additional savings. There are 6 different fabric combinations from which to choose. Swing on by ane check out Cheep Boutique. I'll be there until July 31st.

Yes, I've been busy, but I'm balancing it with family and friend time this summer. I have a hard time keeping baklance between work and relaxation. Like so many others, I feed my self-worth with work and the recognition it brings to me. My goal this summer is to like myself even when I'm playing or doing nothing. Maybe I'll make some progress this season.

After the Break

Last week was a very weird week. Two Mondays, two Fridays and a short weekend in the middle. That's what it felt like. Good thing noone was giving me an orientation test. I never would have been able to tell the questioner what day of the week it was.

Despite my confusion  the business took some foward steps. I firmed up a presentation for Cheep Boutique, a new trend in internet shopping. They give the smaller businesses a forum to present a product for less than retail in an effort to increase the customer base. I'm trying out my onesies with a matching headband. It will run in a couple of weeks. I'll let you know when.

I've been freestyling some new clor combinations with an autumn vibe. Tell me what you think.

longer skirt with thin waistband and bottom ruffle

dress in greens and pink great for back to school

See you all tomorrow.

Business Challenges

For a short few months Annarella Girl was proud to be a part of Snickelbritches, a gift boutique in Temple, Texas. Last week it closed. Why? For the resons that effect many small shops. It was a one woman business. In retail with the long hours it is almost impossible to not burn out if you are doing it without help. I am sad. For over a year and a half  I've been bouncing around from shop to shop without a permanent home. Most have closed because of the challenges which have led to burnout for the owners. Sad and frustrating. Every time it happens I have to pull up my big girl panties and continue on. I'm waiting now to hear from a brand new store in Salado and a popular store in Waco. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

In the meantime I'm updating my etsy site with new onesies, dresses and headbands. Don't be shy. Stop in for a look. I'll be adding new items daily.

From My Porch

During these soft summer days I spend lots of time on my back porch watching Butler, admiring the flowers, listening to the birds and thinking. Here are some of my randomness.

If it makes me happy, is it  work? I spend 7 days a week sewing. It's not the only thing I do; but whenever I can grab an hour or 8, I am happily creating dresses, headbands, onesies etc. Outsiders call it work and wonder how I can spend so much time working. I call it joy and canspend endless hours doing what makes me happy.

Grammy camp opens this week. This year I'd like to keep my 3 grandchildren engaged in fun activities. No more endless computer games or other electronic exercises. I'm thinking cooking, photography, art, moviemaking and so on. Anyone have some suggestions? Kids range from 6-12.

Soon I'll be spending some time with girlfriends. Starting with about 6 days with college mates. We all lived together in dorms for about 3 years. Coming of age in the 60's. There were lots of good times. Can't wait to catch up with their life stories. Then 3 days with my beach buddies. We met as young mothers and supported each other through child-raising, marriage challenges, and now retirement. whew, what a ride!!! I'm looking forward to interesting conversations filled with laughter and love with both groups.

Finally, what do you think of fashion trucks? A pop-up boutique? Would an idea like this work for Annarella Girl and Mama D's? I have a dream. Anyone want to join a discussion about this?

Blog Limp

Can't download pictures
Barely able to open blog
Help is on its way
Finally
How long to being healthy
Technically?

No forward this week
Like a runner jogging in place at a busy corner
Not losing ground but gaining
No forward

Be back as soon as possible.

Etsy Day

Today I have several things I need to post to etsy. I neglect my etsy store much too much. Those in the know, successful etsy shop owners, advise anyone who wants to be successful through this tool to post often. It keeps your name in the first few pages. I know this is good advice, why don't I follow? Ahh, one of the mysteries of my business!! One of the mysteries of my psyche!

Posting today.

Blogging for Business...Continuing the Conversation

After I posted last night, I realized I'd omitted part of my thoughts. So here goes with some more.

My premise that readers and fans would be interested in my process and thoughts is based on more than conceit. I am fascinated by what makes people tick, what makes up people's stories. I firmly believe that there are only so many personality taits but the combination of emotions, intellect, personality is what produces each unique individual. And I want to know how this impacts each person's life, especially their creative life. I find each story inspiring. I find each story amazing. Everyone has a story, and I want to hear it.

Whether it be a painter's painting, a writer's writing, a songwriter's songs, a designer's design, an actor's role  or a singer's song, I want to know what their voice is, how they choose to express it, and why they create what they do. I assume that many others want to share in the same knowledge. So that's why I write out my thoughts and think some might be interested in them. They are part of my uniquiness and part of my art.

Some artists don't want to share their thoughts; they want the audience to approach it without prejudice. I, on the other hand, want to share my voice, because it further clarifies it for myself. I don't work well in a silent vaccumn. Like I just said, we are all different. Through blogging I get to talk to my audience, sorry for that, sharing bits and pieces of me, the ordinary, the creative, the story of me. 

Blogging Business Part 2

I had an interesting discussion with a family member about my previous "blogging for business" post. He didn't think it was an effective business tool. Rather it was more of a personal diary of my thoughts and opinions. So I shouldn't expect a larger audience for such personal ramblings.

Maybe there are more of you out there who wonder the same why. My expectation for the blog was/is that my audience will grow because people want to know me better, people want to know more about what I am doing, people would want to know what my creative process is. When someone is buying a dress or onesie, they are buying a little piece of me. Is that creepy? I hope not. Every article I create contains a bit of my imagination, my sensibility, my creativity, my love of color, my love of pattern, my joy in construction. Each one has a uniqueness because it is handmade which involves slight nuances of differences.

Does any of this make sense? Am I further befuddling the issues  or clarifying? Perhaps my beginning premise is invalid? Maybe there is little interest in the artisan? Maybe I am the only one who considers my pursuit as an artistic one? Questions, questions questions. Thanks for letting me spew it out. Thanks for listening as I try to wrap my brain around what I am doing and why. It really is all part of my moving forward artistically and business-wise in 2012.

Blogging for Business

Some of you may be surprised to find out that this blog was started over 4 years ago to extend the reach for an audience for Annarella, a retail design, gift and art gallery. That business got caught in the economic crunch coupled with some personal problems and closed 3 years ago. The blog ontinued as I turned to Annarella Girl as a full time endeavor, but the intent remained the same - to use it as a tool to develope new customers while keeping old customers in the loop with what was happening. This year it has become more personal with my thoughts and stories of my life as well as the business. Periodically I visit it with the idea of how it is contributing to the business. The last few weeks I've been looking at this angle.

Conclusions. It doesn't work as a business tool. I'm not sure why, but I've never been able to capture even a small audience. Lots of people try it out. Read it once or twice, but then drop it. As far as I can tell few readers recommend it to others. Few other bloggers link to it from their blogs. One notable exception is Susan @ magnolias end who has been a cheerleader from the early days. (Go to the highlighted link for her blog. I love her wise and gentle voice. It uplifts me, and frequently informs me.)

I've tried different approaches to see if I cans register an improvement in my stats. Seldom do I have a noticeable uptick in readership or comments. I'm left with several possibilities. First, I'm not saying anything that is of interest to others, family excluded. I'm not informative rather I'm opinion based and there are so many blogs out there who can offer those with much better writing and observations. Although I do write about what I'm doing with Annarella Girl, now that I have a business page on Facebook, it seems redundant to blog about it, too. So I'm left with wondering what to do. Do I continue in the same unproductive vein? Or do I try to re-invent the blog, again? I have more thinking to do. Although blogging has been good for my mental health, I need to make the best use of time and effectiveness for my business tools.

Any insights you may have are welcome. What has worked for you? How is the best way to move forward?

Sharing

Yesterday I shared 2 blogs that I absolutely love. (There's that word again. Do you think I'm overusing it?) A friend sent me the link for a new website she had found and thought I might like and find useful. As I continue to work on setting up a group of like-minded artistisans and crafters to inspire me and help me grow my creative business, I am constantly reading stories of people who are successful looking for hints that fit me. I think this new website is a good one. It is called "Smart, Creative Women". Doesn't that say a mouthful in 3 short words? Founded by Monica Lee, an illustrator and fabric designer, she wants to crafters and artists. Her mission is to "inspire, learn, grow." So she is interviewing artists with strong creative businesses. She hopes to capture the "determination, daring and spark" that makes them successful. I look forward to learning from this incredible series. Her first interview is with Cori Dantini - funny and smart.

Tonight is the follow-up meeting for the beginning group of supportive crafters. I'm excited. There is a lot of work ahead, but I hope there is enough enthusiasm to make the tedious fun. I'd like to see a name come out tonight and also some sense of structure and immediate goals. Wishing us luck and good discussion.

Don't forget if you want another dose of me - www.facebook.com/annarellagirl

Price-less

Recently received a comment on face book that my dresses are too expensive. A fan responded that people often don't understand or value the time and work that goes into making my dresses. This is a long time discussion among crafters and consumers. In truth creative types most often undervalue their work. They tend to make sure they cover materials, but they don't  charge a working wage for the time spent creating.This is one reason it is so difficult to make a living from art and the handmade. This is why stores like Target, Walmart, JCP have almost all of their goods made abroad where an hourly wage is $1.50 or even less.

It's an ongoing problem. Do I make a shoddier product with less quality in materials and workmanship? That would take less money in materials and less time to produce. I could cover cost plus make more than $4 an hour. Whoo whoo! Sorry a bit sarcastic. But I really don't know sometimes. I love the process of creating. Into every garment I put some of my artistic voice. I hate the idea of not being proud of my workmanship. I want my pieces to be around for several hand me downs. I want them to be sturdy. So I try to walk the fine line between being affordable yet valuing my work and making a bit of money.

sundress $42

One of my long term dreams is to support a very simple lifestyle with Annarella Girl. I'm working hard this year to explore avenues in that direction.  I will continue to struggle with pricing. But I think I can't change my mind about quality; I have to be proud of what I'm doing.

What are your thoughts on the whole pricing issue? How do you artists and artisans out there handle the issues? Is it possible for most creative businesses to make money?

The Birth of a Cooperative

Last night a dozen diverse women met over drinks and snacks to discuss their creative businesses and the possibility of joining forces. Wow! So many ideas and so much energy as we discovered that we had a lot in common although our creations went in many different directions.

Our ultimate dream for the co-op was very consistent - to have a retail gallery space with workrooms or studios and teaching space. All wanted a permanent place where work could be displayed and sold. Icing on the cake would be to have room for working. As a group they thought it was very important to be able to teach classes - both in their crafts and in business. Quite a big dream, but listening to the free flow of ideas and the energy of these ladies I don't doubt that it is possible.

For now we agreed to begin to explore the nuts and bolts of forming a co-op. You know the dry stuff - the structure, the by-laws, etc. But everyone seems to be willing to share that work which will make it go quickly and smoothly.

So this morning as I sit alone in front of my computer I feel like I'm sharing my space with a dozen supportive voices.

Forward.

Slice of Cantelope

This morning's dawn had a brief cantelope hue. Love that saturated golden orange! I'm fascinated by the different tints in every dawn. Constantly changing from minute to minute, day to day. Sort of like life. One never knows when or where that slice of cantelope is going to appear. I'm trying to learn to pause and deeply appreciate those flashes.

Working on a different group of colors and patterns. I thought I might be a little crazy when they all came together, but below you can see an almost finished jumper. I find it appealing. Soft and crisp mixed. Envision it over a red, cream or black top and leggings. For the girl who twirls to a different drummer. When it is done and photograped I think you'll fall in love with it, too.

Yesterday had a meeting with Shannon from Simply By Shannon. She was full of tips about facebook. Thanks to her my Annarella Girl page is easier to find. www.facebook.com/annarellagirl My head is spinning with all that she had to pass on. You'll probably notices new things as I process all her tips.

Fellow creators ar incredibly generous with their tips, time and advice. Tonight is the gathering of a group of creative types to meet each other and gauge if we can profit (monetarily, creatively, emotionally wise) by sharing our resources and ideas. Sounds exciting!!!

Forward to another productive day.

Friday the 13th

Are you superstitious? I'm not, or at least not too much. So Friday the 13th is pretty much another day, nothing special or bad luck. Morning started with a glorious red to pink sunrise. Then I proceeded next to a coffee with a friend. She's been helping me with the formation of a craft coop. So far, no bad luck only good.

The craft group is having its first meeting this coming week. I'm exciting, curious and a tiny bit apprehensive. This is a social as well as business get together. A get to know each other. A chance to see what everyone crafts. An opportunity to share dreams. If it all works out we will emerge with a core group who want to grow their business, And goals to do that. I'll fill you in after Wed.

Made two additions to my etsy shop yesterday. (heck out etsy sidebar.) I will do some more over the weekend. Also delivered some of the new headbands to Diva Chicks. Rocking along.For the moment seem to be striking a good balance between sewing, my first love and preferred activity, and taking care of business.

Enjoy your Friday the 13th. Have a joyful day!!!

Multi Tasking, Small Business Style

Have you seen the commercial with Dave about the many roles a small business owner has. He's on the phone, meeting customer, making coffee, and fixing the printer. In other words those who run small businesses find them selves doing all the chores from cleaning to marketing.

Well, it's not just the people who multi task.

By day, a conference table

By night, an ironing board

Hanging rack and, oh right, a hanging rack. For a few weeks a year it is a stationary bike, but that is a short life. lol

What objects in your home do you find having more than one function?

Word of 2012

Kelly Rae Roberts is n inspiration. Somehow she manages to run a very successful creative business while being the mother of an adorable toddler boy, daughter and wife. She spends considerable time teaching and sharing via her e courses and blog. I've learned so much from her. I'm in awe of her energy. Love her words and thoughts.

On her blog she has posted her word for 2012. INNOVATE.

"Innovation means creative thinking, trying on new ways of considering everything and turning every thought upside down, sideways, and so on until an aha hits, until an idea emerges, until inspiration fosters movement."

I don't know about you, but I find this to be a wonderful thought for 2012. It reminds me that it is okay to return to a problem, idea or design over and over, worrying it like a dog with a bone. I don't know which time I will find that aha thought. And often it is not a mega-watt light bulb moment, but a lighting of flickering votives lighting the way, leading to movement.

So I'm going to make INNOVATE one of my words of 2012. This excites me. I think it is a good inspiration for business planning and clothing designing.

What word will you use as a guide in 2012?

Don't forget to go to my new Annarella Girl facebook page. You could be the proud winner of an Annarella Girl headband if you like me and/or comment.

Winding Down, Gearing Up

My holiday is over. The last chick flew out of the nest this morning. Actually we had the gift of an extra day as his scheduled flight was cancelled yesterday. Today he took off, and as I write this is almost home.

Now I'm faced with loads of wash, mounds of used sheets and towels, lots of ironing, undecorating and a strong urge to get back to sewing. So as the Christmas mode winds down, my fingers itch to create new dresses.

After longhorn orange and sooner red (see pajama bottoms in previous post), I want to work with blues, yellows and pinks. I am inspird by gardens - flowers, butterflies and birds.  After my week at the beach, I have lots of shells  that call out to me with their soft palettes of grays, pinks and golds. Don't be surprised to see some clothes in those colors.

New designs!! The buttoned strap jumper. A mid-length skirt. Onesie with a longer skirt. These should look great in spring and summer fabrics.

My new year's creative energy soars. Next comes meetings with crative buddies to plan marketing and selling opportunities. Lots of thoughts running through my brain. Welcoming 2012.

Warm Weekend Thoughts

I banished whiney Ellie into the corner. Today sunny Ellie is back. Yes, we're expecting a marvelous weekend and week to come. Maybe Pauxetawny Phil was right. Here comes spring. Loving it!

So disappointed about rejection from Renegade Craft Fair last week Frustrated by not knowing why. I shot off an email to ask and, lo and behold, someone replied. What great people they are. They really do care about providing a successful marketplace for the artisan. They are concened with keeping handmade alive and self suficient. So back to what they said. They suggested that I was not a mature artist - in craft not years. My clothes are too busy and unfocused. I need to learn to edit my point of view. While I'm not sure I agree - after all my idea is to create a profusion of colors and designs, but it sounds like that is not what is seen. Perhaps it is bad photography. Do I need to show the clothes on girls? Show how they translate into fun. Or maybe I do need to tone it down. For now I'm going to think about their advice. I know I'm not a good editor of my own work. (Just read my blog!) I can't thank them enough for answering my email. That alone is a validation of my efforts. I need to explore my voice. Should I change what I'm doing? Or do they just not get it? The answer is probably a bit of both.

Here's another look at the madras collection. Its a great reminder that warm weather is coming. Of course, all these dresses look adorable over a tee and leggings during the winter. I've started uploading some new stuff on my etsy store. Look at the etsy sidebar on this blog. I'll be adding more all next week.

Enjoy a loving weekend. Be kind to one another.

Lessons

First day of school in my neck of the woods. The youngest grandchild starts kindegarten. Where has the time flown? I can't wait to hear how his day and that of his big brother, 2nd grade, and big sis, 5th grade, go.



I learned a few lessons this weekend in Corpus Christi. And not easy ones. I went expecting a big successful and slunk out with a huge failure. Luckily being with Mama Ds I could review it all with Jennifer D. So by the arrival home I'd decided quitting was not the answer (and by Sunday afternoon I was ready to just shuck it all.). But I think I have it in perspective now. A big thanks to Jennifer D.


Why such a dismal show for me? Mama Ds had lots of sales even though her sales were off about 1/3 from last year. It felt like the slow economy had finally hit there. That are depends on tourism and the oil industry. While not subject to oil on the beaches the Gulf oil spill has made people stay away from the Gulf shores and workers in the oil business very aware of the fragility of their incomes. So all the customers were very cautious with their purchases and orders.

Children, children children, bless their hearts. Shopping is hard on them. We had quite a few falling apart in our booth. (And I don't blame them, sometimes shopping makes me want to cry!) This makes it very difficult for the Moms. Impossible to make a choice with a crying toddler pulling at you. Or refusing to try something on. If you were one of these moms, please email or call me. I'll be able to send you pics of what you were looking at.

On the plus side I met some great people. Got lots of positive comments. And some very good suggestions which I'll be looking into this week. Oh well, in this business you never know what to expect. Good show, bad show. So I'm not quitting. Gonna try to learn as much as possible from this to improve my business and move on.

PS. If you want to send me some love and encouragement, itwould be a welcomed hug.

Blogs for Thoughts, continued

A friend, Susan, write a personal blog, http://www.atmagnoliasend.blogspot.com/, which is about her life and random thoughts. Her voice is gentle and insightful. a true reflection of her. In the last month she has written several posts that have really resonated with me.

First she did a mid-year review of her personal goals for the year. What a super job she is doing at keeping her resolutions moving forward. Have you been able to progress in self growth or business growth? I decided it was a good time to take account of my goals and plan follow-up for the last quarter of 2010.

Businesswise, 1.I've worked on using the internet better with changes on my blog. Goal - want to start a newsletter for Mama D and me. 2.Found a new home with Mama D's which gives me a chance to attend more shows in Texas. (By the way, the next one is in Corpus Cristie, Aug 20-22.) Had a great time at The Wilmington Flower Market in May!!! 3. Have acquired 2 part time assistants to help with computer work and sewing. Hooray!

Personally, trying to find more balance - all work, no play make me very dull. Hence you've seen here more time with grandchildren and children. And more time with friends. Getting out for lunch, dinner or just a cup of coffee at least once a month. It doesn't sound like much but for me, the driven hermit, it's an improvement; and it does make me feel better. Stay tuned I want to add some physical activity next quarter.

Spiritually, I'm trying to live my best life possible - always learning and stretching. I find the current mean spiritedness as seen on reality TV, news sites, on internet blogs really, really distressing. So I'm working on being positive, not petty, and celebrating all the good events and good people I know. Click here for one woman's 90 day journey to being less negative. Also, read Susan's blog for her cheery take on life. The blog was part of her new year goals. Congrats on a success.

So, how would your mid-year review be? I suspect most of you are moving forward in a positive manner. Share your proud accomplishments - business or personal. Keep up the good work!!!

PS. a small look at the owl apron dress as promised.