Busy, busy, busy!

So much for writing before bed, sorry guys!

Do you ever get the feeling that you're constantly busy but then never have anything to show for it? That is the definition of my life at the moment. I can't believe it's been six days since I've written on here! Looking back over my diary it's mostly been volunteering or paperwork taking up my time.

Facebook Insights

I had a meeting with my Enterprise adviser this afternoon. She was quite impressed with my book-keeping but gave me a friendly reminder that working a fifteen hour day is too much. Oops! :-) We drafted up an invoice so I can start chasing customers who owe money and she's given me information on how to work out  my weekly hours. I turn 25 at the weekend so first thing Monday morning I can apply for Working Tax Credits. I'm not very happy with my Facebook insights this week so I'm going to re-read all my research on how to boost your business.

I don't really have much else to report back on today. Money is pretty tight so I'm not able to finish any products at the moment. I have lots of prepped items though so hopefully once I have a few more parts I can get loads of new goodies up on Etsy! If you haven't visited my shop yet then make sure you go check it out! :-) www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteFairyShop Jxx

Research day

3.30pm - I've decided that today I'm going to research how better my Etsy.com shop and boost my customer database online. Figured it was best to do it now while everything is fairly new and quiet. Plus if I get into better habits now then it's less to go back over to improve. I skimmed over the Facebook Page 'Steps to Business Success' last night but most of it was pushing the Facebook Ads which I can't really afford right now. Yes you have to spend money to make money but business cards and materials are slightly higher up the priority list right now!

Will update you on my finds before I go to bed so watch this space! :-) Jxx

Low Week

The annoying thing about living with depression is you never really know if/when you will ever relapse. For me it tends to be big changes in circumstances around me. Apparently I can't take criticism from my family too well either because someone called my business a hobby and I've been in a grump ever since. Usually I'm great at taking constructive criticism but the feeling of lack in faith of my abilities has got to me. I realise they're probably just concerned about my financial status but still, family are meant to support you through thick and thin!

Logo designed by Andy at Rustic Snail

On a brighter note - MY LOGO IS FINISHED! I absolutely love it, it's so perfect! I've spent today trying to design a suitable business card but so far haven't found a layout that I like. I was still in a bit of a mood today though so going to try again tomorrow. I emailed my Business Adviser to show her the logo and tell her about my self doubts and she made me feel heaps better. Fingers crossed for a good work day tomorrow! Jxx

Becoming a blogger!

Any of my regular followers out there will already be aware that this is my second attempt at becoming a blogger. Turns out I wasn't great at updating my activities on line so I have decided to try again using a different technique - carry a paper diary to jot down my thoughts and post them when I get a chance. I'm not going to transfer all my posts from the previous site, instead I'll give you all a brief update on myself and then hopefully I'll get into the habit of writing to you all on a day to day basis.

My certificate from The Prince's Trust

To any new followers out there, hello and thank you for visiting my page! You haven't missed a great deal, I'm basically just another stereotypical statistic. I'm 24 years old and since leaving university two years ago have decided to turn a hobby into my own business as being on job-seekers was really starting to spark off my depression. I work with an Enterprise Adviser through Avanta - one of those referral places and I have completed The Prince's Trust Explore Enterprise Course. To anyone who is considering starting their own business I would definitely recommend the course, it's tough but well worth it! 

I've always been keen on making crafty things for as long as I can remember. My mum is always doing some sort of knitting or cross stitch so I guess that's were I get it from. 

My sock monsters

I started my business with sock monsters then started playing around with new designs, for example, making mini monsters and turning them into key rings. I've recently started making fish shapes out of socks and stuffing them with catnip as a cat toy range. 

So far working as a sole trader has been pretty hard but hopefully I'll get my head around it better soon! Jxx

Who-Ray

I first met the owners of Who-Ray about a year ago. I was running a 'Books For Free' shop in Stockton for Healthy Planet ( a London based charity that I volunteer for) and one of the guys was a regular. On one of his visits he mentioned that he ran a Doctor Who themed shop that was located just around the corner from where I was based.

On my first visit there I completely fell in love with the place. As you walk in you're met with a gorgeous aromatherapy smell and relaxation music. On one side of the shop is the 'girly' products, homely gifts, incense etc. The other side hosts film and TV memorabilia; bags, figurines, mugs, general merchandise. It's one of those places that you feel instantly welcome, at home in and that you've known for years.

Crochet Snail.

I'd visited Martin and Brian a few times before I became a supplier. We were discussing handmade products and I mentioned that I enjoy knitting and crocheting soft toys. Martin said he would love a basket full of something similar on the counter but all the patterns I follow are from books so due to copyright I didn't feel right selling these items. I also showed him a photo of my sock monsters which again he loved!

Since becoming a supplier I feel that I have developed a very strong relationship with both Martin and Brian. We frequently work together on how best to serve the current demands and they are fantastic on pointing out how to get a more professional edge that I need.

To Martin and Brian, thank you so much for your help and support so far! I wouldn't be where I am without you! :-) Jxx