top: wildfox
jeans: forever 21
bag: c/o chicwish
shoes: keds
Lately I have been trying to refocus on my priorities. Do you ever feel that sometimes you just need a bit of a change in the direction you were headed? I feel like I have been letting one of my main priorities (that being design) slip into the background a little bit and for some reason have been letting this handmade stuff shine brighter. Why... I'm not sure. Maybe I just enjoy letting creativity come out in any way possible. At the same time though, I can't forget that I have a career to uphold.
I think that over the past year I have been wanting the wrong things for myself. Dreaming that maybe one day I could make a bigger business out of my handmade stuff. It only just recently hit me that that's not what I need to be trying to do. I've realized that any type of handmade business is definitely hard work. There is so much competition, an over-saturated marketplace, and the amount of time I spend creating things just in hopes of making (what?) $20? .... It has stopped making sense to me. I commend everyone who has the dedication to turn their handmade creations into a career.
I've been a little lost after the slight downfall of my previous company. Instead of creating something new and trying to excel at it, maybe I just need to refocus on what I have already built, and make that even better. I've done it before, and I can do it again. I just need to remember to not get wrapped up in all of these other little projects and make design my top priority once again. It is who I am, and it is what I know. Sometimes life gives us a little kick in the butt to set us back on the right track.
Just some semi-intellectual thoughts to start your Monday off! Have you ever started a project and realized it's not what you should be doing?
p.s. I have a bunch of sponsor spots that opened up and others that are opening up in a few days. You can use code BYEJULYSM to take 50% off all small ad spots, and BYEJULY to take $5 off any other size spot... Until tomorrow only!
you shouldn't wonder, just go ahead and open your own bussiness cus your stuff are GREAT <3 and i'm sure that you're able to do is succefully.
ReplyDeletei have same bag like you and i love colour of your pants <3
http://coeursdefoxes.blogspot.com/
I definitely get this problem from time to time, I find myself focussing too much on something that won't get me anywhere fast, and letting what should be my top priorities slip into the background.
ReplyDeleteThat said, your handmade creations are pretty gorgeous so it must be very easy to do! Maybe one day you'll be able to find a way to mass produce them quicker.. or even sell the designs to your handmade gifts and make a career out of it that way?
Have fun refocussing x
love that bag and i think i need it. ;)
ReplyDeletep.s. i always appreciate your honest thoughts. you articulate them so well. :)
Cute bag but I love those shoes!What color are your nails?
ReplyDeletemint with white polka dots :)
DeleteHey Dana! For some reason, when I'm on your homepage, I don't see any sponsor ads other than asap, romwe, and sheinside.
ReplyDeleteOnce I click to comment, all of the ads appear... but on your actual main screen, they aren't there.
Have you heard of this problem before? Just didn't want it to be a problem for you when people do want to sponsor your page.
Much love!
Allie
xo
that's strange... what browser are you using? is it outdated?
Deletei haven't heard of this happening... besides fro about a week ago when Passionfruit was down for a couple days.
I'm using Explorer at work. I can check my Mac at home though and see if it's any different.
DeleteIt could be just me but I thought maybe you'd want to know :)
You look so pretty and the backdrop of your pictures is STUNNING!!
ReplyDeletehttp://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
I love your bag ♥ And the photos are lovely.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with re-focusing but be sure that what you end up doing is what you love doing!
ReplyDeleteP.s. love the pics!!!
love this look and all of the colors! and your nails rock! xo
ReplyDeleteHi! I just tried to submit a small sponsor ad, but the coupon code didn't work. Or does the $20 already reflect 50% off? If not feel free to reject the ad and I'll try it again.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and other sites! Everything is so dreamy and soft. I love it. <3
hmm, you're right. i'm looking into it now
Deleteomg i'm an idiot and made it "BUY" instead of "BYE". Try again ;)
DeleteAwesome, thank you ;-)
DeleteLyndsay
I think its great to find focus on anything you love, who knows maybe you will go back to handmade (since you are amazing at it!), but just to get your creative fix with design is what you need and are passionate about right now.
ReplyDeleteAs artists we have so many passions and are lucky to be able to go after them in any way our soul needs it to feel fulfilled, so go after whatever your heart and soul want =)
i love your shoes and bag. i'm a lover of keds, so i spot them easily.
ReplyDeleteand you are describing here exactly why i couldn't do etsy. i tried knitting and selling it there and i can't do it.
<3 katherine
of corgis and cocktails
I know exactly what you mean, I'm the queen of procrastination when it comes to focusing on projects. Easily distracted, can start four other things before I've even finished one! Hope you get your motivation back soon, your designs are lovely :)
ReplyDeleteKatie x
http://itstimetobefearless.blogspot.co.uk/
i could definitely see you doing something awesome with all your handmade stuff. refocusing is a good thing!
ReplyDeletehttp://romanticallychallenged.net
Maybe it's because I'm young, but I'm always confused on what I want to do for a profession. I love fashion, and music, but I also want to do something that will help people.
ReplyDeletea stylist helps people :)
Deletereally lovely outfit :D
ReplyDeleteyou are so gorgeous, I love the natural neutrals and the brights together!
ReplyDelete- blog.andrealamo.de
Love the outfit!! I understand what you mean, I've been in a similar situation myself, trying to revamp my items and letting things take a backseat, but not having a valid reason why. I guess every now and then we have to sit back and look at what's going on and reevaluate things. All of your work is awesome!! No matter which way you go, you're doing a great job! Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Kelli
loveshappyhour
oh girl, i'm definitely in the same boat of just setting my priorities back together. and i know the downfalls of working hard trying to make something work, when it's really not what i should be doing. i hope you are in better spirits today. i know that once you have a clear focus, you will rock the world!
ReplyDeletep.s. you look absolutely adorable! loving this simple look :)
xo TJ
love, LOVE those sneakers!
ReplyDeletegrace
http://herumbrella.com
Girl you are rocking those bright pants.
ReplyDeleteI understand where you're coming from, but if you can swing it, do both design & homemade goods! Do what you love and everything else will fall into place. :)
dana...so proud of you for seeing what does and doesn't work and realizing that though lots of things are fun to do and dream about, not all are practical for paying the bills and "winning the bread."
ReplyDeletejust bought a small ad from you. thanks, dear.
Hi dana im new here but I take my time to read some of your post and this hit me in the face its exactly what im feeling now! I hope to tell us what conclusions you came by the way your blogs inspire me quite strangely I felt like you lately.
ReplyDeleteHi Dana! I haven't been on your blog for aaaages! just thought I'd pop by and everything's changed! Loving the new blog look (even if it's not new ;) it's lovely!)
ReplyDeleteI often have feelings that I should do something else as I know needle felting little characters can only get me so far, but I'm so in love with what I do, I could never put it aside. I admire those who can create in a profitable way. As long as it feels right, then that's all that matters :)
I keep meaning to apply for one of your sponsor spots but I'll have to get my head around the graphics side of it first :)
Loving your blog all over again! Will be back soon! :) x
I'm always wondering if I'm headed down the right path. Like you I'm questioning the whole handmade thing. It seems better suited as a hobby and the extra cash it brings in is just a bonus. If design is what you love then stick with that!!
ReplyDeleteI love your photos! They all have such a dreamy feel!
-Amanda
www.youngbrokeandmarvelous.blogspot.com
It's like you took this thought right out of my head. I feel exactly how you do and it's hard to focus. I want to do so many things, but sometimes you have to put some things on the back burner for a bit..
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous, and I love that bag! I hope you get motivated again soon. Good luck with whatever it is you choose to do :)
ReplyDelete- Rhiannon
laviedelamourx.blogspot.com
Dana, you have got a beautiful blog. I feel that when we lose our focus and passion in any activity, or when a particular activity wears us down, it is time to rethink that big question : Should I change track ? Anything that doesn't give us joy or confidence has to be questioned , I feel.
ReplyDeleteI wish that you will be able to get your answers soon and do what gives you the utmost confidence.
have a nice day !
It can be so hard to admit that maybe we're moving in the wrong direction. I hate to do it because I feel like a failure. You're crazy talented and I know your design work will be as successful as ever :).
ReplyDeleteyour design work is so lovely :) I'm sure it will bring a great sense of freedom to focus on that. Then maybe your creativity will flow easier in the other areas too! There's nothing worse than doing something creative because you feel you HAVE to.
ReplyDeletewishing you all the best :)
-Katie
http://loverlysheblog.com
Great denim!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit :) xxx
ReplyDeletehttp://jeminixlife.blogspot.com