Riding the Elevator

Part of a business series I am writing for those of you (especially mamas) thinking of starting a handmade business.  Hopefully we can connect soon!  

The Elevator Speech.  

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Ah the 30 seconds, at best that you give it your all.  You sell yourself in less time then it takes to spell your name out loud.  The elevator speech is so so very important as you market your business outside the internets.  

The elevator speech really doesn't need to take place in an elevator but it does have certain components to every time you say it.  

How to recognize the time for the elevator speech opportunity.

1. you are with total strangers

2. you are with people who know you but don't know what you do

3. you have 20 - 30- seconds to answer the question, "what do you do."

4. there is no one to speak "above."

Nuts and Bolts of the Speech

1. who are you?
2. what do you do?
3. how do you do it?
4. when do you do it?
5. why do you do it? 

The basics we learned in 2nd grade.  This is where you are.  You have 20-30 seconds to let someone know how passionate you are about what you create.  Why you spend sleepless nights doing what you do.  And how they can buy your goods (uber importante!).

I am constantly changing my elevator speech.  Every week I evaluate what my speech looks like.  It keeps in me in touch with my business, it affords opportunity for me to dream, and maybe it will show in a sale.  

Right now, #sofour's elevator speech often looks something like this.

Hi I'm Heather.  I sell and blog about my art filled sewn pieces of everyday items that promote a positive message in a bright and colorful way.  You can find my pieces on Etsy, Facebook and by using the hashtag #sofour.  (then the traditional handing of the business card).  

It's not perfect, but right now it is me.  My elevator speech keeps in line with tag line.  It holds true to my branding ideals. This elevator speech can be changed based on my audience - a very important details.  

I have used my elevator speech at the kid's schools, at a recent craft show, at the local cafe - the possibilities of telling people about what you do are infinite.  

As much as the elevator speech is a very important part of your package, what it more important is that your audience leaves interested and inspired.  

The #sofour community would love to hear your speech - share it!  That is the best practice! 

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Business as Usual

Now that the kids are back in school and chaos of everyday life ensues, I find that my creative muscles flex in a more productive way.  I know, I know - that sounds nuts.  But I was the college student who could knock out 40 page papers the night before they were due and sneak away with an A.  There is always a plan behind the madness, but the execution might be last minute.  

It looks extrememely romantic from the sidelines but running a handmade business is hustle.  Behind the scenes of whimsy and wonder are many components you never do see (for real).  

- There are the countless sleepless nights finishing orders, producing product, writing, publishing, and just thinking

- A army of journals follow me wherever I go.  There is one in the car (you never know what strikes you at a red light).  I carry a 2 journals in my bag.  One for business ideas, the other is a gratitude journal where I often write sermon notes or other things to think about.  A legal size notepad hangs on a clipboard in my sewing area.  And at the kitchen family desk area, yet another journal.

  

- Research.  Seriously I am still doing research - just not writing the papers to go with it.  I spend a bit of everyday seeing what other artists are doing.  Reading helpful articles on Etsy.  Sometimes I can be found digging into the trenches of social media to get a pulse on trends.  



- Then there is my love hate relationship with marketing.  I love to brainstorm about it, scared as hell to implement it.  See when you make something and ask people to buy it, you are being judged.  Really, you are asking people to judge you.  Scary.  Extremely vunerable.  But at the same time so fun.  I mean who doesn't like business card design, connecting with people, blogging.  The list goes on and on. 



There are so many exciting converstaions I have with dreamers that want to jump into a handmade business.  I love these convos -- they keep me going.  But in all honesty, you have to love what you do to do this on your own.  It is a ton of hardwork.  A bit of a marriage if you will.  You must love it.  I do.  

Business - what's in a name

What to name a business.  It can back fire or set you into jet fuel propelling.  It is something people agonize over as if they are giving birth to a baby all over again.  

I have been"professionally" sewing for 10+ years.  In that time there have been three business names.  I think each reflects a period of where and why the art was focused. 

First there was "Cotton Kisses".  Cotton Kisses was named after the sweetest yellow lab ever.  She always knew how to love people.  She took care of us.  And I knew as I sewed tote bags to bring home our Russian daughter that she would be the dog to watch over our new baby.  Cotton's Kisses lasted for a few years.  That business raised 10's of thousands of dollars to get the artist home.  It was an opportunity to learn.

Then "Nina Bina" was born.  She was again a result of prayer - a cry for provision for a family and the need to be a Proverbs 31 woman.  Nina Bina was always a happy business.  It was focused on monogram and applique in a time that was perfect.  I loved, loved, loved being a part of special moments in life. But there was an artist part of me that wasn't being fed.  Thankful, just not fed.

September 2013, an idea that had been on my heart for a long time starting to come to fruition.  It was great thanks to a dynamic group of people and once again, prayer.  It has all been a lot of hard work but fun work.  And once again - this Proverbs 31 woman is encouraged.  "So Four" means exactly what it says, so four.  So, I am the mom of four now - that basically means the sky is the limit.  God has pretty much given me some crazy superhero powers.  I am thankful.  

My four are so encouraging.

My four are so loving.

My four are a tight tribe.

My four are a blessing from above.

My four are a gift.

A gift of joy that I hope encourages you in your daily life.

So, when picking a name for a business you might be dreaming of.  Keep it simple.  Keep it close to your heart.  Because after all there can be a million people that do what you do but only one you who will be you.  

I accept the challenge

So July 8th.  Not really that important of a day.  Unless, it's your birthday?  Maybe an anniversary?  Kuddos to you who celebrate July 8th!  

I am going to celebrate July 8th because I'm STARTING a few things.  Honestly, I'm scared to death.  Can't tell you why I fear a list of new projects.  Maybe the fear lies in holding myself accountable to those projects?  I don't know. 

So here I go, I am letting you know my weaknesses, my fears, and my dreams.  Come along as I slap that fear down, and reach even higher for those dreams.  

STARTING today.

- quiet time.  I need it.  God wants me to need it.  There we have found the solution for that hole.  This incorporates getting up before the kids - sign me up I'm ready to chat and (of course) listen God.

- eating.  Simple enough.  I am really good at it.  So what's the problem?  Seems the past three months, I have turned to a stress induced diet of cupcakes and caffeine.  Neither good for my waist line, my kidneys, or my emotions.  So VEGAN it is.  Yup, crazy - isn't wonderful?

- creating.  Very few have seen it.  My stacks of notebooks with never ending ideas.  I am at the point of a creative process where I understand why artists can go nuts.  Hell, I might be nuts.  It is really nuts to take some designs that you hold dear and put them out there.  Like I said, "fear slapper."  With that, I will be putting those designs out there.  

- 13.1 version 2.0.  I am going to beat myself this time and do it with style! 

 - writing.  Transparent. Authentic. Encouraging. Useful. Because it wasn't about me to begin with.  

So follow me on the next 24 days as I become a lab rat in a giant fear slapping experiment.  Want to join me?  Drop a comment.  Let me know what fear you would like to slap as you work towards a goal.  I promise to pray for you. 

We only have one opportunity on this little world - make it count.  

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thankful business

I'm incredibly thankful for my little business.  My wonderful clients help pay for karate, clothes, and sometimes even food.  I get to stay home with my kids and life is good! 

But since the first of the year, business has been more of a burden than a joy.  There is something inside of me festering.  I want so bad to proclaim that I am an artist, maybe even a designer -- it sounds so much more sophisticated that stating, "I sew."

I began to loathe when orders came in.  The worst attitude began to take over.  The creative heart in me began to be replaced with - here we go again.  This is a terrible place to be! Guilt began to set in and my little business became a little burden.  Ugh!  

But then three things happened.  One, I stepped off my pedestal.  For so long I was putting the cart before the horse - or me in front of God.  Two, I began to read the book Quitter.  It really opened my eyes to where God wants me to be and why he has me there.  Three, I looked back over the pictures of the things people have ordered over the past few years and realized something so amazing.  

It is a privilege to do what I do.  A little bit of me gets to be a part of baby showers.  I get to play a role in very important birthdays.  People choose my work to be a part of everlasting photographic memories.  This is a blessing I have overlooked for so long.  What I get to do is a gift, and much more important than a self pictured title.  

So thank you.  Thank you Lord for opening my eyes.  Thank you friends for letting me be a part of your baby's first birthday.  Thank you ladies for letting me welcome your babies into the world.  Thank you grandmother's for letting me send your grand babies to college.  Thank you for letting me be a part of sending your friends off in marriage.  Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives - I am humbled and grateful.  

Creative Me

Art vs. The Entrepreneur

Dear Creativity,

Hello, Hello, Hello........Can you here me?  Creativity, are you listening?  I can not seem to find my way to you lately.  Are you hiding from me, or am I too blind to see you right in front of me?  How can we connect my friend, creativity?  Where can we find a place to meet?  I will come to you if you just give me the details. 

Fondly, 

Heather

I just can not seem to find her lately - the creative me.  There is this place deep down inside that I know she is screaming to get out, but the stresses of life seem to keep her at bay.  It is to the point that she is clawing her way to find it to the top.

I find myself continually putting these limitations on the creative me that seem to keep her doubting herself enough to hide in fear.  Fear of failure.  Fear of being laughed at.  Fear of wasting time.  Fear of wasting resources.  Fear.  Fear is strong. So I let fear win and do nothing at all. 

Limitations pop their ugly head at times when I need them to leave the most.  You know the days that you wish your camera was better.  The desire to have photoshop to format better.  The Thursdays when I would love to have a serger.  Being tired.  Not having the right fabric.  The kids are puking.  Or having to sew something for money.  

Isn’t that crazy?  Don’t I sound ungrateful?  Don’t get my wrong, I love sewing for others - paid or not.  But sometimes I have this fab idea in my head only to not have time on my side.  I have to make the decision between taking care of my family or taking care of my creative nature - one has to loose.  

There has to be some sort of balance between being a Proverbs 31 woman and filling your heart.  Where is that balance?  Do you have any suggestions how this gal can find it again?  

Shop Update - Stocking Stuffers

A great Monday for a shop update! 
Lots of wonderful items for Stocking Stuffers in the Nina Bina Etsy Store. 
Buy three of anything and it ships for free.
Local friends - drop off is always available.  

Ruffled Headbands - no two are alike.
Features a flexible/comfy metal headband and the perfect ruffle.  8 each with 2.50 shipping.  Buy three and free shipping.  These are perfect for mom and daughter.  
Find Headbands here

Also added to the shop - the perfect purse case.  Great as a little wallet, camera case for your purse camera, or to hide girly things in your bag.  Also 8 each with free shipping if you buy three.  Camera Cases found here.

All items shipped with wrapping inside the package.  That way you are all set for the holiday season.  Happy Ruffly Shopping my friends! 

Custom Orders - New Items

Thought I would share some custom pieces that went out to 
Denver today! 

I think they are yummy. 

Tissue Cases - 5-

Zippered Top Ipad Cases 25-

Button Front Ipad Case with Front Pocket 25- 

in Woodstock Paisley

Zippered Top Ipad Case in Confetti Dot 25-

Button Front Ipad Case in Tea Time 25-

Tons of Ruffled Headbands 8- 

Small Zippered Wallets 12-

Large Zippered Wallet 19- 

Jersey Rose 8-

Come Visit THE STORE

Shop Update

I haven't blog all week.  It isn't that I haven't had anything to say.  Those who know me well know that would NEVER happen.  I have just been distracted.  Distracted by a hurricane.  Distracted by earthquakes.  Distracted by fourth grade homework.  Distracted by the cool mornings and calling asphalt.  Most of all, I was pleasantly distracted by the joys of having Ms. P home alone with me!  

Even today, I find myself with some quiet time only to use it watching the wind gently blow the leaves.  Fortunately I was able to find enough guster (or maybe it was the mocha) to update the shop a little.  Much for the anticipated upcoming Christmas Season!  Hope you enjoy!  

The Shop

Its Free!

I have been keeping an eye on the free listings in Craigslist.  I have a short list of things that I need for my boutique display and I am so hoping to find them free.

                                                                               Source: homeroad.net via Heather on Pinterest

1.  3 doors.  Preferable french doors with the glass gone

2. large windows - no glass

3. chicken wire

4. frames - not sure why

5. paint

                                                                              Source: marthastewart.com via S on Pinterest

A weird list.  I am still not sure the product and vision will match but if it is free - hey!

What is really weird in the situation is the things people are offering for free on Craigslist.  Strange to say the least.

Right here you can find used baby formula cans.

Or if you must, who knows why, you can get some broken concrete

Not to mention the 7 running ads for free horse manure.

                                                                              Source: flickr.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

I am still searching for my treasures, but in the meantime I will continue to chuckle at the weirder than me crowd.

Consignment Sales & Monograms

It is consignment sale season.  UGH.  While I love basically trading clothes in for what I bought them for, the tagging, sorting, volunteering, and pinning is for the birds.  I always wait till the last minute too.  Not that I intentionally wait I just can not seem to get it together.  Maybe it is the four kids.  Blame it on the housework.  Perhaps it is the 20+ hours a week sewing.  Writing this blog takes time too.  Excuses, excuses, excuses.  Somehow I always manage to get it done.  

One call I always get during consignment sale season is - "Can you take the monogram out of this?".  The answer varies.  Corduroy fabric - no!  Cotton, as long as it doesn't have texture - yes!  Nylon - no!  Fleece, Terry cloth, minky dot - no way!  Jersey - don't think so!

But wait!  All is not lost.  Grab your great deals, wrong monogram and all, and think outside the box.  Applique is your answer!  There are tons of great applique designs that can cover the past monogram and still give you tons of boutique cuteness at a fraction of the price.  Even think about getting an applique patch added to your item with a monogram on that fabric.  

So buy your goodies, and bring them by.  I will work my magic and you will leave happy!  It will still save your budget!