Getting Closer, Anxiety on the Rise

My anxiety is certainly on the rise. Six days to the opening of the store and my appearance at my first craft show. Putting myself "out there" is a giant step for me. Too many unknowns, so I am mustering all of the strength that I can.

Preparing for both the store and the craft show has caused me to enter worlds, of which I know NOTHING. I am a poster child for how quickly someone can learn when faced with an authentic need.

I have a basic understanding of technology and no experience with programming or creating a website. Thank goodness for experts who do! I could not have even begun to tack this task without a program that provided a template for me to use. Even with the template, I found that trial and error became my go-to learning strategy. When I hit a dead end, I was rescued by hitting the help button and doing my best to capture my problem in words. Each time I sent in a problem, I was helped by someone, half my age, proving that age has little to do with knowledge or skills. If it did, I would be a genius! I have gained more of a technology vocabulary during the creation of the website that I have in all of the classes and workshops that I have ever attended.

As an attendee at craft shows, I thought I had a sense of what it took to bring items to sell at these shows. I anticipated hauling and long days. I was gearing myself up for the scrutiny of shoppers, but I did not think much beyond that. Who knew about registration costs, one day or multiple day shows, branding, advertising, displays, credit card receivers, tax permits... the list goes on and on. I have a totally different view and appreciation for those who provide others with the opportunity to shop for handmade items. 

Recently, all of us have heard of the closing of shopping centers and many smaller retail stores. We have all turned to mega stores to meet our shopping needs. These closings along with my recent experiences are prompting me to spend a little more time searching for those small businesses who will provide a more personal touch to the shopping experience. My research has lead me to so many wonderful artists and craft creators! 

Breathing deeply,

Chris