It’s Talk It Out time! So why don’t we get started and discuss a little something that I think has value this week — the importance in focusing on smaller batches, less is more thinking, the trend of being small and being happy with it. Of course, big isn’t always overbearing but not everyone is cut out for a life of extreme scheduling and pressure. I’m no Martha, I would hate to have every second scheduled and feel that I’d be almost a product and no longer a person. There was a trend not too long ago that made everyone feel like less isn’t enough and more isn’t enough either, you need more than more, bigger than big, in fact you need world domination to be truly happy. Your life needed to be pimped and super-sized in order to have value. Your title defined who you are and who you will become. You don’t need a title to be a leader. What you do need is to have an area of expertise and others who support and respect your work.
I’m on the new bandwagon of thinking that I’ve noticed out there — that there is value in being smaller yet better. To be focused and highly skilled vs. big and scattered or big and extremely stressed out. The idea of being a small giant.
Do you want to be a big business? Fine. Do you want to be mid-size? Fine. Do you want to be small? Fine. But the question here is “Do YOU WANT…” so it’s good to think about your goals. Some get on these success waves and ride them out allowing the waves to dictate where their business will take them. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in success that you lose focus of your own goals and what you want in life. People around us always pressure us for more. And it’s usually not to be mean, it’s because they want us to be successful in whatever way they define success. More posts. More cupcakes. More DIY projects. More fabric patterns. More, more more. That’s what fans do, they want more because they admire what you do. And while this is absolutely wonderful and extremely flattering, it’s important to not allow your fans or customers to dictate what you ultimately do with your business. If this happens, then you just have a new “man”. Instead of working a 9-5 to please your boss, feeling uninspired at the end of the day, you’re now a freelancer doing the job you love but your fans pressure you and you feel uninspired because you cannot churn out work fast enough to “please” the masses. Your boss was your man. Now your fans are your man. Remember, you are the man. :)
May I please tell you a truth that cannot be ignored? Your fans will love you whether you create one painting this week or thirty of them. Set expectations, honor them, and move on. Edit as you go along. Your fans will respect you and you will ultimately give them something better — a better you, better work, and you’ll stick to your work longer because you didn’t tire out, burn out and then fizzle out completely.
Small is powerful. I think that sometimes we pressure ourselves to do more when maybe we should simply work harder at what we’re currently doing. Have you thought, if you tend to overextend yourself, that maybe it’s best to have less of yourself spread so thinly over many channels and more of yourself fully invested in only a few? Consider that for a moment. I speak from experience! That way, you feel less stress and your work becomes focused and more enjoyable to you.
I had a habit of spreading myself too thin. I was once blogging for several sites in addition to decor8. Along with blogging, I was consulting on design jobs in Boston for several years. Along with THAT I was a columnist for a newspaper and a regular contributor for HGTV.com and Domino magazine. I also wrote for a bunch of other clients from press releases to articles for magazines. Looking back, I don’t know what I was thinking but it was a bit too much. Somehow I managed it all but I think I was able to manage it because I fine tuned my work life and I decided to focus more on what I loved and less on what I didn’t. Truth is, I did not enjoy writing articles for magazines several times a month. It was stressful and the money wasn’t worth the time invested. I did not enjoy having design clients 30 hours a week in addition to all of the writing I was doing. I’m focusing now on things that really mean a lot to me, like this blog for one, along with other projects I’m involved in on the side.
My point is this: we can allow ourselves to be happy with where we are right now. In the moment. I’ll say this again. If it feels good, and it’s working… be happy with where you are right now.
You don’t need to change it if it works, feels right, your health and family are benefiting and you see benefit from your work. Some people are scared of being a small business because they think small means less fame or worse, less money. I guess it depends on how you look at it. I’ve lived on all income levels and the best times of my life were the ones where I was huddled around a table with $10 in my pocket aside best friends in some rubbish pub playing cards and laughing until 3am. Or our silly kareoke nights belting out classic Madonna songs (Like a virgggginnn ooooh!) in some cheesy Chinese restaurant. Even now, some of my best moments are spent with my friends and family. I recall the simple moments, the funny moments and the life changing ones — like when my dear grandmother and I sang Frank Sinatra songs for two hours right before she died this past June. I’m not going to say that money isn’t something we need to live because that would be a lie. I didn’t relocate to Germany because I’m poor — I worked and saved for years to get over here. But money can’t be the single driving force and certainly cannot tell us if we will be happy today or not.
So I vote we all appreciate where we stand in time today, our progress no matter how small (or great) and realize that small is great if you’ve decided that small is the way for you. And as friends of those who are focusing on smaller batches, higher quality, focused work – let’s be happy with that and careful not to constantly say, “What’s next?”. This can be a lot of pressure. Support is helpful, you want those whom you’re a fan of to keep shining so brightly.
It’s okay to be small because small doesn’t mean broke, unsuccessful or unable. Any size rocks as long as it is what YOU want, but remember small is perfectly fine to choose. What do you think? Do you think we pressure ourselves and others a little too much to overextend ourselves? Do you value companies who elect to stay small? Do you think small can make you happy?
(image: holly becker for decor8)
November 12th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
So wonderful to read this today, thank you!
You spoke my mind.
Sarah – craftyFOLK´s last blog ..Yellow Wooden Typewriter Necklace
November 12th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
wow, holly. thank you so much for posing these questions and sharing your experience. i think you’ll find that most of us can empathize with you. i find when i have too many different things going on professionally, i start to lose myself, because it becomes all about expectations, deadlines, money, judgment, and always “being on.” i’d love to find a way to simplify and find balance. i look forward to everyone’s thoughts!
whorange´s last blog ..#1
November 12th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
A great topic, Holly. I have thought about this a lot lately. It is just too easy to get your life scattered in the never ending work, home, passion, hobby and inspiration stream of our surroundings. So many things to experience and try but yet, you can’t enjoy anything if you don’t find the balance between being active and being too overwhelmed and busy. Small is power for sure. I hope it’ll become a trend and a life philosophy for many. This way the kids and teens growing up could maybe be more forgiving with themselves and not have unrealistic requirements for everyday life. It’s still the smiles and those days when minutes move slow that count the most. Have a happy weekend!
tiina´s last blog ..{ pretty diy breakfast }
November 12th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Hey Holly, I think there is a good stuff to think about in your post. But I wonder… do you think living in Europe is influencing your ideas on this? I’ve spent some time in europe (not a lot, never lived there, but did live in the middle east)– and I wonder if the US is strip malls and get rich quick and be the biggest you can, while the european vibe is more quality of life and not all about your career… I guess I’m sort of thinking out loud. :) Thanks for another fabulous post! :)
Tricia McKellar´s last blog ..How to Market Your Etsy Shop with Mailchimp
November 12th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I am so delighted you wrote that little piece ‘Small is Powerful’. Thank you, it is exactly what I needed to read today. I read your blog most days and find it really inspiring. As a new blogger, online life liver, shopper, seller I find other design blogs really enlightening from a work perspective, but I think your piece this evening touches many other aspects of life as well and has made my heart leap with joy , thanks.
René
November 12th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Thanks Holly!
Just today, I was going over what’s what for the next few weeks, through Christmas time. I have a small, very small, business, a little blog I like to keep up and a family I take care of. I am also a student at night and I was perusing the thousands of pages of reading I have to do, which leads to pages of report and research papers to write and I almost had a melt down. Thanks for putting things into perspective.
Janet´s last blog ..My New Christmas Tree
November 12th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Trish – Such a good point! I have always felt these ways… my mother and my upbringing taught me these values as a child. But in my twenties I tried so hard to prove myself and now that I’m in my thirties and have found my place, I think that is what is motivating this thinking more than anything else — it’s like I’ve found my place emotionally, on a business level and even where I live (yes, you are right, I LOVE it here) so I think it’s a combination of all of these powerful forces. I can’t point to just one. Living here has definitely helped me to come back to the beginning so to speak — to think about my core values because here, I have much more peace and joy in my heart. I don’t think it’s better or worse than anywhere else but for me, it’s better because it supports the things that I value most in life.
I also think that I never bought into that big, fast lifestyle because I was raised down south and my parents influenced me a great deal. My father is from the midwest and my mother grew up on a huge working farm with a big family — all immigrants though she was born in the states. They handmade and mended everything. I was raised with these values. But then I moved up north and I changed a bit — I worked 90 hours a week to become a worker girl in the corporate world and while I loved it while I was doing it, I fizzled out because towards the end of my career I just couldn’t take it anymore. Then I started on a new path.
Thank you so much for asking, I really, really appreciate that you’ve asked me a personal question — it makes me think more about what you’ve said now. :)
November 12th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I think because of the internet we CAN allow ourselves to be small and potentially make a living by doing our hearts desire. In the not so distant past you really had to hustle to get your work out there going from store to store, trade shows etc. With the web you can sell direct to ‘fans’/clients and also get immediate feedback (both good + bad). Although I love and appreciate the past I am so happy to be living in the here and now. I love the idea of creating quality goods for individuals rather than trying to rush to capture a trend and hope to sell to the masses. Great and thoughtful post Holly!
Miss B´s last blog ..SIMPLY SILHOUETTES
November 12th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I couldn’t agree with you more. Love the moment!
xo,
cristin
cristin @ simplified bee´s last blog ..Tia Zoldan Interiors – Sophisticated Del Mar Home
November 12th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I really enjoyed reading this post. We have a small screenprinting and embroidery company that we run full time from our house. We live a simple life and treasure our freedom that living this way offers. Sometimes, we begin to fantasize about what it would be like to have a cool shop/storefront for our business, but the headaches involved would steal away the lifestyle we have now. Essays like this are a reminder to me of what I truly value. Thanks!
November 12th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Holly, I LOVE this post. I think we all struggle with this at times. Even if you are in a corporate position, many of us struggle with being bigger, better, the best. I think there are beautiful things in being small. Like you said, the ability to dictate where you want your business to go, to set your own goals, to continue to be innovative and not beholden to anyone else. I’m at the point in my life where I realize I want the small things – time with family and friends, time to work on my blog, time to develop our shop. Ten years ago, when I was twenty-one this would have seemed crazy. I was in law school then and wanted to take over the world! But now I realize, that I let the world take me over, and now, all I want to do is get back to what matters. It’s really true that the little things are what make life so special.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
*I wish you were my best friend, you have such great opinions and give such good advise.*
November 12th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I think if your business (whatever that may be) is small you have more time to produce better quality work and put more of yourself into it, without feeling stretched between work and home life. This is where I see myself being in the future. I would like to downsize our house to have a smaller house and therefore smaller mortgage to lessen the pressure on having to earn a certain amount of money every week. To allow my husband and I the freedom to pursue a more fulfilling way of making a living. I am still unsure of exactly what that may be, I always dreamed of owning my own store.. so maybe one day. Thanks for making us think about our lives more with these posts Holly.
julie´s last blog ..fab ikea door mat
November 12th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Holly….you are on fire these days, and saying such wonderfully supportive things that are really aiming at my heart. I DO think we pressure ourselves to prove something or have more….whatever more is. My truth is that my life is extremely happy, right where it is and I love it. It may seem small to some or not but, I don’t really care. It is my life and is perfect for me. For me, I hate being busy,busy, busy all the time because I am naturally lazy by nature I have got to have some time to just sit, drink tea, and watch the world go by. :) Thanks for this hun, you are doing a world of good you know?
xoxo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last blog ..The little things: a leaf + Heather Smith Jones…
November 12th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
That is so inspiring! (^_^) I have always wanted to run a small virtual shop. One thing I have been told by so many people is that I should make sales locally instead of online – I don’t want to do this at all, I’m rubbish with people face-to-face! So, you are so right when you say that what I want is what matters most. I couldn’t be true to something that wasn’t my dream in the first place! So, thanks for your words today.
Nem´s last blog ..Etsy Seller: Tryst by Kerry
November 12th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I think Small IS the new Big. Look at the indie craft movement in the USA and Europe. I see a trend towards re-establishing the cachet of intrinsic, intangible value of hand-made, limited edition items. I see that bespoke quality is available at almost every price point. I see new respect, appreciation and most tellingly, market share, for what were traditonally designated (read: dismissed as) as women’s crafts, amatuerish “domestic arts.” A movement so profitable that OOAK, aritsanal sensibility is repackaged and mass-marketed back to us by big retailers (like Anthropologie; a commingling of tribute, creative dialog with a distuirbing whiff of artistic piracy, and which I adore, but with a twinge of discomfort). Mass market is great for affordable necessities. It has democratized an imporved basic standard of living. But Small is Beautiful.
As architect Mies Van Der Rohe said, “God is in the details.”
November 12th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
This is such a spectacular topic – I don’t even know where to start. The easiest thing to say is: I agree with you 100%. Especially in America, we are taught that more & bigger is better, which I believe couldn’t be further from the truth. Also, as an environmental/healthy living writer, being happy with less is an ongoing subject. That doesn’t mean that we have to deprive ourselves of the things we enjoy, but being CONSCIOUS and AWARE of what you really WANT and NEED leads to a fuller life than just buying more and more and more.
It is the concept of using “less is more” in the career department that intrigues me the most. I’m only 25 & have had nearly 20 different career titles already. It is not that I have a problem with commitment – I simply have so many interests that I’m not sure which to settle on & pursue fully. I believe that it forcused more on writing professionally & let photography and knitting fall back as hobbies, I would get much more accomplished … you have certainly inspired me to think a lot about this, especially with 2010 coming up & me in the depths of making my goals for next year.
November 12th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Great timing for me to read your thoughts on this subject too— I know that I want each piece of work that gets a Bolt + Frolic tag sewn into it be special and of the highest quality. So far, it’s me producing works on commission, but soon B+F will be hopping out into the great big world. It’s reassuring to know that ’small and powerful’ can be a good business model. Holly, thank you for your always thoughtful and very helpful guidance!
November 12th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I am printing this off and keeping it posted above my work table! Recently I have made this very adjustment to my small business- I used to accept every custom request that came my way, not wanting to turn business away, worried about losing a sale or making customers mad, and I finally realized that if it was a design I didn’t believe in, I resented every stitch. Now I can say thanks for the interest, but I have to decline. And know what? You are right, they are all still fans- I have yet to have anyone get mad for saying no, they are all understanding, and they remain customers of the items I do chose to focus on. And I can provide far more quality time with my family and for myself by allowing my business to follow my path and not the customers. Thanks for such an wonderfully written post, I hope every small business person can take it to heart!
November 12th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Powerful thoughts and much to ponder. There is always a pressure to grow-grow-grow without regards to the tradeoff of what being a large company (or a larger company) would mean to your family, your sanity and your lifestyle. I feel the siren song of ‘grow, grow, grow’ frequently and it is very hard to ignore.
November 12th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
wow, i think i’m about to cry!
readers of my blog are probably getting sick of hearing about my 60 hour a week day job as my excuse for doing nothing blog-worthy – it’s just so much harder to address than i imagined! but i’m trying so i guess that’s something….maybe?….
alex sunday´s last blog ..Lowercase el….
November 12th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
That was such a nice thing to read, I constantly feel like I’m either overextended or not doing enough. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Shashi´s last blog ..Lighting Inspiration
November 12th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I very much appreciate this post, as so many here have said. I love small, and I would love it if there were many more small businesses making quality things (think cheese shops, farmers, handmade goods—how it used to be). It is my dream to be one of those small businesses—otherwise known as an artist. And on the topic of art, I think sometimes in art we can get attached to making a large difference, big subversive pieces, changing art, but there is also something to be said for art that makes small contributions to people on a personal level.
Small in the business world means to me attention to detail, putting love into your work, relating personally to your customers/patrons. That is a beautiful thing and something to be extremely proud of.
blue bicicletta´s last blog ..Oh, The Possibilities
November 12th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Well said.
Colliebox´s last blog ..Shed a Little Light
November 12th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Right on, Holly! Sometimes your posts seem to be timed perfectly with the things I have going on in my life, funny how that happens :)
I have started setting goals and making plans to someday soon quit my day job and be able to focus on the things in life that are most important to me (time with friends/family, developing my shop with my mom, and just simply enjoying each day at a time instead of speeding through it). I still need to prepare myself for not having that steady paycheck, but I know there are habits that I can change to make it work.
Being a small business owner can be scary, because you are it! If you get sick, there isn’t someone to fill in for you. But I think if it’s truly what you love doing, there is no substitute. I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of the small business owners out there who are doing what they love to do! I think by staying small you are a bit more free to do what you love and you don’t have to let anyone else tell you differently!
November 12th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
This post is just great, Holly. It’s an invitation to think! And I totally agree with you. Thanks for sharing!
November 12th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
thanks for this Holly. I’m taking a break from my shop because of school, but will be working on the shop again starting next year. This is definitely something that I will be looking back on and make sure that I don’t get carried away….Focusing on your goals is definitely the way to go.
November 12th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Love this. I definitely needed the reminder tonight. Less is more. Keep those priorities in the right order.
squidart´s last blog ..Some Things Last Forever – 6×6 Print
November 12th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
This post seems to go hand in hand with a book I just finished (The 4-Hour Workweek). Set up your own terms, and decide what YOU want to do. It can be hard to say no, it can hard to let someone else take over a task you would usually do. A lot of crafters and small business owners find it difficult to say no to an opportunity or request, but by saying no, you will actually get people to value you and your business even more. I know it’s been said countless times, but just stick with your gut!
Gretchen´s last blog ..Pattern Crush: Busybodies
November 12th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Wow – what a perfect sentiment!! People are such industrious little creatures that it’s sometimes hard to know when to stop…..
November 12th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
A lovely post Holly. I’ve been thinking (dreaming) about my goals as an artist quite a bit over the past few weeks and even more important than how big my business gets is how busy I feel. I never want to be so busy that I’m no longer present in my own life. I want to keep my business life small and my personal life big.
Sam´s last blog ..Inspiration…Printed with Inkling Prints
November 12th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Thank you for your reassurance and willingness to share your own history, Holly! I’ve realized that being so small and relying on the internet for client contact is as rewarding as it is overwhelming! I’ve made so many friends, grown my business, and received fantastic opportunities thanks to the generosity of so many-including your fine self!- and that has been the most empowering and inspiring aspect! Many times though, I have to tell myself to get off the computer, stop comparing, stop worrying about what others are doing, and get back to work in the studio! So, coming across your article offered a much needed reminder from a trusted source! Thank you! xoxo
ps. I would be curious to know how you’ve learned to manage your time with so many projects going at once- this is my greatest struggle! xo
November 12th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Thank you for this post. love it .
November 12th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Holly, thank you for your words and thoughts today. It was very insightful reading. I don’t know what it is about your blog, but when you have posts like this, I always sit and take the time to read them, as well today I read all the comments. I think I needed to read this today because I’m feeling a little overwhelmed lately.
Melissa Allam´s last blog ..Thursdays Creative Thrift
November 13th, 2009 at 12:56 am
WOW! this article(post) came at just the right time i am working on opening an etsy shop and keep thinking “i don’t have enough enough items in it yet to open” (each one takes me a long time to make) but after reading this i realize that is the beauty of it i can start out small, stay small if that means i give the same care to each item.
thank you
kt
kt´s last blog ..truly
November 13th, 2009 at 3:32 am
Oh my goodness, your post was exactly what I needed to hear. I’m sure it was no accident that my blog jumping lead me over here today.
I just posted a similar question on my blog today. What you wrote about the waves of success dictating when you go – is the perfect analogy. I was just thinking this afternoon – imaging myself in a raging river and me just floating along not resisting, seeing where it took me (as in, that’s how I feel about my career at the moment). I was thinking to myself, is this a good thing or not? I really don’t know. I know I’m not living the life I dreamed, I know my career is not authentically me, but I’m good at it and it’s lucrative – and is it time to accept that. I don’t think it is, because writing that made me feel sad.
I’m sure I’ll figure it out :)
Thanks for your post! Just what I needed.
a pretty trip´s last blog ..Dreaming in reality
November 13th, 2009 at 4:42 am
A wonderfull post again. I think that happiness and feeling lucky is in all of us, that we carry it within ourselfs. But sometimes it is difficult to reach it, because of a bad experience but also, and I think most of the time, because of what we think is expected from us. Even in the things I desire, I have to ask myself is this what I really want and will it make me happy? The more you stay with yourself the happier you are. But to be honest… it is very difficult to find a balance in the pressure from outside but also from the inside!
hinke´s last blog ..de geur van nostalgie
November 13th, 2009 at 5:13 am
“You don’t need a title to be a leader. What you do need is to have an area of expertise and others who support and respect your work.”…..Such great words, that has stuck with me! I too will be printing out this post and placing it on my wall framed, in my home.
I’ve been following your blog since earlier on in the year, and this is my first comment. Thank you so much for this. As a 23 year old, and recent graduate from the Interior Design program, I’ve been wanting to start my own business of sort, containing fashion as well; but I was afraid to start off. Being worried as it is of what others would say because EVERYONE seems to always have an opinion and forget about the opinion of what the person themself is saying. I knew that I wanted to do my business, but in a small manner, not to get so big where I’d be too busy for anything. And my interests are certainly not aiming to the celebrities (no offense to you who are), but what I’m saying is is that that is a lot of pressure. What I want is to have a business where I can bless others, without the major pressure of increase and explode with ‘MORE’. Working for others does not work for me, as you say. So doing this business to bless others and to ‘DO WHAT I WANT TO DO’ is what matters.
Thank you so much for this reassurance because I have, literally, been thinking about this everyday since June. And so worried that I’m out of my mind and can’t do it. But the truth is, I can, once I put my mind to it, use wisdom, keep my dignity, believe in myself, and keep those around me that encourage and inspire to fullfill my dreams and hearts desires.
This is only the beginning for us all whose been inspired by this post….
November 13th, 2009 at 5:19 am
I really love this post. There are so many resources out there on how to be bigger and better that it’s nice not to be told that for once.
I suppose I’m at the stage where I want to be small, but the difficulty is in making the small work for me and being content with that. Because even the small is hard when it comes to working for yourself.
Hayley Lau´s last blog ..things i wish i knew before i opened shop
November 13th, 2009 at 5:34 am
hi everyone,
I think this really is a fundamental topic for most people, as we all try to figure out what we want and need and where we are going. It’s a fabulous struggle and adventure, life! I’m glad I read this post and every single comment about it this morning because I have been feeling all kinds of bad things about myself and ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Time to enjoy it all and most of all enjoy my SELF, which is not such a bad self to have after all.
Thank you small giants!
November 13th, 2009 at 5:54 am
Thank you Holly. This is a great piece to reflect upon during this week-end.
Judith ~ Felicity Crew´s last blog ..Maggie – 5×5 original fine art photograph
November 13th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Holly, you’re the man – Whoaa-Man! (so i married an axe murderer… anybody? =)
Great post – and I agree w/ sly fox, I think small IS the new big. I do think it comes in waves – remember in the 90’s when simple was in vogue? Gap and their classic khakis ads, Martha Stewart and her denim shirt, etc?
I think we’re on a wave of that again now, except it’s almost as if it started in reaction to the bling bling Fiddy-ringtone type of pop culture. It had been brewing for a while and has really kicked off on it’s own. I think the economic downturn will give this indie, handmade, small lifestyle culture a huge push.
Rachel Ashwell’s relaunching of Shabby Chic was discussed in a NYT article – she links to it on her blog – and it talks about how the state of the economy really affects how people will want a comfy, safe place at home vs the flashy place to entertain, etc. It’s worth the read.
juliette´s last blog ..Mixing yarn with ’shrooms: twisty
November 13th, 2009 at 7:06 am
I *love* this post!!!!
This is what about I am thinking since I started my own business…after a while I found out for myself that I do not want to run a big business.Most of my friends and clients asked me in the past (and still asking me) why I still don´t have any employees…the answer is always the same…my business would probably changing into a level I don´t want to go. I would probably earn lots more of money but this is not the important thing in my life. I am satisfied and lucky with my little atelier, my clients and in case I have too much work/clients orders there are a few very good friends who supported/support me always. This makes me happy! :-)
I still keep my 16 hours/week job at H&M for a while, this always give me the chance to continue, be independent with my work and to travel to Morocco, working on projects with moroccan artists and support a few crafters.
I also think about how much products should I create? In general all of us who are working creative, we have probably most of the time more ideas than time…I create products my clients asking for and mix and match with my ideas. The result is that a few good products working well for a long period and inbetween I create limited edition of special products like seasonal items.
I am just working what´s in my heart and in my mind and I am always happy to meet creatives,artists, friends and clients who like this way, too. Only the people who are really interested in my work are visiting me or buying products and this makes me happy and satisfied because they really like it ;-)
for a long term it is better to have some clients who are buying again and again then to have one client who is never coming back after one purchase…this is a reason why my small business is running well :-)
November 13th, 2009 at 8:11 am
I love your heart-to-hearts.
Virginia @ Where You Hang Your Hat´s last blog ..library seating.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I had a meeting with a friend yesterday, we both run small business and were talking about the next step and how we want things to develop from here. I am happy to say that I like small!! I want to be able to enjoy making each cushion without rushing and care for the things i do. I hate pressure and would be very sad if I could not control my business. I am very much hands on. When Chocolate Creative gets to the stage where it pays the mortgage and a decent salary I will be very happy and I hope to enjoy every minute of it. I will never compromise on quality and will never work in big batches. This is the best selling point of my business and the fact that it is not a hight street product!!
Thanks for this article I am off to read the rest of the comments.
Regards from London
Marga
Margarita´s last blog ..Original Christmas decorations
November 13th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Right when I read the first paragraph I went to pour myself a fresh cup of tea because I had a hunch this would be pure gold and I wanted to read it thoughtfully and let it all soak in. I wasn’t disappointed.
This is far too true, it’s so easy in our rat race society to lose focus and feel enormous pressure to do and be everything. Whenever you make the choices that are best for you and make you happy, everyone benefits – you can be your best self and allow others to do the same as well. I think when asked when the best time of your life is, the answer should always be right now.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for so much inspiration!
x
Sharalee´s last blog ..A Perfect Pairing: Vintage Photos + Butterfly Wings
November 13th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Holly –
Great talk it out. I have gone back and forth about this for years.
Ten years ago, I was absolutely broke, and living in NYC (expensive!). I was fresh out of graduate school, and was a victim of the dot com bust. I had been an overpaid editor, and then it all fell apart. I taught English in a Chinese SAT prep school for a few months, and lived on rice and beans. This was also right after September 11th and the mood was quite grim in NYC.
In early 2003, I started writing for mark (a beauty brand for young women), and my career took off. Soon I was writing for multiple brands and working 7 days a week. Having just eased out of a very austere period, I was terrified NOT to take on work. I was writing for a few brands in the Estee Lauder co, Bumble and Bumble, Esprit, and blogging for Bravo. I was uber busy and very often stressed out. My freelance business was booming, but I had very little personal time, and I was not taking good care of myself.
When I had my first son, I had no choice but to slow down. However, I kept juggling a few clients, and still had trouble turning down work. I was able to manage taking care of a baby and honoring client requests, but again, it was me who suffered. No more yoga, no more walks, no more window shopping and lunch with friends. It was one role to the next, and I often felt like I wasn’t doing a great job in any of them.
When the second son came along, I had not choice but to give something up. I said goodbye to two very lucrative freelance gigs and focused all of my energy on one client (a small skincare company from Germany). I was much happier, my work was rewarding, and I started to fit things back into my life that meant something to me.
Looking back, I suppose that the period of craziness was worth it, because I built my contacts and client list (which is everything when you are a freelance writer). I probably wouldn’t have changed it, because my experience and portfolio allow me to secure other jobs if and when I need them.
Now that my kids are getting a bit older, and I have more time, I’m enjoying the mix of writing work, creative endeavors and blogging. For now it works. Smaller is better for me right now.
PS. Living in Paris completely changed my perspective. I have fewer things and like it that way.
nichole´s last blog ..Why I love my job …
November 13th, 2009 at 10:22 am
So much to say about this post, but as usual my bad english doesn’t allow me to say much.
However I have to save this post ! It is the perfect answer for the question I’m asked the most : “What is your best advice ?”.
If I’m still here 9 years after beginning, I guess it’s because I was not “ambitious” as bankers think it. Still, I think being happy in our job is very ambitious !
Thanks Holly !
Fifi´s last blog ..Tout doux
November 13th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Thank you so much!
Your blog is like a breath of fresh air. Pure oxygene. Because you see what’s beautiful in small things. Yep, less is more. Being able to notice the little things, is very important in life.
Keep on going the way you do Holly.
Ciao,
Miss Ninie
Miss-Ninie´s last blog ..Cardigan Corine
November 13th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Hi Holly!
I belive in staying small, and i have a great example on this. Have you ever seen this TED talk ? > Stefan Sagmeister: The power of time off ( http://www.ted.com/talks/stefan_sagmeister_the_power_of_time_off.html )
It´s so inspiring! He’s a famous graphic designer and he decided to stay small with his studio. Every 7 years he takes a break and travels for a year. He has 3 talks on TED, every one of them are inspiring.
I’ve been thinking about this issues and most of all, about TIME. We all know it´s precious, and making the decision to stay small means having more time for the things that really matter.
Thank you for your words, wonderfull post *
Maria Helena´s last blog ..Kiosk store in NY
November 13th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Maria thank you! I will watch this now, I don’t know Stefan Sagmeister so I’m eager to find out more…
November 13th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
thanks for this post- I’ve been struggling with over-extending myself at work, combined with working on something that i’m not passionate about, and want to move on to something more fulfilling. this post just reconfirms my feelings. I am making a good living in my industry for the city I live in, and it all looks good on paper, but I’m not happy and that’s what counts to me. thinking back, I was happier working retail (making way less) and having to save up (really save up) for any purchases- makes me appreciate them more.
stephanie´s last blog ..humbug
November 13th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
My class and I were looking at your blog today!
Thanks
November 13th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
ML – What class? Do share!!!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
It’s awesome that you say this, and that you yourself have downsized.
I like the power of the small.
rowena´s last blog ..Traveling Through The Winter
November 13th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I’ve been thinking this way for awhile now. I work in media, and many of my friends think I’m crazy to want to get out of a “glamour” industry. I went into not for the glamour but because I wanted to be a great journalist, break big stories, investigative and political pieces. Needless to say, I’m no where near that and never was on that road. Somewhere along the way I took a detour, a turn here, going with the flow and no real plan. Now, I’m doing a job I don’t like, dealing with personalities that tick me off constantly, and am stressed about the “little things”. For the longest I’ve felt that they paid me too much to leave, but this last year I’ve started feeling differently. Is it so great that I get paid well if I don’t enjoy the job or the little down time that I have? However, now I worry that I can’t change careers at my age, I don’t want to have to invest in going back through a lengthy schooling period and I worry that I have no real marketable skills. I think I need to just bite the bullet…lol.
Pixie´s last blog ..2010…Yes, It’s THAT Close
November 13th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
great post Holly! small is beautiful! and flexible! small for me means that I am not held to a traditional product calendar or life cycle, if its doing great, keep it around if its dismal pull it immediately. If you want to have a launch in the middle of June instead of August, do it. Its been been very freeing.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Everything about this post resonates with me! Thank you for giving me the gift of inspiration and insight at a time when it was truly needed! Your posts are wonderful~keep up the good work!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
What a great message, I am currently drowning in my business and not very happy about it…you nailed it and I am feeling a lot better. Small is wonderful!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
i live a small life, because i choose to. i live in a small apartment with my husband, when we can actually afford bigger, drive an old car when i can afford newer, keep my work just to the level and the amount of which i know i can handle, even though the demand for more exists. years back, i did the opposite of all this, thinking bigger was better and meant you were more successful. as the years passed and i became older, pehaps a little wiser, i now know that success is what you want, what makes you happy and satisfied. soooo….. i couldn’t agree with you more, Holly! great post.
A Sort Of Fairy Tale´s last blog ..What I Want Wednesday 11/11
November 13th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Holly:
Great post today! I agree with keeping things small and simple, living in the moment. Your post reminded me of an article by Martha Beck that I read earlier this year “Just What You Need”. She talks about thinking about life in one of two ways: “just in case” vs. “just in time” thinking. “Just in case” thinking can best be described as “everything good is scarce” and leads to excess (too much stuff, working too much, buying too much…). She described “just in time” thinking as “everything good is readily available”. Martha feels that this way of thinking restores health and balance in our lives.
I don’t know if any of that made sense, but it’s an incredible way of thinking. Buy what you need, not 4 of them “just in case” you might need them it the future. Get rid of the hoarding and clutter to feel less stressed, overburdened, and anxious. Works for me!
Genelle
Genelle´s last blog ..Repurposed Christmas Tag Album
November 14th, 2009 at 5:32 am
New to your bloggie….love it! AMEN…small is all good!
November 14th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Thanks Holly…that hit the spot!
Fiona (Wallstory)´s last blog ..Winner of the $30 Gift Certificate
November 14th, 2009 at 10:49 am
You validated what I have been struggling with for a while. Years ago my husband and I scaled down our lifestyle, I gave up my career so I could stay home and raise our kids. We watched our friends buy big houses and fancy cars, take vacations…My kids are older now and I am trying to build a new “career” which has its own challenges. There are days when I think about where I would be now in the design world had I not given that up. But I had an epiphany that happiness really is a frame of mind! Time flies and looking at the big picture, I am so grateful to have been there for my kids: to do homework, drop off a forgotten lunch, pick them up when they were sick. We have a close little happy family. That is my success!
Thank you for your post!
karyn´s last blog ..
November 14th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
This is a wonderful article. I think it’s just what I needed to hear.
Katie Stephenson´s last blog ..art of note: photographs by cali
November 15th, 2009 at 7:13 am
bloody hell holly, talk about hitting the nail on its head,.. you nearly just made me cry, my marriage has pretty much just broken down because of this exact reason.. im happy being small.. very happy, but my other half wants more, wants bigger, needs to experience more, and get better things.. he is a total size queen… when it comes to life…
your amazing holly.x
November 15th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Hi,
That´s what exactly what I am going through right now…After spent 4 years working as a textile designer in a big company, having to do 3 or 4 designs per day, no matter if you are inspired or have time to research or not…I decided to become freelancer. I thought I would regret, because one day I was inside the “big” and then I became “small”, but I know it was the best thing I could do for myself, even knowing at the beggining it would be hard to find clients, I would be short of money, etc…It´s been almost two months now and I´m seeing things get right, it´s just small steps and I believe myself and I believe in my work…I feel so happy and I can tell, there´s nothing wrong being “small” if you follow your dreams.
November 15th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
this post was just perfect, I have been struggling to define a working life and skill set focused on books in a publishing world rapidly going digital, and to reconcile making an income large enough to support a family with the needs of my children , the phrase ‘a small giant’ just gave me the most lovely image to focus on. Thank you!
November 16th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Holly, this post was exactly what I needed. I have been feeling more stressed than ever lately; and while I know, or think I know what I want its still hard to stay focused and not feel overwhelmed.
Im a junior in college and I constantly feel like Im not doing enough, others are taking 19 credits, have an internship, part time job, are head of multiple clubs/organizations and manage to keep up a 3.75 average or higher. Yet here I am with 13 credits, 3 part time jobs and one organization on campus with a 3.0 average and struggling to keep my head above water.
Its very difficult to find a happy medium and to be satisfied with your performance in each task. Especially when you have already cut everything down to the bare minimum, still cant acheive a balance and every day things are being added to your workload.
My goal for winter break is to go on vacation, something involving luggage and a plane ticket. Then I will start early on my studies, so I can have better control over the next semester. In doing that I hope I can get on the “right track” as they call it and stop driving myself bananas! As well as be the “Small Giant” I would like to be.
I think everyone here would agree with me in saying you are an absolute inspiration and I just want to say THANKS!
November 16th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I absolutely needed this. I don’t know how much it’ll change for me right now with what I’m currently committed to, but I am a perpetual over-committer. I admire the heck out of you for realizing that about yourself and correcting it, and it’s definitely something I need to work on.
Lindsay {Shrimp}´s last blog ..The Lush List – Samantha Robinson
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Best moments are simple, that’s what we enjoy : don’t have to be somebody else, making things without thinking of it or preparing it.
I’m creating jewels here in France (sorry for my bad english) and once i had to work with a shop owner that was terrifying me, i was then started and i thought that i should not listen myself too much, i thought “life’s not easy if you want to success, earn money etc etc then you have to play the game”. But this game was totally not mine and i’ve realized that compare to him i wasn’t ready to sell my soul ! I had a strong discussion with him and i’ve stop to sell jewels in his shop…it felt so great ! He was saying i would never be “SOMEONE” with such an attitude, but no way, i’m already SOMEONE ! of course i did some jobs not so great just to have something in the fridge but with creation i can’t do the same or i would kill a part of me, no matter if i don’t become a BIG ! Now i’m opening my own shop in few weeks and some people are acting differently with me, some are telling me “are you gonna change your wardrobe? Maybe you should make up yourself differently now? ” Some are thinking i would be “someone” in the town, that makes me laugh ! First it was a big pressure on me now i don’t listen to them cause i don’t want to change , i want to do it my way, if it works it’s great if it doesn’t i would have try !
Thank you for your lovely blog and for this discussion !
December 7th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Thank you. Wonderful article
I like the power of the small.
IKOPLUs.Fabric
IKOPLUS.Fabric´s last blog ..SALE ONE YARD-Happy Snging Birds in Paris-Cotton-EK-QS29509B
December 11th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
i’ve been thinking a lot lately about starting a business and i’ve recently realized that keeping things small is what i feel most comfortable with. thank you for a helpful and insightful post.
caitlin t. ´s last blog ..tote bag love: doe-c-doe