Little Updates

1.) I got a part-time job working overnight doing stock replenishment for a beauty supply store here in town. My first night was last night and it was a breeze. I love having something to constantly do where my mind is totally focused on the task at hand; it's like meditation for me. Plus, I'm already accustomed to the schedule. It may only be a seasonal position, I'm not entirely sure, but I'm happy to have it. Hopefully they see my work ethic and ability to learn quickly and decide to keep me on permanently. (I've had to remind myself that even if you are competent, have common sense, and are skillful most people will still treat the "new girl" like an idiot until she's proven herself to them which unfortunately you have to do at any new work environment no matter your level of position or authority. It's a reality that I accept.)

2.) The sock knitting loom is a trial of patience.
It took me two hours to get just this far because of the tedium of pulling the loops over the small pegs. The fabric I've knitted so far bare extends the height of the loom. I do think that knitting looms are ideal for folks who have never knitted before and are just learning concept so they can be very useful. However, after two hours I think I I would have had a finished or nearly finished sock using traditional knitting technique of knitting in the round with four needles. I've decided to test this theory out and continue to finish the sock on the loom and then create its twin using traditional knitting needles. I'll post my results later. Sadly, this means no sock loom knitted Christmas gifts for anyone this year.

3.) I've slowed down a lot.
For the past year I've been going quite hard with getting Thorn & Laurel up and running. I realized that though I loved this new endeavor it was wearing me out. I have a book that is really helpful in deepening my understanding of the emotional and psychological part of starting a business (lots and lots of ups and downs). It's titled Birthing the Elephant, The woman's go-for-it! guide to overcoming the big challenges of launching a business by Karin Abarbanel and Bruce Freeman and I recommend anyone even thinking of becoming an entrepreneur to read it woman or otherwise. I've gone back over the pages and assured myself that it's okay to take a breather before I head into the next phase of the business. Giving myself a chance to recharge my batteries and regain focus I think will really help. Of course I have lists and lists of new ideas and my original business plan to serve as my road map, but one person can only do so much before she has to sit down for a minute. Doing so has helped me balance my stress, expectations, and time better. I'm looking quite positively towards the future.

4.) Wedding Project
I'm making stellar progress on the project I told you about here. I would ordinarily post pictures but since we don't want the groom accidentally seeing the bride in her gown before the wedding day I'll have to wait, but I will show you some muslins that I've done up in a later post. It's so exciting!

I hope everyone has had a beautiful past few weeks and if you've celebrated Thanksgiving this past weekend I hope it was a happy and safe one.

Until next time,

claire lynette

MS. RITA: Chase Your Dreams

 inside the Thorn & Laurel studio, what once was a carport, then a game room, now a creative space

I mentioned on Monday that I started my own online store and that's why I haven't been posting for the last few months. I didn't mean to go on such a long unannounced hiatus, but in a way it was good because I was able to focus on getting the store launched and I had time to brainstorm on the direction in which I'd like to take this blog (more on the blog in a later post). It was a very good break because I learned a lot about myself and what I'm capable of.

The store came about because I've always wanted to be my own boss because I like the buck stopping with me. Still, I'm scared out of my mind. The only thing that keeps me from being paralyzed with fear is the intoxicating idea of it actually working. The store has been open only a month and a half. I've had two sales exactly and both came from dear friends. I'm  grateful for friends and family since it's they who are usually the ones who help me out and prop me up and keep on encouraging me when I feel run down and crazy.

       my little card table desk in disarray

Even if the store fails after I've given it my all I'll be all right. I'd rather have tried and failed than live with the regret or wonder of what could have been. I didn't choose an easy path. Do you know how many online clothing retailers there are for women? Thousands if not hundreds of thousands. And of those very many, all of the ones that can offer more than I can? Most of them. I'm not discouraged because I believe with all my heart that there's room for everyone at the table. My goal is to be open and transparent with my customers and the people I work with. What you see is what you get, there's no filter or filler. It's just me and just this. This is what I've got and I'm hoping that being honest and earnest, having good products, and working my tailbone off is enough. Plus I wouldn't admonish a little luck coming my way.

I'm chasing my dreams and that has made me happier than I've been in quite some time. Being fearful comes with the territory and as I asked other self-made business owners what it was like when they first started they tell me the fear never really goes away it just becomes different I began to feel better about doing all this. They promised that I will learn and grow and be challenged everyday and you know what? I can't think of a better way to live than constantly improving and making things better for myself and the world around me.

With that I complete the inaugural MS. RITA (Mover Shaker, RIsk TAker) post. It's what I'll tag future posts such as these along with "Thorn & Laurel Stuff". Oh and you can visit the store here: Thorn & Laurel

Until next time,

claire lynette