Groundhog Day
Last Thursday this awful feeling culminated in what I can only call a brain freeze. We had nothing
out for dinner and I literally couldn’t decide or even think about what to create.
They say time flies when you’re having fun and I would like to add that it also flies when you’re in business working on everything yourself.
At the beginning of September 2023 “The Magpie Cottage Dipton” was officially one year old. Happy Birthday!!! I can still remember how nervous I felt trying to get everything ready for my opening last year and how a couple of weeks before officially opening, I sat down here at the cottage and cried because of my perception at the lack of stock.
In a previous blog, I wrote that I had always wanted to “open” up something down here at the cottage but I simply didn’t know what. Then during lockdown, I started creating and selling my recycled inner tube earrings which meant I potentially had something to sell, along with soy candles that I have been making now for nearly 20 years.
It was my “Field of Dreams” moment – build a retail store and they will come. So I have built one. Or should I say we because I could not have done any of this without Pete’s support. We have transformed the cottage on our farm into what I think is an amazing studio space for me to create, as well as a gift store with a variety of products to sell, which includes commission pieces by local creators.
In The Field of Dreams movie with Kevin Costner, he builds a baseball field where ghost or former great baseball players come and play. People stream in from around the country and pay to watch these ghost players, play ball. I honestly thought that because I knew where my amazing wee shop was and what I had created, that hoards of people would literally stream on in, visit and purchase.
The anticipated stream has been more of a trickle. Now before I go any further I want everyone to know this isn’t a moan about my business or life. I want to share the reality of life as a solepreneur and the challenges that businesses in 2023 face. I haven’t paid myself a wage or taken any drawings since probably March 2022. Nearly every single penny earned has gone back into the business in some way, shape or form. If I had to pay rent or a lease I simply wouldn’t be here. If I had to pay wages, once again, I wouldn’t be here.
The internal optimistic, the Pollyanna in me hopes that it will improve and I remind myself how lucky I am to work and create in such an amazing space. The view out my “work” window is stunning – green rolling hills and at this time of year, baby lambs running about. When customers do visit, I love to catch up with them and chat. We drink coffee and solve all the problems in the world and if I am lucky, they’ll make a purchase or two. I am my own boss and I love this.
Running your own brick-and-mortar business as well as having an online presence also means that you’re “available” 7 days a week. Customers will message at 10 pm – do I reply? Is it cheeky to reply when I am at my sharpest at 5 a.m.? There is the consistency of posting on social media as well as Meta’s constant challenges, changes and algorithms to contend with. It never stops and my brain is continiously on the lookout for post ideas, inspiration and new products. Today I was asked by a customer when I was going to get more Christmassy and I honestly didn’t know what she meant. More gifts? Christmas decorations up? Christmas decorations for sale? I felt quite despondent and it motivated me to write this.
I love the independence of being my own boss but I also have to be realistic. I have given myself until December 2024 and if things haven’t got busier then I will shut up shop and we will rent our beautiful wee cottage out. And you know what – that is OK. I have learnt that life is far too short for regrets and I would have regretted not taking up the opportunity of creating my own studio and store. I also know that I have learnt so much about running a business and about myself. I am braver, stronger and more capable than I ever realised and if it doesn’t work out, for the next 14 months I have a studio and dedicated time where I can create for 20-plus hours a week. How lucky is that?
Aroha nui Kim
My husband Pete has read this blog and said straight out “You’ve made up your mind that you’re going to close in 2024” and I said NO!!! I am going to do everything that I know (and things I haven’t learnt yet) to work at getting this business to reach my BHG, my BIG HAIRY GOAL and for it to be open until we are ready to leave the farm and where The Magpie Cottage becomes an amazing opportunity for someone else to purchase, nurture and love. So I am open to suggestions – products you think I should sell, what else should I be doing, courses you might recommend. I am open to learning and growing xxx
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Last Thursday this awful feeling culminated in what I can only call a brain freeze. We had nothing
out for dinner and I literally couldn’t decide or even think about what to create.
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E iti noa ana; nā te aroha.
Although it is small; it is given with love
