Today is Sunday, December 10. Yesterday was my last vendor event of the season, and to be honest, I’m relieved it’s all over. I came home exhausted, and was happy for the opportunity to sleep in today. But, at 5:11 this morning I couldn’t lay in bed any longer, so I got up and got to work. Two hours later, I’ve updated my inventory and organized it as best I can and am now sitting down to write the blog post I thought about all day yesterday.
My coffee is lukewarm because I didn’t drink it after I poured it two hours ago. The Christmas tree isn’t up yet, the wreath I picked up three weeks ago is still in the backseat of the car. My house is a mess, I haven’t done laundry in two weeks and I haven’t grocery shopped in three. Today I will be getting all of that done, and then it’s back to the daily grind of my full-time job tomorrow.
I have been getting up at 4:00am for the last three months, working on my soap business for three hours before going to my full-time job, and then coming home, making supper and working on the business until bedtime. To say I am burned out may be an understatement.
Christmas is in two weeks. It doesn’t feel like it is the holiday season to me. Usually I decorate, feel the peace that this season brings, and reflect upon the joy of our Savior’s birth. I love this time of year. I love the music, and the food that we only make during the holidays. I love the lights and the smells, and the crisp winter air and traveling to see family that I only see once a year. I love having a break from work - to end the year on a relaxing note and get ready for a fresh start in the new year. But this year is different.
And I’m starting to wonder if it’s worth it? Running a small business is a lot of work. You wear all the hats, and have to make all the decisions. And while I work on this business literally every day, there is so much more that I want to do that I’m not doing. There are new products to introduce, testing to be done, and I really need to get into the social media game. I have a to-do list a page long and I have no idea when or how I’m going to get it all done. I really want to spend more time on the business.
I have learned so much this year, my first year in business. And now it’s time for me to decide where I want the business to go. What is best for my brand? What do customers want to see? (Let me know in the comments!)
But it’s also time for me to stop, slow down, and try to find the comfort, joy and peace that the holidays have brought me for so many years. It’s time for a break. I can sleep in, I don’t have to go anywhere next weekend, and I don’t have to work 18 hours a day anymore.
Look for some exciting new things next year! I have lots of plans and ideas that I can’t wait to share with you. New products will be launching soon, and I am so excited about them.
And let me also take this time to thank you all for your tremendous support this year. Even if you didn’t buy anything, if you are getting this email you at least expressed interest by signing up for my email list. Obviously businesses like mine can’t be successful without the support of our customers. I hope you are also able to take some time this holiday season to slow down, relax and reflect. I want to wish you all the happiest of holidays, and hope to see you next year!
P.S. If you’ve read this far, you’re the first to know that I am having a blowout clearance sale in January to make room for new inventory! Stay tuned!