pre-launch, yapping, and good stuff to come <3 - shop update

Yapping ੈ✩‧₊˚

Wow, thanks so much for reading this! It means the world to me. I wanted to create a space where I could share cool news and stories, and connect with a community of art and cute stuff lovers.

Ever since I was a kid, I've dreamed of starting my own business. I'd transform my room into a shop, displaying all my toys on my bunk bed ladder. My sister and parents were my "customers," though they never actually got to take anything home! I'd even use WordArt in Microsoft Word to print out store signs or draw them by hand to hang on my bedroom door. I knew from a young age that owning my own shop and selling my little trinkets was something I wanted to do, but for over a decade, I wondered how?

Self-doubt really held me back. It wasn't until I turned 28 that I finally started to trust myself enough to give it a real try. "It's now or never," I thought—a mantra I'd repeated to myself countless times over the previous 18 years. It was like I was determined to not fully commit to any idea. Mostly because I worried my ideas weren't good enough, or that I lacked the financial stability to launch in the way I thought I should.

Even now, as I write this, knowing I've just invested $1,000 in materials, I'm scared. But I'd hate to be on my deathbed one day, looking back and thinking, "Damn, you didn't even really try." So, here I am, finally taking the plunge.

Pre-Launch ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Okay, so now what, you ask? 

I'm currently setting up my website for launch, so please bear with me if things are a little wonky—I'm doing my best! I'm busy creating enough figures to stock my online shop and also preparing for upcoming markets. I plan to apply to more markets after February, but I already have one lined up for the end of May, which will be the big kahuna.

It's the Glengarry Renaissance Faire! I went as an attendee last year, and the vendors were so busy, which makes me a little nervous. But my talented friend and fellow small business owner, Dharbear Prints, will be there with me on the battlefield, along with my incredible husband, who will be my employee for the weekend.

I'm hoping to have everything ready for the official website launch by the end of February, so keep an eye out and follow me on Instagram (@cozyplumstudio)!