It’s Savvy Business Saturday and welcome to everybody who has been following along so far and hey to all the newbies just joining us. This round I would like to touch base on what I’ve learned since I started my business and share a little of my journey as well. First of all, my business started out as Lavish Designs then molded into Lavishly Designed which I still have the page but a few years back I just felt it didn’t encompass everything I wanted this business to be so it was named Rustic Magnolia to better suit that. It all began shortly after my son was born in 2005 and I’ve always loved making things. I am 90% self taught, being willing to try new things or learn something new has truly helped . What I started capable of doing to what I’m capable of doing now is so different, my shift in focus and paying attention to trends has really helped me get to where I am now. So, first piece of advice I can give is to be willing to expand your market, change and adapt to what is trending and popular because it will change over the years so if longevity is in your future roll with it. My second piece of advice and probably most important one to be honest being prepared to fail, be prepared to hear no, be prepared to have your work duplicated and be prepared for some markets to not do well some times. Being prepared not only gets you through the rough batches and there will be some but it will also elevate those successes and make your small accomplishments so worth it. Owning your own business whether doing it part time or full time is hard work and takes dedication. I love being part of the creative community, it’s so vast, fun and truly a network of inspiring, supportive people. I have made many dear friends over the years that are fellow entrepreneurs, even though we have similarities between our work, our differences set us apart. Piece of advice number three when making or creating or designing whatever area you break out into, make sure it represents the best version of yourself. Be bold so it sets you apart from your fellow creatives so when the market becomes saturated which it tends to do in waves, you and your products can weather the storm. Knowledge is power and I researched everything I could get my hands on for answers , insights, something. I asked questions, followed others in my field, found books and articles, learnt new skills and just soaking it all in so I could find myself and put that best version of it in my work. I do want to really state have fun, at the end of the day do it because you love it. The hours are long, things will get frustrating but if at the end of the day you’re having fun and can laugh through the hard stuff it will be amazing. While I’m stressing the fun also make sure to have a great support system in place. It’s vital to your business and your mental health to have a person or family to be your sounding board when its been a rough week or your personal cheering section when things are great. Believe it or not, my children are my greatest supporters. They’ve been coming to shows with me for years and are quite good sales people. Over the years they have added items and products that they have made to my business as well which makes me immensely proud. Have your reason why, for me its two things my children and I love it. I still after all these years couldn’t imagine not being creative. Now that’s enough about me next Saturday will be my launch of spotlighting other creative people. I want to showcase other amazing artisans and businesses from all different areas with in depth conversations and laughs and authentic discussion. Till next time..
P.S I’ll try and insert a picture of myself just so you can see my face
Much Love Savvy Magnolia
Rustic Magnolia 