When I first started up the new business venture ApparelzNY for clothing and accessories resale, my hubs was my partner. He created the logo, tracked down the best online outlets, and gave me direction to locate a wholesale market.
And while I flew solo for errands like running to the county building to get my DBA and opening a business account, he went with me to scout for inventory and drove me to the wholesale outlets.
Within a couple weeks he became distracted with our winter business, so I picked up the slack, creating all of the ads, marketing items and shipping them when they were purchased. And all was fine until he stumbled into a new idea, and suddenly, without his input on anything, I no longer felt inspired. My initial fervor died down, and I got distracted with other things.
A few days ago I realized something- I had never taken ownership of the fledgling business. Oh, I had all of the legal documents etc., but what I mean is- I never truly saw it as mine, just as a chore that had to be done. And my ads reflected that, with perfunctory, rather boring descriptions.
I thought I was being "professional", and now that makes me chuckle. Because that word, that idea, is not one I have ever had a kinship with.
For example, when he made the logos a professional would likely have chosen the first picture, while I'm partial to this:
Because what I am is creative, a dreamer, an optimist; a bit odd and a lot eclectic. And I was trying to be something I'm just not. While there is some value in the saying "fake it till you make it", that just means when you're feeling down, smile widely at yourself in the mirror until the sight of it makes you giggle...it doesn't mean be phony.
So, I'm coming at the business from a different angle, focusing on my writing above my selling skills.
I've gone from an ad like:
Handmade Leather Crossbody Purse
Description: Zippered main compartment, adjustable leather strap. No signs of wear, looks just as it did when first purchased- would make an excellent gift.
To this:
Incredibly Unique Handmade Leather Crossbody Purse!
Do you know someone who likes to stand out? I sure do, and there's nothing quite like a one of a kind, handmade apparel to separate one from the herd! Just a glance at the colors and design of this awesome little bag transports me to an outdoor fair at a small German village, surrounded by gourmet cheese and chocolate, glass of Riesling in hand!
Details: Zippered main compartment, adjustable leather strap. No signs of wear, looks just as it did when first purchased- would make an excellent gift to a brilliant, eclectic friend!
At the bottom of each ad I had a little blurb about looking carefully through the photos and contacting me with any questions, now I have this:
I gather my inventory with one thing foremost on my mind- can I get excited about it? If the answer is yes, then it's coming home with me!
I believe every life is a story and a journey.. let your apparel reflect the unique adventure that is yours.
Always look carefully through the photos before purchase to be certain you will love the item as much as I do. Remember, everyone is different, some prefer perfection, while others see flaws as character :0)
So what do you think? What's more appealing to you?
The way I see it, no matter what happens I'm doing what I love most- writing :)
Are you doing what you love most?
