In Which I Discuss My Future

Hello Friends! I've been sitting on something for a while now and I am finally feeling ready to share. Many of you already know that I have wanted to make Tender Arts into a real business, but have felt stifled by the demands of my "real" job, my family and my home. While these are all worthy pursuits, I knew that I wasn't being true to my definition of success. I feel that I have finally reached a point where Tender Arts isn't an "optional" part of my life. It is my passion and I want to give it a real go.

So, I've been doing a lot of research and study and confidence building (!) and I am now working on building an inventory. (Boy, it sure feels good to be putting this down here!) The night before last, I started what I have been referring to as my "Flagship Doll". These photos are all of her. She is the 14" Old Fashioned Doll again and she will be the embodiment of the aesthetic I am pursuing. Like Tender Arts Studios, she is just at her beginning, but she's getting there!

Tender Arts will not be only EFA's. It will be basically all kinds of soft goods made from vintage patterns. I am keeping my focus on mainly the 20's, 30's and 40's. I just have such an affinity for the design work of these decades. My intention at this point is to build my inventory, create a real website and book my first craft fair. Maybe even this one! But maybe that's too soon! Okay, I still have a lot of planning to do. And there are practical considerations too such as a business license and display units. I think the beauty of this plan is that I can do just a few craft shows a year to start, but as the children get older and I become more established, I can cut back my hours here at work and devote more time to more craft fairs.

So, dear ones, that is where my head is at these days. Pretty exciting, I have to say! I am even taking an online class with my local junior college on Small Business Management and Entrepeneurship so I can learn about writing a business plan and such. I do think that all my past work experiences will all work in my favor. Seventeen years in retail management and six years managing a small business should count for something!

Anyway, it's a very, very exciting time for me and I want to welcome any of you who may be so inclined, to please leave me advice in the comments! I can use all the help I can get! Thanks, as always, for the wonderful kindness and encouragement. This blog and this community are both big parts of why I finally feel ready to do this. So....thank you, thank you, thank you!

Hugs to all!