Maybe it’s the Hallmark Christmas Movies, the loss of a dear friend or the two feet of snow that arrived five weeks ahead of schedule, but I’m feeling awfully sentimental lately.
I closed the studio to enjoy the first Snow Day of the season with my kids.
It was so refreshing to stay home and enjoy a good cup of coffee from the comfort of my jammies.
I need to make more time for this!
The past four years have been all work and no play. My passion for painting furniture has turned into a chore because I’m spending way too much time on the business end of things. I hardly every have time to paint which is where my passion lies. The joy is slipping away and I need to find some balance before I crack.
I need more time to treasure the little things
Remember the first time you saw the intricate formation of crystals within a snowflake? Seriously, what’s more magical than that?
I need help figuring out how to successfully market our business without spending 70 hours a week online. I need help figuring out how to earn a profit. Kind of silly to work 90 hours a week without one.
We’ll be closed the week between Christmas and New Years to spend time with family. Looking forward to being refreshed for a prosperous 2015.
Shelly,
I so appreciated your vulnerability and honesty in this post. I’ve always loved your talent, but especially your candor. Your faith is vividly apparent, and I’ll be praying for your discernment in God’s will for you and your business. I do think the enemy enjoys attacking us at this special time of the year. Press in and our mighty Savior will direct your path.
I’m just trying to get started in my own little business. No store, just a booth and a website. My whole intent is to stay focused on what God wants me to do with it and bring Him glory. It’s a challenge not to lose sight of that and get muddled with worldly preoccupations! I am having kids and grandkids visit for Christmas, so I’ve pledged that the business will need to take a backseat. Life is too short to stay hyped up on the stuff that has no real “value”.
You’ll be in my prayers. Enjoy your time with your beautiful family and take the time to “be still”.
Merry Christmas and God bless you,
Terri (a Shizzle fan!)
Dear Shelly,
You and Cathy are an inspiration. My daughter and I have been trying to get a similar little business off the ground this past year. She is 2 hours away from me and I know for this reason alone it has been difficult Like (Terri) above, I am the grandmother plus taking care of my elderly mother along with this…well there are just not enough hours each day. But I am always hopeful..I think your decision is wise to rest and and enjoy between Christmas and New Years with you husband and beautiful children …And I will pray that God fills you with His wisdom and gives you direction and all that you will need to take the next step…God bless you and your family and your sister’s family and your “Shizzle” …
Merry Christmas
Nancy
It is tough to get a small business off the ground, and just when you think you’re starting to get on top of things, something drastically changes. I wish I didn’t have to worry about the bills and could simply spend my days helping friends paint things and maybe even doing something for our own home. Some day 🙂 I appreciate your prayers, Nancy! Sounds like you’ve got your hands full too! Merry Christmas
Thanks Terri! I appreciate your prayers. Enjoy time with your family too!!
You’ve been blessed w/ some amazing talents. In your work and w/ your ohana, it’s been a rough, bumpy road this last 4 years for you. But you pushed foreword and hav worked your elemu off. U know I’ll support and back u up w/ what ever choice u make. God has a plan for u and us, it’s never easy to understand or follow. But his plan is always right, u need to ask him what that plan is. I pray that God will show u that, life is to short not to enjoy..malama Pono, Ke akua
Thank you for your continual prayer and support. I too am praying for for discernment on following His plan. Mahalo Nui Loa!
Shelly,
I completely understand! I tried to get a business going through my booth and painting furniture. It was definitely all work and no play. When I added caring for my Dad into the mix it just wouldn’t work. You’re right, it’s demanding and the joy of finding a piece of furniture and transforming wains when you don’t make a profit. It seemed to me that people loved the piece, but had no idea of the time it took to find, repair, clean and paint it. It was so frustrating for me.
Your are so talented! You know I think you’re the best furniture painter! You have a gift!
I appreciate your honesty today! Just know that I will be praying for God’s direction and discernment for you and your business! Sending love, hugs and prayers to you!
XO,
Betsy
You rock Betsy! One of these days, we will finally meet in person. I can still remember one of our early conversations about the trains that used to run in the department stores when we were kids. Speaking of which… it’s about time for Polar Express! I think of you often and always have you and your family in my prayers, especially your dad. I’m so proud of everything you’ve done with your renovation. Can you believe how much you’ve accomplished? WOW!! Hope you’re staying warm down there ~ we’re at 18 degrees right now and broke a 121 year record for receiving the most snow the month of November (31″)
Glad to see you are putting into action what Marla and I spoke with you about when we were there. We talked about it all the way home. If you do not have your health……what good is that business? If you lose the precious and fleetly flying time with your girls……you will deeply regret that. Hopefully during your break time you and Cathy can come up with a good plan.
Marla and I were discussing how you could utilize time with the girls, too. At that Women’s thing in the spring…..they could be your product keepers/runners for customers. Include their friends and treat them to a movie and dinner out for helping you! And while we all love being in touch with you, I suggest you set a timer at the computer to limit the time you spend on it. For nominal stuff (not the artsy stuff) II would bet one of the girls could help you a lot and you can pay her for the time she puts in. That way the girls learn what it takes to run your own business……invaluable lessons they will not learn at any school. And you will spend more time with them.
Finally…..NO WORK ON SUNDAY, DEARIES. You have to have that day of rest! Your body is telling you that God is right! “On the 7th day you SHALL rest” in fact….you need to take the same vacation time as the girls have over the Christmas holidays. You both need it…and I don’t think SHIZZLE -Design will suffer.
My opinion.
I love you Susie! You’re so cool!!
Not so cool as older and wiser, Shelly. You have become precious to me and all of us whom you have influenced. Love you and Cathy both!
Awe, thanks Susie! I needed that ~ having a rough, rough day today. Can’t wait to see how your Tree of Life Table turns out!
One more little phrase from Mary Kay Ash, the uber successful makeup maven: God first, family second and career third. Schedule your days that way and you will get relief
I’ve always refused to turn the things I love into a business. It might be better to have a job of almost any kind, and leave the wonderful passionate endeavors just for the joy of it.
I guess it may be a bit late to consider this since you are so committed, but on the other hand, it may be better to consider it before sinking too much more money into it which may not be able to recover.
Good luck!
Yes, I wish I was 30 years younger. Time will tell how long I can hold out. Thanks!!
I think many of us have been or are right now where you are. It is always such a thin line to walk. I hate hearing that it has had ill effects on your health. I pray that you will find your way through this! I know just scaling back on my blogging has been a gift of sorts for me, though not without guilty feelings ;-). Pray faithfully, hang in there, and take care of yourself and your family!
Thanks Deb!!
My heart goes out to you. I love your blog and read it every post. Your painting is amazing and I’m sure that’s where your passion is. Making a profit is the kicker, not easy in todays market. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope for the best.
Perhaps adding another artist to the mix to decrease hours would help? I can’t imagine the blogisphere without you and your sisters talented touch! Marie
Thanks Marie! I’m battling a lot of anxiety and depression right now which makes any small thing seem like a mountain. Trying to operate a business and still have some time for family life has just about done me in. I’m feeling very defeated these days. It’s getting harder and harder to make a living doing this. I need to scale back and in big ways so I can focus on what I do best. I’m still not sure what I’m going to cut but it will be big.