It’s easy, when you’re self employed, to let milestones slip by unseen because the only one you’re really accountable to is yourself, and there’s always “the next thing” to be getting on with. It often feels like you’re wading through treacle.
Whilst transferring the website I’ve been forced to skim every one of my blogs, starting in April 23 (18 months ago). It’s made me reflect on my progress.
There’s some guilt over projects and ideas that have gone on the backburner (time, circumstance, convalescence, emergency re-prioritising… life!) and there’s still some deep sadness over dreams shattered by a nanny state government (if my XL American Bully identifies as a chicken – she’s still a big scaredy cat – should she be double registered?!)
But wow I’ve achieved a lot, too!
Bitter Sweet Memories
We LARPED: one of the highlights of the year being Goblin Town. We dressed up as pirates and visited Plymouth Pirate Festival, then turned up for an event that wasn’t (yes we were the only one’s dressed up at the beach!) We started living the dream – a few weeks / weekends away in the van: stars, burgers, bacon, sea and moor views… Bittersweet because parts of this life are still on hold forever as far as I can see…
Changing Rooms
The last time I did a DPN course, our office was barely habitable, and unwelcoming (long story). Now it’s cosy and bright and I’m surrounded by books and trinkets. This time last year the leather workshop was cramped and damp. Now we’re set up in a much bigger, drier one – with a handy bike shelf to hold my rolls of leather! (And we moved while I was quite ill!)
YouTube
I’d just started my YouTube Channel. In 18 months I’ve edited and uploaded 13 videos, 23 shorts, and had over 20 hours watch time in 4000 views. Seems crazy to me that people want to watch me work and yap, but I have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to my 11 subscribers (1 is me) who are helping me to get seen by doing nothing other than not hitting unsubscribe!
Campaigns
Any small business owner will know how much of a slog it is to appease the algorithm gods! With the help of free marketing courses by DPN I’ve actually managed to complete a few mini series – not all leather linked, but stiking with the “traditional ways of doing things” theme or just things I get enthusiastic about!
and I’m happy that my Social Media, YouTube Channels, and website / blog all seem to be gelling well together (see my “leather is best” category for the Plastic Free July Blogs) and are looking pretty professional, even from my perspective (constructive criticism always welcomed!) I’ve had varying success, and really need to start screwing down into my stats to see why!
Amazing Customers!
My favourite custom work this year have been the harness and holsters (see photos below). I love it when my customers give me the freedom to be creative and trust the process! Lush results! So satisfying! But I must say I’ve had the loveliest customers for my standard products this year – so easy to deal with! And I’ve also loved doing the repair work – restoring a favourite belt and some well loved handbags! A HUGE THANK YOU to all my customers – you feed me the dopamine I need to keep going! (Umm – I mean you inspire me and I’d have given up by now without you!)
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