Mindful Making: Putting Yourself First in Handmade Artistry

I needed to step back from my handmade stationery business as I was not dealing well with the immense pressure of perfection that I consistently placed upon myself and my work. This pressure manifested in various ways, leading to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, which ultimately hindered my creativity and passion for what I had once loved. Recognizing that I was on a path that could jeopardize not only my business but also my mental health, I made the difficult decision to take some time away. During this period of reflection, I have engaged in a thorough re-evaluation of my business model, my goals, and my overall approach to creating handmade products. This has allowed me to identify what truly matters to me and how I can continue to pursue my passion without compromising my well-being. I am excited to announce that I am relaunching my business with a selection of new products that reflect this renewed vision and a fresh start. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your patience and understanding during this transformative time as I navigate my true path in this beautiful world of handmade stationery.

Stepping back from something is often seen as a retreat or a sign of weakness, but for me, it was an essential and empowering decision that prioritised my mental health and overall well-being. This time away from the day-to-day operations of my business provided me with the clarity I needed to prepare for significant changes in the way I approach my craft. It was a crucial period of self-discovery, allowing me to reconnect with the joy and creativity that initially drew me to handmade stationery. I explored new techniques, experimented with different materials, and revisited the core values that inspired me to start this journey in the first place. I realised that my passion for handmade art is not just about the final product but also about the process of creation and the joy it brings to both myself and my customers. This realisation has set the stage for a revitalised approach to my business, where I can embrace imperfection as part of the artistic journey and focus on creating meaningful connections through my work.

In the future, I plan to explore both digital and physical products, but I will be selling exclusively through my ETSY shop and at in person events instead of my website for now. This decision helps reduce administrative tasks, which I can set aside temporarily. I might revisit this option later, but for now, I want to focus on one online platform and dedicate my efforts to creating the best products possible, while managing my responsibilities as a disabled single mother pursuing a degree.

For the time being, I will also be stepping away from international shipping. I regret having to make this decision, as I know many of my overseas customers will be affected. However, given the current global situation, it's an additional pressure I need to alleviate for now. Hopefully, as global circumstances improve and I navigate the bureaucratic challenges affecting small businesses like mine, I may be able to expand my shipping options in the future.

I will continue blogging, but it will be hosted elsewhere since this website will be paused for now. However, littlesomethingellse.com will still direct you to my presence on the web.

Thank you all for your patience, and I hope you will join me through this transition. Your support and company are greatly appreciated.

Sue xoxo