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why taking time out for self-care makes your creative business stronger
Business Tips

why taking time out for self-care makes your creative business stronger

ByErin Duncan November 14, 2014November 14, 2014

Hi everyone! My name is Erin Duncan, and I’m so excited to join the roster of “Dear Handmade Life” contributors. Before I get started, here’s a little about me: I run wrenbirdarts, a creative hand embroidery business and write a…

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🎯 You know what’s scarier than failing? Waiti 🎯 You know what’s scarier than failing? Waiting for the perfect time that never comes. When I started my business, the timing was far from perfect. I barely knew how to sew (and started a clothing line 🤦‍♀️), had no clue what a spreadsheet was, and my confidence was at an all-time low while my anxiety was at an all-time high. And yet…I did it anyway. Why? Because the ‘perfect time’ doesn’t exist. The moment I decided to make a living with my art—and refused to stop until I did—it became the right time. Was it easy? HA! Not even close. But it was worth it. I learned, I grew, I shared my art with the world, and I even paid my rent doing it. ✨ Waiting for the perfect time = waiting forever. Start small. Start messy. Just start. That’s what CAMP is all about—helping you not just start but finish those big dreams you’ve been carrying around. 💪 🏕️ CAMP is our six-week online goal-getting bootcamp designed to help you take your goals from ‘someday’ to done. With weekly modules, accountability cabins, and practical, actionable steps, CAMP is here to give you the tools, support, and momentum to make it happen. Because starting is hard, but finishing? That’s where the magic happens. Drop “GOAL” in the comments to join the waiting list and let’s do this together. 💥 #makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner #craftbusinessowner #mentor #entrepreneur
One of the biggest mistakes I made in my creative One of the biggest mistakes I made in my creative business? Trying to water down my unique creative vision to fit what I thought buyers wanted. I remember second-guessing every design, thinking, “Would this sell? Is this what people want?” I ended up creating work that wasn’t true to me—and surprise, it didn’t connect with buyers either. Why? Because it lacked authenticity. The moment I stopped trying to be what I thought people wanted and started creating from my heart, things shifted. Buyers showed up. My work resonated. And most importantly, I felt good about what I was putting into the world. So here’s my advice: Stay true to your creative vision. Don’t let fear of rejection or outside expectations water down your magic. The right people—the ones who resonate with your work—will find you. Your uniqueness is your strength. Lean into it. Have you ever struggled with this? I’d love to hear your story—drop it below and let’s chat. 💛 And if you’re looking for a place to reconnect with your creative vision, Craftcation is the perfect space to do it. From inspiring workshops to supportive conversations with fellow creatives, it’s where you can dig into what makes your work yours and find the confidence to share it with the world. 🎟 Ready to grab your ticket? Comment TICKET and I’ll send you a direct link. Still thinking? Comment CRAFTY, and I’ll help you take a tour of all things Craftcation. 🧡 #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessadvice #reframingthoughts #creativementor
Craftcation = beach days, crafting all the things, Craftcation = beach days, crafting all the things, business workshops, yoga, dancing, late-night hang outs... basically, it’s a choose your own adventure for creatives. 🌟 Want to level up your business? Done. Need a creative recharge? Got you. Just want to hang with fellow crafty weirdos and make stuff? Perfect. At Craftcation, you do it your way. But heads up: Early Bird registration is closing soon. Don’t wait and end up crying into your coffee (or margarita) when tickets sell out. 🎟 Ready to grab your ticket? Comment TICKET and I’ll send you a direct link. Still thinking? Comment CRAFTY, and I’ll help you take a tour of all things Craftcation. 🧡 Your creative, quirky community is already here, waiting for you. #craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #craft #crafter #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesssupport
What about you? Drop your “don’t care anymore” stuff in the comments—I want to hear them! 👇 Let’s celebrate letting go of the nonsense together. #craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner #makermentors
🛍☀️ Join us in Sacramento next weekend 12/1 🛍☀️ Join us in Sacramento next weekend 12/15 from 11-5pm and shop handmade and local goods from 30+ vendors at @thepatchworkshow @oldsac in the charming Old Sacramento Waterfront historic district. Great eats from local restaurants 🍔🍕🌮 and 🧵🎨 free craft activities. FREE to attend, family-friendly, and pet friendly! 🐕❤️🐩 BTW: We post more show info at @thepatchworkshow so be sure to follow us there if that’s what you’re looking for. Comment SHOWS to get all the details. P.S. Rolling applications are OPEN! Fall 2024 Patchwork Show Locations: 🏞Chino Hills 12.1 @theshoppesatchinohills 🌳Redwood City 11.10 @cityofredwoodcity 🌉Oakland 11.16 @jacklondonsq 🏖 Long Beach 11.24 @marinestadium 🏙Tustin 12.8 @oldtowntustin 🏛Sacramento 12.15 @oldsac
Belonging. It’s what we’re all secretly (or no Belonging. It’s what we’re all secretly (or not-so-secretly) looking for, right? But if you’re a little different—a creative misfit, a crafty weirdo, someone who doesn’t quite color inside the lines—it can feel like the world forgot to make a place for you. Here’s the thing: at Craftcation, you don’t have to explain yourself, shrink yourself, or try to fit in. You already belong. 💖 It’s not just about the beach, the workshops, or the activities (yoga on the sand, craft competitions, a themed dance party, and more). It’s about finding your people—the ones who get you and celebrate your wonderfully weird self just as you are. 🌟 So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to join us, here it is. (Also, consider this your friendly reminder that Early Bird registration is closing soon. Don’t be that person crying into your coffee (or margarita) because you missed out. 😉) 🎟 Ready to grab your ticket? Comment TICKET and I’ll send you a direct link. Your creative, quirky community is already here, waiting for you.

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