One Year!

Today, September 1st, marks the ONE YEAR anniversary of Rustic Carvings.  Can I get a “WoOohOoo”?!

Seems like it was just yesterday that I had this vague idea of what I wanted to create…. Reclaimed wood was always a theme….but, I was only going to paint on the wood, not carve it.  And, now, the shop if full of mixed media, with the rustic reclaimed wood running as the main theme through it all.

I don’t know how many hours it took me to get descriptions, tags, and pictures “right” on Etsy.  I don’t know how many hours I photographed and re-photographed…and changed this, and changed that…and then changed it again, as my husband looked on in disbelief.  Or how many posts I read about how to do it all, and be successful on Etsy.

I think I’ve logged more hours into this business than I ever did at my regular job, and since I was a CPA working the tax side of the biz, that’s saying something!

I can remember the day when I had my very first sale, which was from a friend of mine. Then, I can remember the day I had my very first sale to someone “I didn’t even know”!  I was practically dancing around the house.  Even my husband remembers that day….apparently, my dancing leaves an impression.  I also remember the day where something I made went overseas – the day Rustic Carvings went international!

I’m no way a success, as attributed to companies like Apple or Crate and Barrel.  You can’t buy my stock on the exchange.  I don’t even have a ticker symbol.  There is no catalog.  No storefront.

But, in my heart, as this little business grows….I am successful.

I’m successful because I can balance my work life and my home life….even though I work at home.  I have the support and love of my family.  I have excellent customers.  And, I’m not just saying that because I’m biased.  It’s totally true.  And, I’ve met some great people in the Etsy community that serve as a wonderful support group.  They keep me going with a good laugh, on the days I need it the most.

There are certain moments I treasure – the emails and messages from customers that brought tears to my eyes, or put a smile across my face…  The photos of where something I made ended up…  And, the stories!  Oh, my customers have the best stories, and reasons for giving items I’ve made as gifts.

Customer service is one of the principles of my business – it’d be part of my mission statement, if I had a mission statement.  But, the best part of this business, for me, is being able to touch someone’s life, even if in a small way.  I am so blessed.

A big THANK YOU to all of y’all, that has made the first year, as “successful” as it’s been.  :)

Time sure does fly….and I’m looking forward to year two!