IT WILL GET BETTER

Okay guys, so clearly I am not very good at this whole blog thing. I mean, what has it been, two months since my last post?...Yeaaah sorry about that! But I promise it will get better! Even Professor Snape agrees (his version is a bit...well...more depressing, but I can't pass up a good tie to Harry Potter. Even if it the connection only makes a bit of sense. Sorry, but I'm not sorry.)  Anyway, the point is that this is the first and hopefully last time that I will leave you guys hanging for that long.

But don't worry, you haven't missed a whole lot since my last post. Sure, I have been busy building the brand and bringing in clients, but it's been mostly all of the back end, nitty gritty stuff lately. It's hard work starting your own business (shocker, right?) and I think the toughest part is being patient. I am so excited for this adventure and I just want everything to happen immediately. But it's not going to. It will take time for everything to fall into place. I have no doubt that it will, eventually. The frustration is when? But when I really think about it, I am off to a great start. There is something to be said about creating your dream job, rather than applying for it. And at the mere age of 23 and only a few months in, I have to be thankful for the opportunities thus far. I have worked with adorable couples and met with wonderful wedding professionals. I have renewed old relationships and opened new ones. I have created some damn good designs. And best of all, I get to do what I love. Everyday. 

So as we move into summer, and the warm days begin to distract me (and believe me, they will) I promise not to get too caught up in what isn't happening. Instead, I am going to :

......................................................................................

No 1. Market. Improve my presence and get my name out. I need to think of new advertising strategies and take advantage of more networking opportunities.

No 2. Blog. A lot more than I'll probably want to. I want to feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings. Usually I turn to sketching when I don't know what else to do, but maybe I will try this as a new outlet.That said, I need to come up with some re-occurring blog ideas. Maybe a "weekend inspiration" feature? Or post a pattern on a particular day? If you have any ideas, I would love to listen!

No 3. Design. I have so many sketch book pages full of new invitation ideas waiting to be created. I keep saving them for the right client, but it's killing me to wait. I am going to do more design for designs sake. So keep an eye out for some "just for fun" aucala creations!

No 4. Create. Do things besides sitting in front of my computer staring at InDesign. I need to paint, make stamps, collage, take pictures, do all of the things on my "oh what a good idea, I should do that soon" list. Then take what I created and implement them in my designs!

No 5. Share. Share more about myself. Take the time to blog about my day and not just my work. Let you know what's going on in my life — what I am thinking and feeling, what I like and don't like. 

(If I don't stick to these, you have my permission for an intervention. Just no slapping please)

SHOW STOPPER

Well, maybe not all the time. But that's sure how I felt at my first bridal show this past weekend!

Being the only stationery vendor there, I knew I had to give brides a table worth looking at. I had to catch their attention, and hold it. I had to show them that picking an invitation to set the stage for an event is just as important as choosing a photographer to capture the memories of one. I like to think I did just that. 

This whole "starting your own business" thing is moving very fast, and when Mountain Branch Golf Club asked me to be a vendor at their annual bridal show, my stress level increased a thousand percent! As did my excitement. And my nerves. And pretty much every other possible emotion. I anxiously got to work putting together my display. I made things, changed things, added things and deleted things until I was satisfied. Then I set everything up and began the cycle again... Needless to say, it took several long days and a few sleepless nights to get everything perfect (thank you indecisiveness...) but I am so so happy with the way everything turned out! I would almost venture to say that I had the best booth at the show...almos—nope. I did. You can just take my word for it :)

As far as bridal shows go, I like to think that I picked the very best to start out with. It was an intimate set up—with only about fifteen vendors and a wonderful and welcoming event staff. The turnout though, was surprisingly large. But hey, you don't see me complaining. It was perfect. I got to network with other wedding professionals, chat with bride after bride about their wedding plans, and most importantly show off what I do best. And I got to leave with new friends, a bunch of new contacts, a few new clients and a ton of compliments. Quite the successful first show if I do say so myself!

So for all those who stopped by to say hello, I am so glad that you did! I cannot thank you enough for all of your support. But for those who did not get a chance to see my set up in person, here's your chance to take a look. I really hope you like what you see! Enjoy!

 

Absolutely in love with my little q-tip dandelions!

New business cards!

And what's a table by me if there isn't a llama? Answer: Not a good table.

HELLO THERE!

I am really glad you stopped by! I know the page is a bit, well...boring, but give me a few days to get everything in order and I promise you won't be disappointed. Keep checking back to see what I am thinking, what I am working on, and what is inspiring me along the way.