Designs in Bloom

I am so excited that less than one month after writing my Thirty for 30 list, my Etsy store is up and running! It has all happened rather quickly, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The week before my birthday I was in a production of The Vagina Monologues in Hartford, CT. As part of my “costume” I wore a red and zebra print fleece flower in my hair. I made the flower the night before our dress rehearsal while watching tv and thought it would complement the rest of my outfit nicely. Once I was at rehearsal I had a couple of women ask me about the flower and where I got it. The questions continued both nights of the show from other women in the show and from people in the audience. This was very flattering.

The night of the second show, there was a BYOB event called “Uncorked” prior to the show where vendors were selling different things and people were welcome to peruse the products and snack on hors devours. During this event, one of the vendors (www.etsy.com/shop/poorandpretty) asked me about my flower and whether or not I made it. When I said I did make it she said I should think about selling them. This was the comment that started the process that I now find myself in the middle of. I then made a couple more flowers in different colors and with different buttons with the plan of eventually starting an Etsy store.

This past weekend, I found myself talking with a local store owner (www.brazenbetties.com) who also showed an interest in my flowers. We talked about pricing and she gave me some great suggestions to help me in starting this venture. If the vendor was the first seed, this store owner was the water, and my excitement was the sun that got this little crafting flower to blossom. I went into a full flower making frenzy while my husband took pictures of the finished products. Now the flowers are online and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Even if I don’t sell a single one, it’s still a success because I believe in myself enough to post something I made online. What a feeling…

I have to also give a lot of credit to my husband because without his support this would all be a lot harder. I have also had 2 very supportive friends cheering me on at every step, and I love them for that. Everybody needs a little cheering squad, even if you don’t make the touchdown. Thanks Kevin, Jenn, and Ramona!! <3


Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/LoveInBloomDesigns

New recipe of the week: Beef Stroganoff

Book: The Help