I recently shared some details in my Instagram stories, but I wanted to provide a more comprehensive update on my blog. Over the past two years, there have been significant changes in my business that have greatly impacted our daily lives.
One of the most substantial changes on the studio side of the business is that we made the decision to move my office home. This decision was motivated by two primary reasons. Firstly, it no longer made sense for us to continue paying rent for studio that I would use up space in to house my office. We have ample space in our home to set up a dedicated office. Secondly, with my office at home, I can work on content, blog posts, photos, and website-related tasks while being at home with the kids.
2016 - my first "studio" when I took over our living room in our home (it was overflowing into the dining room!)
Being at home with the kids is crucial for me, especially since we've opted to homeschool Leia this school year (and possibly beyond). Having my office at home gives me the flexibility to work on my business while supporting Leia with her schoolwork, during her free time, and in the early mornings after Marc leaves for work (he starts at 4 am!).
Moving my office home also allowed me to create more space for additional sewing machines at my downtown studio. This means that I can now make all our bonnets at my studio, with each one being designed, made, shipped, and loved by me.
I used to start my days with the hustle and bustle of the studio, but now I savor the peaceful mornings at home. My days now revolve around spending quality time with Leia, enjoying playtime with Lily, and reserving the afternoons for all my studio work once Marc returns home from work. It's a significant change from the past when there were five of us running the business together. Now, I've come full circle and scaled the business back, and I can proudly say that I handle it all. Of course, Mom is always there to support me.
Circa 2018 when we were still in the living room & overflowing in to the dining room
So, despite my initial nerves about this shift, after 6 months of navigating the new SAA, I can confidently say that I've never been happier with the business. Success means something different to everyone, and for me, the business used to be a financial lifeline when I needed to stay home with Elliot and Leia. Now, with Marc working full-time, I only need the business to support us part-time, and I can proudly say that it's more than successful in that capacity as well.
Life has changed a lot since those early days but the smiles about this business remain the same. I love what I do.
If you're seeking encouragement from all of this, remember to set realistic expectations when starting a small business and be adaptable as circumstances change. Overall, I'm overjoyed with where the business stands at the moment. I finally feel like I've struck the right balance with everything, except perhaps my self-care, but I'm working on it.
My current set up. It's far from pretty, as is my self care routine, but it functions & that's what we need right now!
So, to all those who have supported me since 2016, thank you for being here through every season of this business and life. And to those who are new, welcome! I can't wait to share all that I have in store in my little corner of the internet.
