It's again that time of year when I plan my own funeral. My depression kicks into hyperdrive and this year it's really bad.
Normally I do my craft shows, deal with moron customers and my family, sell a ton of stuff, make a bunch of customs and write up a post here about the crazies. This year I was trying to do better for my business. I asked for advice, and for the most part, tried to incorporate it into my plans. I raised prices to where I was making closer to minimum wage, I added new lower cost items, and I busted my butt picking up new shows and branching out. I was honestly *stoked* about my fall and winter shows this year because I was sure that I would do well.
And then I had Really Big Craft Show. And it bombed. I barely made booth rent. Honestly it was like pulling teeth. It is so awkward to have to convince someone that a $5 handmade potholder is a good deal. I spent the last day of the show in tears.
So now I have to deal with all the usual depression that I normally have over the holidays and I don't have the "Well but I sold all my stuff" that I normally have to cheer me up. I still have 75-80% of what I've made this year, which is pathetic. I've barely made enough to continue for next year - nothing extra for Christmas gifts.
I've been mentally lining up charities that I can give all of my already finished items, plus all of my fabric. It sucks that I have to even consider giving up the job I love. I've been applying for retail and work-from-home jobs, but because of my limited hours during the day (9am -2pm) I don't get hired.
I just feel so much like giving up. Maybe my parents were right and I am a huge failure.
Normally I do my craft shows, deal with moron customers and my family, sell a ton of stuff, make a bunch of customs and write up a post here about the crazies. This year I was trying to do better for my business. I asked for advice, and for the most part, tried to incorporate it into my plans. I raised prices to where I was making closer to minimum wage, I added new lower cost items, and I busted my butt picking up new shows and branching out. I was honestly *stoked* about my fall and winter shows this year because I was sure that I would do well.
And then I had Really Big Craft Show. And it bombed. I barely made booth rent. Honestly it was like pulling teeth. It is so awkward to have to convince someone that a $5 handmade potholder is a good deal. I spent the last day of the show in tears.
So now I have to deal with all the usual depression that I normally have over the holidays and I don't have the "Well but I sold all my stuff" that I normally have to cheer me up. I still have 75-80% of what I've made this year, which is pathetic. I've barely made enough to continue for next year - nothing extra for Christmas gifts.
I've been mentally lining up charities that I can give all of my already finished items, plus all of my fabric. It sucks that I have to even consider giving up the job I love. I've been applying for retail and work-from-home jobs, but because of my limited hours during the day (9am -2pm) I don't get hired.
I just feel so much like giving up. Maybe my parents were right and I am a huge failure.
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