Felicianation Ink

Monsters are Real by Felicia Stevenson

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 May 2018 04:40:00 +0000

Once you feared monsters under your bed,

but your parents assured you, it was all in your head.

But monsters are real, they just aren’t furry beasts,

waiting to pounce when you expect it the least.

Monsters are real, but they hide in plain sight,

behind dazzling smiles and eyes oh so bright.

When charm turns to hate, they will smile with delight,

as you start to walk tight and your eyes turn to fright.

They’ll play with your head, while acting so kind,

make you think that you’re crazy, that you’re losing your mind.

Monsters are real, though not what you feared,

it’s not in your head, they’re now sharing your bed.

Check out The Punk Rock Boutique on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 13:30:00 +0000

Hey all!

It's been a while! How are you?!

I've been hard at work on yet another project (because I didn't have enough already, right?!)

But I'm so excited about this one, I had to come share!

I've opened up a new Etsy shop to showcase my latest collection of creations!

You'll find arm warmers and leg warmers for now, but I'll soon be adding many more items, so stay tuned!

My creations are inspired by the punk / rock / goth / steampunk styles, be sure to check out The Punk Rock Boutique to see more!

Like The Punk Rock Boutique on Facebook

Handmade printed pencil cases or makeup bags by Felicianation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 23:44:00 +0000

Hi! Long time no speak! I've been busy lately, with the summer always comes more face painting gigs, I love it, wish it was like this all year round!

We're already creeping up on August though, so I know in my heart of hearts the fall will come creeping up on us soon enough. (I wouldn't mind so much except that after fall comes winter, and I may be a bad Canadian, but I hate winter!)

I've been working on some pencil cases, they also work well as makeup bags. I love the size of them, they can hold lots of pens and pencils (I love me my different pens!)

Stop by my shop at felicianationink.etsy.com to see more!

Paris pencil case by Felicianation Ink

Rainbow circles pencil case by Felicianation Ink

Blue skulls pencil case by Felicianation Ink

Patchwork pencil case by Felicianation Ink

Footprint pencil case by Felicianation Ink

Can't wait til my next post to hear from me again? Like my facebook page to stay in touch!

Fun new faux patchwork leggings for babies and women by Felicianation ink

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 04:05:00 +0000

Sometimes when I'm creating, I get really excited about what I'm doing, just because I love it so much!

Last week I saw some really cool bohemian patchwork leggings, and I was inspired to create my own.

to be listed soon at felicianationink.etsy.com

But I really love how patchwork projects in general combine leftover fabrics to create unique, one of a kind works of art.

It got me thinking that I could use some of my "leftover" designs to create my own faux patchwork pattern. (I create a lot of designs, they don't all make it to the printer!)

This was my first "patchwork" made with "scraps"... The baby leggings are so cute I could die. I just had to make a matching diaper shirt, so I made a heart from more "leftover fabrics" to create this super cute "I'm a heartbreaker" diaper shirt!

heartbreaker diaper shirt at Felicianation Ink on Etsy

As often happens when I get going on something, I've become enthralled and this is turning into a collection of patchwork leggings for babies and women.

Look how sexy the faux patchwork design looks on leggings for women!

Sexy patchwork leggings for women at Felicianation Ink

More. More. I must create more!

mouhahahaha much love, Felicia :)

Cha-ching! keychain, gift for Etsy sellers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 05:58:00 +0000

I just had to show off my Cha-ching! keychain, I made for myself and fellow Etsy sellers.

(The app makes a cha-ching sound when you get a sale, and it's about the sweetest sound in the world!)

Get it for yourself as a motivational tool or as a gift for an Etsy seller in your life you want to show your support to!

Cha-ching! Keychain, gift for etsy sellers Basic Round Button Keychain by Felicianation
Make your own personalised keychains on zazzle

Much Love,

Felicia :)

Adorable giraffe print baby leggings, new at Felicianation Ink!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 04:29:00 +0000

I'm so excited about these giraffe print baby leggings I posted in my shop today. I think they are my favourite baby leggings design yet!

Available in several colours, visit my shop at felicianationink.etsy.com to order yours!

New handmade earrings at Felicianation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 08:35:00 +0000

New this week in my Etsy shop at felicianation.etsy.com

Handmade earrings featuring spikes and skulls!

I've always been a fan of spikes, and I just fell in love with the skull beads when I found them. I just knew I needed to turn them into funky earrings!

Visit my shop to see more and share this post and help me promote my art!

Felicia :)

An Open Letter To The Universe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 18:35:00 +0000

When I first left my ex of twelve years, I spent at least six months wanting absolutely nothing to do with the opposite sex. It was so intense that I found myself hissing like an angry cat (in my head!) at men who gave me the impression that they were interested.

Eventually, this feeling started to pass and a man caught my eye. We dated for a while, but it didn't work out due to extreme differences in our core value systems (another blog post, another day!)

Despite the disappointment, the experience reminded me that not all men are the same, and that I can find happiness with the right one.

As a single mom with very little opportunity to leave my home, I turned to dating apps to meet new people. I've been mulling over my profile for weeks, trying to put my desires into words, and last night I came up with the following:

I'm not sure what I'm looking for here.

I mean, in the end, what I'd really like, is to meet a good man.

One that will have me laughing continuously and will accept me as I am because I'll accept him as he is. Who will fall madly in love with me as I fall madly in love with him and who'll treat me like a queen because I'll treat him like a king. A man who is patient and calm who will also love my boys. Someone who will stimulate me, both physically and mentally, who will become my partner in crime and with whom I can face this adventure we call life.

Can that be found here? Who knows?! Stranger things have happened!

But now I'm left wondering... Am I asking for too much? Will this scare men off?

Which is what brought me to this blog post. As the old brain was churning, ruminating on these questions, this simple phrase came to mind: "Ask, and ye shall receive."

So here I am, asking the universe, because dang it, I deserve it!

New leggings designs available at Felicianation Ink

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 17:10:00 +0000

Posting some new leggings listings this week, so I thought I'd come share!

Loving the galactic stars design, especially in the purple / green palette!

It also looks good in an orange based palette:

For a more subdued look, the stars look great in silver as well!

As always, my leggings are also available in baby sizes 6 months to 3 years! Think how cute matching mommy and me outfits could be!

Stop by felicianationink.etsy.com today to order yours!

It's Boxing Day week at Felicianation Ink

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 07:10:00 +0000

Merry belated Christmas dear readers!

Hoping you had a wonderful holiday, just popping in to let you know I have a sale going on! Save 15% at felicianationink.etsy.com

Hurry! Sale ends December 31, 2015!

Why it is our duty to help refugees

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 22:05:00 +0000

This very powerful text is not my own, it was penned by a man named Faz Ali on Facebook. It illustrates perfectly why it is our duty as human beings to help those in need.

You’re 29 years old with a wife, two children and a job. You have enough money, and can afford a few nice things, and you live in a small house in the city.
Suddenly the political situation in your country changes and a few months later soldiers are gathered in front of your house. And in front of your neighbours’ houses.
They say that if you don’t fight for them, they will shoot you.
Your neighbour refuses.
One shot. That’s it.

You overhear one of the soldiers telling your wife to spread her legs.
Somehow you get rid of the soldiers and spend the night deep in thought.
Suddenly you hear an explosion. Your house no longer has a living room.
You run outside and see that the whole street is destroyed.
Nothing is left standing.

You take your family back into the house, and then you run to your parents' house.
It is no longer there. Nor are your parents.
You look around and find an arm with your Mother’s ring on its finger. You can’t find any other sign of your parents.

~~~~~

"But asylum seekers have so many luxury goods! Smartphones, and designer clothes!"

~~~~~

You immediately forget it. You rush home, and tell your wife to get the children dressed. You grab a small bag, because anything bigger will be impossible to carry for a long time, and in it you pack essentials. Only 2 pieces of clothing each can fit in the bag.
What do you take?
You will probably never see your home country again.
Not your family, not your neighbours, your workmates…
But how can you stay in contact?

You hastily throw your smartphone and the charger in the bag.
Along with the few clothes, some bread and your small daughters favourite teddy.

~~~~~

"They can easily afford to get away. They aren’t poor!"

~~~~~

Because you could see the emergency coming, you have already scraped all your money together.
You managed to save some money because of your well paid job.
The kind people smuggler in the neighbourhood charges 5,000 euros per person.

You have 15,000 euros. With a bit of luck, you’ll all be able to go. If not, you will have to let your wife go.
You love her and pray that you the smugglers will take you all.
By now you are totally wiped out and have nothing else. Just your family and the bag.
The journey to the border takes two weeks on foot.

You are hungry and for the last week have barely eaten. You are weak, as is your wife. But at least the children have enough.
They have cried for the whole 2 weeks.
Half the time you have to carry your younger daughter. She is only 21 months old.
A further 2 weeks and you arrive at the sea.

In the middle of the night you’re loaded onto a ship with other refugees.
You are lucky: your whole family can travel.
The ship is so full that it threatens to capsize. You pray that you don’t drown.
The people around you are crying and screaming.
A few small children have died of thirst.
The smugglers throw them overboard.
Your wife sits, vacantly, in a corner. She hasn’t had anything to drink for 2 days.
When the coast is in sight, you are loaded onto small boats.
Your wife and the younger child are on one, you and your older child are on another.

You are warned to stay silent so that nobody knows you’re there.
Your older daughter understands.
But your younger one in the other boat doesn’t. She doesn’t stop crying.
The other refugees are getting nervous. They demand that your wife keeps the child quiet.
She doesn’t manage it.
One of the men grabs your daughter, rips her away from your wife and throws her overboard.
You jump in after her, but you can’t find her again.
Never again.
In 3 months she would have turned 2 years old.
Isn’t that enough for you? They still have it too good here and have everything handed to them on a plate?

You don’t know how you, your wife and your older daughter manage to get to the country that takes you in.
It’s as though everything is all foggy. Your wife hasn’t spoken a word since your daughter died.
Your older daughter hasn’t let go of her sister’s teddy and is totally apathetic.
But you have to keep going. You are just about to arrive at the emergency accommodation.
It is 10pm. A man whose language you don’t understand takes you to a hall with camp beds. There are 500 beds all very close together.

In the hall it’s stuffy and loud.
You try to get your bearings. To understand what the people there want from you.
But in reality you can barely stand up. You nearly wish that they had shot you.
Instead you unpack your meagre possessions:
Two items of clothing each and your smartphone.
Then you spend your first night in a safe country.
The next morning you’re given some clothes.
Among the donated clothes are even branded ‘label’ clothes. And a toy for your daughter.
You are given 140 euros. For the whole month.

~~~~~

"They’re safe here. Therefore they should be happy!"

~~~~~

Outside in the yard, dressed in your new clothes, you hold your smartphone high in the air and hope to have some reception.
You need to know if anyone from your city is still alive.
Then a 'concerned citizen‘ comes by and abuses you.
You don’t know why. You don’t understand “Go back to your own country!"
You understand some things like “smartphone” and “handed everything on a plate.”
Somebody translates it for you.

~~~~~

And now tell me how you feel and what you own?
The answer to both parts of that is “Nothing.”

Justin Trudeau will steal from producers to give to moochers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 18:16:00 +0000

So, I had the immense displeasure of seeing this photo in my news feed:

There are many aspects of this image that get to me, but the moochers comment is what made this rant that has been bubbling up inside of me finally reach it's boiling point, so I won't get caught up on the "low information voters" or the so called "producers" - focusing instead on this "moochers" concept way too many people seem to buy in to.

The premise that the lower and middle class are moochers is appalling.

With a 10$ minimum wage, a large portion of our population is living off of 400$ gross per week. They probably clear about 350, for a whopping 1400$ take home a month. Minimum rent here on the Quebec side for a one bedroom apartment is $600. Add in utilities, insurance and a bus pass to get to this minimum wage job, I calculate a minimum of $950 a month in bills. Leaving them with all of $450 for an entire month. To feed themselves, clothe themselves, possibly get to enjoy some sort of entertainment, maybe enjoy the luxury of owning a car... It's ridiculous.

Now don't give me any bs about them being able to get better jobs. The fact is, if we want this lovely consumer society of ours to continue, we need people to keep working at minimum wage jobs. It would make it very hard to shop at stores if there were no cashiers, to name just one example.

Also, it is important to note that not everyone's been dealt the same cards in life, or gotten to the same level of education, and this is often for reasons far beyond a person's intelligence.

The fact is, most minimum wage jobs are gruelling, require a lot of hard work for very little reward, and often include being treated unfairly by some manager on a power trip as a bonus. All too often, older job seekers are forced to take a minimum wage job because they've reached an age where they are being passed up for younger candidates in their field.

My point is, these so-called moochers are some of our hardest working citizens: students, grown people with families, single people, single parents, seniors... They live in poverty despite the fact that they work like dogs, and it really is the modern day version of slavery. I feel strongly that someone who works full time, no matter the job, should be able to pay his or her bills and live comfortably.

Every link in the chain is important, just look at any restaurant!

The waiters will argue that they're more important because without them, the food wouldn't get to the customers, and it is their good service that keeps the clients coming back. The cooks will argue that they're more important because they prepare the food, so without them, there would be nothing to serve. In actuality, every single position is essential, down to the dishwasher, because nothing will stop a restaurant dead in its tracks like not having clean dishes to put the food on!

Our society is the same. Every link serves it's role. Without waiters and cooks and dishwashers, there would be no restaurants for us to enjoy. These people are not less important. They deserve help, and the rich can afford to part with a wee bit more, especially if they stop for a moment and realize that all those people are essential in order for them to continue to enjoy the privileged life they lead.

I believe in Justin Trudeau, and am happy to see him take his place as our Prime Minister. If he keeps even half of his campaign promises, we'll all live twice as well as we did under Steven Harper.

End rant.

The very bumpy road to success

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 01:59:00 +0000

Have you ever felt so alone that you could barely breathe?

Have you ever sat back, looked at your life and seen nothing but problems?

A whole big mountain of problems? So high you couldn't see the peek? So wide you couldn't see around it? So jagged and ominous that you didn't even know how to start climbing it?

Have you ever sat there, paralyzed by fear, feeling like the climb was impossible?

Sitting in that mountain's shadow, your light slowly fading out?

I've been there. I've climbed. I've conquered. I've fallen off again.

The mountain has gotten bigger. The climb is getting harder.

I keep going. One day at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time.

I stop. The sadness starts to take over again. I hang there from the ledge, refusing to let go, lest I fall in the precipice below. I look up and it's so high, how will I ever make it to the top?

I see my children watching me. I know I must go on. I must keep climbing, even when I stumble, I can't quit - they're watching.

I think of you, of the kind things you've said. All the times you told me I inspire you. I can't let go, I know you're watching.

So I'll take a moment to cry and then I'll find a way to make it up to that next ledge. If I need to rest when I get there, I'll take a moment to do so, but then I'll pick myself up, dust myself off, and start climbing again, because that's what I do.

It's all I know how to do.

Handmade skull print t-shirt by Felicianation Ink

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 22:57:00 +0000

What is that creative girl up to now?

To be truthful, it's been rough lately. Adjusting to single mom life is not easy.

Accepting that my old life is gone isn't easy either. I haven't been as active in my small businesses as I'd like, I have good days and bad days.

I've been working on some hand painted t-shirts, soon to be listed in my etsy shop: felicianationink.etsy.com

Thought I'd come share my latest tee here, let you know I'm still alive!

She is beautiful by Felicia-May Stevenson

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 03:45:00 +0000

She is beautiful and funny. Sweet and sexy. Smart and ambitious. Sensitive but strong. She is the moon and the stars. She is life. She is woman.

I'd like to get off this ride please

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 18:21:00 +0000

Can we stop the world? I want to get off this crazy ride.

There is corruption everywhere we look... Our governments are turning against us, changing our constitutional rights and infringing on our right to free speech, stealing from us, even drugging us (a small dose of prozac in your drinking water should keep you nice and complacent, right?)

Discrimination, greed, violence, manipulation... News story get more and more disturbing every day.

War has become a business and if we end all wars tomorrow, millions of people will lose their jobs... So the people who own the companies that make the weapons also own the companies that make the news. Yes make... Is there really any true journalism these days? They invent stories or bend the truth to fuel anger and hate... and create wars. Hard to find the truth in a haystack of lies.

Capitalism has gone terribly, terribly wrong.

Is there any hope for humanity? For planet earth? The planet will survive, even if we all blow each other up. She will do as she has done for millions of years and freeze over until the air clears enough to thaw... and then life will begin again.

What about us though? Divided by race, by sex, by religion, by sexual orientation... Yet we are all the same. Religious extremists, using religion as a weapon, instilling fear of retribution as a means to control... When every religion is supposed to be based in love.

Respect, courtesy and compassion are now seen as weaknesses and are becoming antiquated values...

There is so much that is wrong, so where do we start to make it right?

I suppose it starts with each and every one of us, making a conscious decision to judge less, and trying to understand more. Questioning everything we hear and removing our blinders. Reminding ourselves that extremists do not represent the group and using our voices to be heard and to affect change... Even demand it.

Share this post... let's work together to make the world a little better.

New Hand painted t-shirts from Felicianation Ink

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 May 2015 07:36:00 +0000

I suppose anyone who knows me would have known this was inevitable, but after designing fashion for women online, I started to get an itch... I wanted to get a bit more hands on!

The results? A new series of hand painted t-shirts, soon to be listed on Etsy at felicianationink.etsy.com

I welcome custom orders - drop me a line through etsy or contact me at felicianationink@gmail.com!

Thank you for sharing!

The Etsy Design Awards Are On! Please Vote!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 03:45:00 +0000

Etsy and Chatelaine are sponsoring a Quebec wide contest and since I have two shops, I was allowed to submit two items.

I'd really really (realllly) appreciate it if you took a minute to vote. There are six categories, and you can vote once per day per category!

I'm in home & accessories and Fashion & accessories.

Deciding which items to submit was agony! Did I make good choices?

I need your help!!! (Thank you for sharing!)I need you to help me win this amazing contest offered by Etsy and...
Posted by FeliciaNation on Thursday, April 9, 2015

Visit my shops to see more!

Clothing and more felicianationink.etsy.com
Jewelry and more felicianation.etsy.com

Direct Links to my items:

Leggings https://concoursetsy.ca/en/3/169/FelicianationInk
Box https://concoursetsy.ca/en/2/30/Felicianation

Printed Bodycon Dresses from Felicianation Ink for Spring 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 06:17:00 +0000

I'm so excited about my new dresses!

Hot hot hot!

Visit felicianationink.esty.com today to order yours and comment to let me know which you prefer or if there's anythin you'd like to see me design!

Love my work? Hit the share button below!

List of Best Etsy Advice For Sellers: How to Succeed on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:30:00 +0000

This post was inspired by a Facebook Etsy friend who was discouraged because she just hasn't been getting sales or views lately.

Have you been having a hard time with your Etsy shop as well? Feeling discouraged because you just aren't getting the sales you're wishing for? Are you wondering what you're doing wrong?

Follow this list of the best Etsy advice on how to succeed on Etsy that I've received over the past year and you might start to see the change you've been hoping for. It has worked for me, though I'm still working on getting both my shops to the level I want. (It's written with Etsy in mind, but can be applied to many other platforms as well.)

1- Work on your photos!

Crisp, white backgrounds are best. I can do this for you from your existing photos, I charge 3-5$ per picture, depending on the complexity. This is a very small investment, especially if it's for a renewable listing! Pictures and your description are the only things potential customers can gauge your product with, so a good picture and cohesive, pleasing ensemble view of the shop is an absolute must.

2- Work on your tags!

They should repeat words in your title and description. Two to three word tags are best. Uninspired? Look at other listings that are showing up on first page for tag ideas, or ask your fans on Facebook how they would describe your item. (A good way to boost engagement too!)

3-Grow your social media networks!

This is another area I can help you with. People can't buy what they've never seen, so building a strong social media network on key platforms is an absolute must to get your product the exposure it deserves.

4-Add more listings!

The more listings you have, the more keywords and therefore the more chances you have of showing up in searches. Don't use the same ones over and over again, vary your keywords by using the advice above. Of course, some reuses are inevitable, a cushion cover is a cushion cover after all!

5-Work, re-work, and re-re-work your SEO!

Re-work your titles, descriptions and tags. Make sure the two to three word phrases you're using match in all three ares. Use different tags if they aren't giving you any results. Try to avoid copying titles and descriptions. Etsy won't ding you for repetitive listings, but Google and other search engines will, limiting outside referrals.

6- Create a rich profile and about section!

Many people who shop on Etsy are looking for that personal experience, that feeling of connection with the artist, of supporting someone they respect and/or admire. Show people pics of your workspace, you working or shopping for materials, tell them your story and your product's story.

7- Create backlinks!

Have matching listings? Be sure to include a link to the other in each of your listings. Create a blog and link to your listings. Find relevant blogs to guest post on or comment with a link to your shop. Besides the obvious benefits of creating as many links possible to your shop, it helps boost your relevance to the computer gods that decide on your search rankings.

8- Create a welcoming home page!

If your shop was in a mall, would you stop in? Would it look like a respectable boutique or one of those cramped and cluttered boutiques that sell cheap products that are all piled on top of one another?

Create clear sections and make sure your items are sorted accordingly and arrange your best items on your home page so that it creates a cohesive, inviting look that offers a good glimpse of what other treasures may be held inside.

9- Join some teams!

Everything works better with teamwork. Look for Etsy teams in your field, or just plain advertising teams. There are games you can play to help boost views and faves. Join some facebook teams that will help you promote your shop. Also look for Facebook groups relevant to your field to join. More than the advice and help with promoting, you'll probably enjoy the camaraderie that comes from spending time with like minded people.

10- Stay away from trademarked materials -even fan art!

There's a debate as to whether you are legally allowed to sell them, but it's a big battle to take on with etsy and one you're likely to lose. They have shut shops down over the matter, seems to me it's not worth the hassle and headaches and even possible lawsuits it could bring. Besides, you're an artist. Would you want other people to just start making money off your art? Do onto others and all that, you know?

So there you have it. Some great advice for Etsy sellers to get you off to a very good start.

Selling on Etsy is a learning process, and they say it takes three years to build a business. There are over two million results for necklaces on Etsy; showing up within the first few pages is going to take some elbow grease! If you keep on trucking, start and keep at the advice in this post, you should start to see some results. Once you've got your shop walking, get it to run by concentrating on growing those social media networks, your followers on Etsy and keeping up with news and trends within your niche.

Contact me at felicianationink@gmail.com if you'd like my help with your shop, photos or social media.

My own shops (links also on the right)

Felicianation Ink https://felicianationink.etsy.com and http://felicianation.storenvy.com
Felicianation Creations https://felicianation.etsy.com

Share this post with your networks to help your Etsy friends and future sellers find their way as well and be sure to comment below with a link your Etsy shop (start creating backlinks now!)

Exclusive T-shirt Offer from Felicianation Ink - Limited time only!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 04:38:00 +0000

Wondering what the big old paypal button is for?

Check it out... an exclusive offer for Felicianation supporters (and whoever just happens to find this amazing offer by sheer luck.)

Offer ends Sunday March 29 at 10PM eastern time, buy now so you don't miss out!

Choose your tee and size by going through the photo album embedded in this post and leave me a note with the model and size (please measure yourself and refer to chart - I can't offer refunds once products are printed)

At first this was going to be an offer exclusive to local buyers, but then I thought hey - why not open it up to all of...

Posted by FeliciaNation on Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Why you should be using Polyvore if you're an online store owner

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 02:09:00 +0000

My pacifier from Zazzle is featured in this lovely set on Polyvore.

Do you use polyvore? If you have a shop, no matter what you sell, you really really should.

I clip all my items there, and they are used regularly... free publicity rocks!

Daddy's my valentines by emmacross on Polyvore

Kisses 25 Cents Shirt Valentines Day Gift Kids Boys Valentines Shirt..., 15 CAD / Valentines Day Red Lips on White Holiday Hipster Baby/Children/Infant..., 20 CAD / Red baby shoes. Red baby girl shoes. Red baby booties. Baby ballet..., 37 CAD / White And Red polka dot Headband, Baby Headband, Infant Headbands,..., 6.29 CAD / Valentine's Day Tulle Skirt, 16 CAD / Covered in multiple red hearts baby pacifier, 18 CAD / NUK Disney Orthodontic 10 Ounce Bottles with Medium Flow Silicone..., 23 CAD

Plus I was reading an article this week on the shopify blog that Polyvore is growing quickly and had the highest average amount per sale in 2014...

If you decide to join, be sure to follow me so I can follow you back!

http://felicia-stevenson.polyvore.com/

My plea for help on Go fund me - An update with context

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 13:42:00 +0000

Update and context: An ex colleague of mine commented in a very condescending way yesterday that times are hard for everyone, and that it would be unwise to plan on "solely this campaign" to provide for my family, and proceeded to give me with the link to indeed (a job search engine).

What can I say? It was to be expected, I suppose, but I wouldn't have expected it from this source. It has lead me to want to explain a few things about myself.

I was diagnosed with my first depression when I was 17.

And then again and again until I left a job for disability at 23 and my doc sent me to a psychiatrist.

Then my life spiraled out of control for a few years as I went from one job to another, starting off strong but inevitably running in to problems at some point (in hindsight, many were of my own creation, but I couldn't see that at the time.)

I ended up feeling stigmatized, and the pain of repeatedly rising to stardom only to fall lower than the pits in the esteem of various co-workers and bosses was becoming difficult to pick up and dust off with each additional "failure".

It was the same story over and over again. I don't have a university degree and everything I know is pretty much self-taught so until a few years ago, I really wasn't qualified on paper to do anything more than administrative work or customer service, so especially now that I had children, it was important for me to have a good job and good benefits.

I did a stint in the restaurant business between my diagnosis and before I had the boys - I loved it. I really did. Except I couldn't handle it. Much too nervous, much too sensitive, managers on a power trip had me in tears at least once a week.

So back to the office life I went, thinking this time it will be different.

You know that's the definition of insanity right, doing the same thing, over and over again, expecting different results?

Yet there I was, try #8 at the office life, thinking this time it would be different.

My boss (the lady who'd hired me) was gone on vacation for the first entire month when I started there. They gave me nothing to do for that entire month. Except get the mail I think.

Going stir crazy isn't even the word for it, but I had to leave my desk to escape to the elevators and get away from the building as I was unable to stop the tears that had popped up in my eyes as I looked around my well paying prison cell with benefits.

When my boss finally came back from vacation, she walked in to our pod to find me reading a book (I didn't have shops back then, I had to do something to keep from losing my mind!)

She was a funny, abrupt and painfully frank woman and she said dryly to me "You're reading a book?" with a hint of indignation. When I quietly told her it was because I had nothing to do, she exclaimed "Well go home then if you have nothing to do!"

There was a chance this would become a permanent position, the holy grail of all positions, so my eyes instantly welled up with tears and I told her I didn't want to go home, I wanted her to give me something to do.

After poop was distributed for having had me sit there for so long dying of boredom, life suddenly changed drastically. Boss lady was a trip, and when it was discovered that I was smart, they almost had a party and started to finally throw work at me.

It still wasn't enough to keep me busy all day, so I started showing some initiative, since it had been said that the executive assistant needed help.

The director took a liking to me and decided to offer me her assistant's position while she left for mat leave.

Boss lady made me take the position, but I didn't want to leave her. I would have filed papers until I was 55 if it meant I got to spend my work days with her... but thank goodness, it was time for her to retire. (in the sense that I may never have left and look at all that I never could have discovered.)

I cried on the day she left, but it had already been months since I'd left her team. I was with the director now, and she really liked me. We were like friends, and she listened to me. I really trusted her.

I was going through some really intense personal issues and having a very hard time handling my health issues, two young children, a high pressured job and extenuating problems.

I was breaking down in tears randomly at the office, overwhelmed by things that were suppose to be so easy for me. We had gone from being 3 admins to 1, and while I could've handled it at full speed, at that point it was just too much.

It had gotten to the point where I was throwing up every morning before work so I asked my boss to chat. I wanted to know if she would advance me a week off, as I really needed to rest.

She was unhappy, and I decided to reveal my deepest darkest truth to her. I told her about my diagnosis.

She responded by telling my that she was removing me from my position and returning me to my old clerk position.

I was devastated. It was like she had just punched me in the stomach. I couldn't believe what I'd just heard and the fact that I'd thought that we were friends just made it sting more.

I walked out of her office that day, grabbed my purse and my coat and left... and it was almost two years before I could even consider the idea of being able to work on a regular basis without having a complete and total meltdown.

I felt empty. Drained. Dumb. I had tried every which way to make myself fit into that box and failed.

At some point I started my blog. I felt like I'd been wronged, I felt misunderstood, and I wanted to say my peace, whether the intended party got to read it or not.

I didn't know it at the time, but the day I started that blog was the day I started to find my true self again.

I was on disability for severe depression, and was being eaten alive by anxiety. I remember yelling at the poor woman who'd been assigned my rehabilitation "don't you understand? I can't do this again!!! It's freaking going to kill me!" crying and ranting... seriously, poor woman... I'm sorry if you're reading this!

It was almost two years before I started to see the light.

For one, after over 15 years of trial and error, my psychiatrist and doctor finally found the right medication combination for me and I was actually living anxiety free, for the first time I could remember, in my entire life.

When I first found out that my cushy, allegedly permanent job was being cut, my knee jerk reaction was to be upset - but then I remembered that I hated that job in the first place and started to think that maybe it was the time to take the money and run (my other options were not appealing at all!)

I started thinking to myself that I would just combine all of my talents and somehow make a living that way.

I was thrilled when I was selected to participate in a class for women wanting to start a business.

They were going to teach us how to develop our business plan, but I got so much more. I completely rediscovered myself and started to remember all that I was capable of.

In the past year and a half, I have blossomed. I grow stronger and more confident in my role as a business woman day by day.

My time fairy business was coming along nicely, but is not performing nearly as strongly as I hoped it would, especially in December. However I have plans to move this business in a good direction that should prove to be fruitful, both for this business as well as for enlarging my social media following.

The face painting business was my breadwinner from May to December (except November!) but I have no doubts it will pick up again with the season, and I'll be in an even better position this year to do well over the summer.

Since launching my storenvy shop on January 1, I have designed and created listings for over 1500 products over five stores (two of which I set up from scratch) and taken pics of existing inventory to post jewelry listings as well as working on a couple of custom orders, handling 3 blogs, 2 etsy accounts, 12 social media accounts and my other two businesses...

To say that I am relying solely on this campaign is inaccurate.

To be clear, I know that times are hard for everyone. Everyone has their own sob story, and mine isn't any better that anyone else's.

But you know what? I've been the first to help people most of my life. I've given money to many causes, helped out many friends, and even sometimes enemies, just because they needed it and I could.

So at the moment it's my turn to need help, more than I ever have before. I've worked hard, but as sole bread winner for the past few months, it just hasn't been enough.

You don't have to help me. I won't judge you at all. You might decide my cause isn't worthy enough, and that's ok, because there are people every where that are in need.

But they say "ask and ye shall receive", so here I am humbly asking, because while I'm so incredibly grateful for the help received so far that allowed me to make my car payment, my phone or my internet or both might be cut off this week... and that just won't be good for business now will it?

I'm in a bind and need help to catch up and get through this cash flow crunch.

So maybe you'll decide you do want to help, just because you believe in me, or my talent, or think my kids are cute, or just because... for whatever reason, thank you so much.

Many might think "wow she has no shame asking for help this way", but let me tell you, as humbling as it is having to ask for help, I will do any darn thing I can think of to keep from declaring bankruptcy and losing my businesses and the bright future they hold for our entire family. I will not go down without a fight!

Someday this will be just another chapter in the book..

Please consider donating, every bit helps.

PS... being reminded that it seems as if some people are just sitting aroung waiting to see me fall flat on my face... just makes me want to fight even harder to prove that I can do it.... so you know, thanks.

this is what I had originally written...

I have poured my heart and soul into my businesses. Worked so many long hours. Neglected my friends and family. I poured all of my energies into making these businesses a success and gaining financial independence, if not even comfort.

I wanted a better life for my kids, one where I had money to put them in after school activities, or even take them out for cool family outings. I wanted a career that was my own, a destiny that I could write for myself. I told them we were sacrificing for a better life. I told them that you could accomplish anything if you worked really hard for it.

I wanted it so badly, and I believed in it so completely, that I continued to advance blindly, ignoring the danger signs around me. My husband was I'll and hasn't worked since October. November and December sales were very disappointing... Still I kept advancing, while the bills continued to pile up.

I couldn't (or refused to) see any other outcome than success. I was convinced I'd get a minor miracle, a huge order would come in, something!

But now I've walked too far, and I find myself standing at the edge of a precipice. I'm now in a situation where I could lose everything, and soon, if that miracle I've been praying for doesn't happen within the next few days.

I can't bare the thought of telling my two boys that I've failed, but I will have failed, if I don't find help and fast.

I know now I can make a success story out of these companies, but I need more time, and in this case time really is money. At this point, I need a few thousand just to catch up, but I'm really hoping to get enough funds so that I can order samples of all my fantastic new designs and really promote this line. I have ideas I'd like to develop for my other companies as well, but those too will require funds...

I really hope you will decide to help me, you can donate any amount you want, and even if it's two dollars, I appreciate your gesture more than I can say.

Please help me save my family and my dreams!

One of a kind polymer clay jewelry and accessories.

http://felicianation.etsy.com

Unique designer fashions and accessories

http://felicianationink.etsy.com

my facebook page

http://facebook.com/feliciamaystevenson

my face painting business

http://facebook.com/maquillagelafeelicia

the time fairy, personal assistant and shopping services
http://facebook.com/fdtemps

Spider Eyes designer Tshirt from Felicianation Ink | Zazzle

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 03:02:00 +0000

Spider Eyes designer Tshirt from Felicianation Ink | Zazzle (clipped to polyvore.com)

Baby girl

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:36:00 +0000

Baby girl by felicia-stevenson featuring t shirts

T shirt
29 CAD - zazzle.ca

Purple leggings for baby girls, fairy print leggings, designer...
57 CAD - etsy.com

Keep calm and spread some magic by Felicianation Baby Pacifiers
24 CAD - zazzle.ca

Three guilty kittens illustration by Felicianation Pacifiers
24 CAD - zazzle.ca