Our Vision Drive

Live_on_jack

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:55:00 +0000

dear
http://itsmf.biz/worrynothing.php?wilesubacc=30

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:55:37
__________________
"His grandmother thought it would not be safe." (c) Javonrion wilman

Homecoming in Port Barre Cher!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:58:00 +0000

It's that time of year when the hormone raging teeny boppers come out to support their pride, their school....its Homecoming!

That's right folks! And T-roy, Cola, Roux and I had front row seats at this year's Port Barre Homecoming Parade.

It was definitely entertaining...from hot pink hood ornaments to trunk busting cadillac's, this year's parade had it all!

Thought you'd enjoy some entertaining shots...

Fall is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:56:00 +0000

Now that October is here, I feel like its truly fall in South Louisiana. The cool front of the morning seals the deal for me.... Enjoying the screen porch as I do each morning; coffee in hand, pen and paper, I always love this way of starting my day. Today our adventure leads us to Arte's house (Troy's brother) for some good ole, hometown Cajun football tailgating, then to the historic Bourque's for a late evening of original music by our very own Troy Richard. A chair and boos grants you comfort for the night and the company there are only listeners...just our style!

We made plans yesterday to start the physical work on the camper again next week. My heart sings as I cannot wait to start our adventure! We have a few fall trips on our list, including Lake Fausse Point where Troy is providing the romantic entertainment for a "Camping Wedding". Our goal is to have floors and electricity complete by then. One thing I have learned about this trip preparation is that you should take the time you think it will take you to get on the road and multiply that by 4. Oh well...Cest La Vie!!

Will keep the updates coming...until next time, much love, Kelli!

Live By Design!!

Sent from my iPad

The Long Hot Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:25:00 +0000

Hello followers! We haven't posted in while...the long hot summer sent us into a comatose state where all we had the energy for was keeping cool.

But....we're back!!

A little update....Troy had his CD release party on August 13th for his new album, Door Ajar. Check it out on itunes if you haven't yet. Its a great album, but I'm partial....Anywho, congrats to the Richard Revue for their success on their new album!!

More Info Here:
www.heyrichardmusic.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hey-Richard-Music/148901531840298

Also, if you haven't heard...I've written a book! Yes, I wrote a book. I'm a little surprised myself!! Its called the Acadiana Art Trail to be released October 8th at Acadiana Center for the Arts. You can find out more about it here http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Acadiana-Art-Trail/146142332119589.

But, I'm sure you're wondering how old Goldie is coming along...and well, she isn't. After tearing out half of her floor and finding leaks in her roof, we decided to give her a break for July and August. But, on the up side of that, we have a meeting with my mom's handyman, Andy, next Friday to help us get over the hump!

Well, that's it for the update for now. My goal is to start posting more often, especially as we get closer to traveling.

I'll leave you with something to chew on in the mean time....

"The closer we get to the end of our present evolutionary stage, the more dysfunctional the ego becomes in the same way that a caterpillar becomes dysfunctional just before it transforms into a butterfly. But the new consciousness is arising even as the old dissolves." Thank you Eckhart Tolle for the 52 Inspirational Card Deck I borrowed from mom Tuesday!

Peace!

Femininity At Its Best!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 03:37:00 +0000

What I Love About Being Human

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:08:00 +0000

Today, I started a new book that is supposed to guide me in the journaling I practice each morning. The book is called LIST YOURSELF. The theory behind the book is that making numerous list about particular topics is a way to a deeper, more meaningful self-discovery...

My very first list was to list all the qualities I love about being human. My first thought was hmmmm....this could be dangerous. I can easily list all the pain in the ass things I hate about being human. But something interesting happened. As I put my pen on the paper to attempt this list, I couldn't stop. It came so easy to me to list things I loved about being human. Yet usually, I find daily thoughts go more towards the negative side of this list. I rarely even thought about the things I loved about being human. Making the list made me appreciative of the gifts that I so often take for granted. I've shared my list below and I know there are so many more things I've left out. I've love to hear your list so please share on the blog or on facebook.

QUALITIES I LOVE ABOUT BEING HUMAN
1. Experiencing emotions (the good, the bad, the ugly)
2. Having choices
3. Enjoying great food
4. Experiencing nature
5. Experiencing music
6. Experiencing art
7. Falling "in love"
8. Laughing
9. Hugging
10. Crying
11. Smiling
12. Connecting
13. Relationships
14. Healers
15. Knowledge and Learning

LIVE BY DESIGN!!

**Have a great week everyone!

Port Barre Rainbows

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:37:00 +0000

After a great rain, T-roy and I having just dropped Del off at the casino, headed back into Port Barre. As we drove, beautiful colors shown above; colors that any artist would have trouble mixing in her palette. The further we drove, the more breathtaking the sky became. What lay ahead was a rainbow in which each base sat in pastures waiting for discovery. The colors began to move and something in us made us follow. We drove through neighborhoods and along country roads searching for a closer look at what lie beneath the base of these bows...searching for our own pot of gold, searching as curiously as kids, searching as we were meant to search...

Have a beautiful day!! Live By Design!!

The Album Is In!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Woohoo!! Made it though the month June...we've officially been at Del's for three months now! Thank goodness for her patience with us!!! My mom calls her Saint Del because she's not sure how Del has put up with the four (dogs too!) of us for this long...thanks mom!

T-roy's been working hard on the album and our Goldie and me on Acadiana Art Trail. For those who are aren't up to speed on our projects, you can check them out here.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Acadiana-Art-Trail/146142332119589

http://heyrichardmusic.weebly.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Richard-Revue/207413719270361

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Troy-Richard-Music/148901531840298

We received the first shipment of albums in the mail last night so I'm headed to Lafayette today to pick them up!! This afternoon we're planning a "formal listening" of the new album in Port Barre!!

For friends and family looking to get a copy of the new album, it will be on itunes soon under Richard Revue, "A Door Ajar" or you can buy a copy of the album from us at a show or when you see us. P.S. I like the actual CD because all the photography and artwork features Goldie.....and created by us.

Hope you guys have a safe and fun Fourth of July!! Peace!!

LIVE BY DESIGN!!

The Cajun Bahamas

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:08:00 +0000

“I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand, not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today, life is good today…”

Enjoying the "big island", the "Cajun Bahamas", Grand Isle, where seagulls trail shrimp boats and surf fishing is plentiful. The sand may be trashy, the water may be brown, and the women may have no teeth. It may not be pretty, but its the beach cher!!

What spawned from a sporadic idea on T-roy’s part, we drove all night and ended up here at 6 a.m. yesterday morning (Sunday). Our first stop, the beach for surf fishing in which T-roy immediately caught three specs. I wanted to show him up so I grabbed a rod and headed into the sea only to hook one very small speck and have my toe pinched by a crab. I ran full speed through the surf with fish still on line thinking I was being attached by a shark…I sure showed him! I’m such a chic! Enjoy the pics!!

Live by Design!!

Room not too, too bad

Cola and Roux catching their tan...

Fish Heads for some Crabbing...have fun with that T-roy

Dog Days of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Just in case you haven’t noticed, the dog days of summer have come early this year. And with Goldie restorations taking a little longer than expected, T-roy and I have had to look for in our own backyard for fun-filled excursions.

A couple weekends ago we did the “False River Thing” with our friends Claire and Todd at their family camp…..it’s nice to know people in high places (if you know what I mean). We had a wonderful weekend and by the time we returned we felt rejuvenated (pics included for either your enjoyment or laughter…J)!!

This weekend we’re venturing out from Port Barre into Lafayette to spend the weekend at our friends’ home, Jason and Blake. Plans are to catch a summer league baseball game and just enjoy a weekend of coach surfing away from home.

Its amazing how just a change in scenery can be just what the doctor ordered for these long, hot summer days. Whether it’s a 30 minute drive or a days trip, getting out of the house for a night or two can be just what you need to get your head on straight again. So, say “f**k it” to all those things around the house that need doing and get on out of the house for a night!!

Look for great ideas for fun in Louisiana on this site. http://www.louisianatravel.com/

LIVE BY DESIGN!

The Music Biz

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:48:00 +0000

Today marks the last day of profit from passion, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't still love to hear your comments and ideas...keep on sending them so we can all continue to learn!

The music biz can be tough especially if you're a musician trying to make it big. If you play for fun, chances are you've already looked into lining up gigs in weddings, churches, bars and other venues. You've probably also considered teaching lessons and subbing for other musicians. But there is one more big way you can profit from your music passion.

With T-roy in the music biz, I've had to learn my share of "how things work" in this market. My biggest lesson....the work behind the scene!! One of the hardest challenges for a musician is being their own booking agent, manager, marketer, etc. It takes a lot of energy to manage the business side of music in addition to writing, recording, gigging, etc. We've looked for local agents and managers with no luck so I've become somewhat of the band booker/manager/marketer. I've asked this question a thousand times, "with the amount of musical talent in this area, why can't we find someone in this nitch?"

Soooooooooo, if you're a music lover and this is your passion, I see a huge opportunity for someone to develop this type of business here in Lafayette, LA. And just in case you get this post before 6pm today, here is a little tip for getting started!! Hopefully I'll see you there!!

Tipitina's Co-Op Lafayette
Don't forget The Jazz and Heritage Foundation is presenting a "how to sell your music" workshop tomorrow at 6:00 pm at the Tipitina's Cooperative 125 S. Buchanan St. Lafayette, La. 70501 If you make music...then learn how to sell it to Film, Radio, Television etc...

LIVE BY DESIGN

Burning Buns!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:11:00 +0000

Lately I've been doing a lot of yoga, walking and squats...it seems I've gained quite a few pounds in the last two years, which is probably a good thing (according to friends). But the cellulite that comes with that is not all that fun (at least I now have boobs). Since I've turned 30, toning up has become a lot harder!! Anyone observing my yoga poses these days would be quite entertained to say the least...

My little bro, on the other hand has no problem regulating the exact caloric intake he needs each day to the amount of running or lifting he needs to do in order to stay extremely fit (we have no idea where he gets this from). If your like him and staying health and fit is in your nature, consider turning your passion into profits by teaching classes at your local gym. Other options may also be a meal planner (I would totally hire you), health coach and trainer. Lately, I've also seen people in smaller communities advertising classes out of their homes. Every day at regular scheduled times, group classes are set up in back yards. For some people, this is a whole lot cheaper and easier than a gym a gives them the same group participation and motivation. Small signs posted around town and word of mouth are great ways to advertise.

Anyone taking the leap in this area should let our readers know!! I'd love to take you up on your services!! Good luck burning those buns!!

Happy hump day everyone!!!

LIVE BY DESIGN!!!

Calling All Green Thumbs!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Back to profiting from your passions today brings us to those who love to garden! Eating organic or fresh produce has always been a battle for me. Going to the grocery store to purchase fresh, organic produce can be ubber expensive!!

There is a little old lady living down the street from Mrs. Dell (Troy's mom) that has a huge garden. She spends hours watering and weeding and picking. I've considered stopping her several times to ask her if I can just buy produce from her rather than the grocery. My shyness has kept me from asking....I know I could drag my butt to the farmer's market at the but crack of dawn on a Saturday, but somehow I never make it. Our plans to travel keep me from growing our own or participating in an Earth Share.

So, if i'll just get to the point...if gardening is something you enjoy, consider making profits by running a neighborhood garden. I know many people who would love to pay for fresh produce delivered to their doorsteps each week. Setting up a produce stand near your home or participating in farmer's markets could also be a very viable option for you. With fresh food being harder and harder to find and family farms disappearing, I think the search for fresh, organic foods will be more and more popular. Among these, other examples include landscape design, gardening instructor or consultant, florist, office-plant caretaker and many, many more options remain.

Good luck green thumbs!! We hope you'll keep growing so we can keep eating well!!

LIVE BY DESIGN!!

Losing Your Footing

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:15:00 +0000

Sometimes it may seem like life is headed in the right direction. You have a goal in mind, you've identified the steps for achieving it, and you're working towards that goal conscientiously. We can see the end. However, there may be times when the dots just don't seem to be connecting the way we'd hope. We loose confidence, we loose motivation, we feel busted....

This was me last week....

After a good "oh woe is me" pity party I had for myself this weekend, I opened my journal this morning to find this quote,

"...life is like fording a river, stepping from one slippery stone to another, and you must rejoice every time you don't lose your balance, and learn to laugh at all the times you do."

-Merle Shain, 20th-century Canadian writer

So, today, I've decided to end my "pity party" and laugh at myself instead, only hoping that there are others laughing at themselves as well. A guess learning to see it this way is part of living by design-harder but worth every second!!!

Have a great week!!

Live By Design!!

Decorate Your Home-Passion into Profit

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:01:00 +0000

Something about the feminine energy makes us (women and some men) want to make things feel a certain way...the flow of our living room, the welcoming feel of a kitchen, the relaxation of a bathroom. If I remember correctly, I think this is called "chi". Some are blessed with the ability to feel a room or an environment and have the gift of arranging decor in way that changes the energy of a space. Simply moving the large vase from the counter to the table or the chair back a few inches can change a room in its entirety.

I have several friends who have these special gifts...from interior designers to stagers for home sales to closet organizer, feng shui experts and color consultants. Some make a living full time while others are inspired to "play" part-time. However often, they always seem to be love the energy they get from a project. It invigorates them!!!

If this is something your attracted to, take classes through community programs, find out ways to get involved in the underground circuit of this market, talk to people who have a toe in the industry, etc. People react to positive spaces and as long as we have homes and buildings, we will always have a need for people and their "magic touch".

LIVE BY DESIGN!!!

Socialize

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:07:00 +0000

You know "those" people? The ones who can just "simply" throw a party together on the drop of dime? Everything is exquisite....even conversation seems to come so naturally. Yes, we can call these people party planners, hosts of sales parties, conference producers, etc.

Whatever the event may be, they can plan it beautifully and make it "happen". If this sounds like you, event planning may be up your alley for turning passions into profits. Start small by talking with your friends and family about upcoming events they may be planning. From birthday parties to graduation parties and weddings, your personal contacts may be enough to keep you busy for a while. If you enjoy it, reach out in your community for other prospects.

In addition to individual events, consider small businesses as a market. So many of them need assistance in the planning area and what a better way than contracting out you and your creative flare. From ribbon cuttings to client mingling, small businesses could definitely be a money maker. Consider talking it up before the holidays hit, as this is always the best time for profiting on planning events.

Only four more posts for turning passions into profits so keep sending in your real life examples!! We all love hearing them!!!

Have a great week everyone!!

Share Expertise

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:33:00 +0000

About a year and a half ago I made the decision to start my own business as a Human Resources Consultant, freelancing my way through life. It was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I didn't like about it was not having an IT department when I needed it...darn technology!! :) While HR Consulting is something I seem to be somewhat transitioning in and out of, I've learned more in the last year and a half about owning your own business than ever before and it has led me into other areas of freelancing.

Today's profit from passion focus is on sharing expertise. If you work for any business, chances are you know how to do something value added that other businesses may consider contracting out. While this may be scary at first, making the jump gave me the freedom and flexibility I was so looking for. With consultants being in high demand, this could be a perfect opportunity for you.... Also consider opportunities as a trainer. If you're skilled in something and you enjoy sharing your knowledge there are plenty of opportunities for trainers in the world of business and also on the consumer end. Other ideas from All You are self-help book author, blogger, industry event speaker, manual writer, etc. Whatever you choose, the learning opportunities in freelancing are endless and my most important lesson has been self-confidence....knowing that I can do almost anything I'd like to do.

Its almost Friday everyone!!!! Woohoo!!!

Live Life By Design!!

Goof Around With Your Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Now that schools out, Troy's nieces, Caroline, Eve and Lola have been frequenting our home (Granny's House). While at times, this might seem a little overwhelming, I've actually been enjoying the playful squander...walks for snow cones, art projects, Alice in Wonderland, homemade cookies (okay, I made them from a package) but you know what I mean....all the stuff you enjoyed doing when you were a kid!! Pulling from All You again, today's profit from passion idea is goof around with you kids!!

Some Suggestions are: Home-based day-care owner (not for me but hey, what ever floats your boat)

Children's Party Planner

Videographer (catching all these wonderful moments for parents at dance recitals, parties, etc)

After-school-club tutor

And don't forget arts and craft clinics...summer time is the perfect time!!!

Swimming Lessons

Whatever the idea, small groups of kids can be fun!! Especially if you can send them home....

Happy hump day everyone!!!

Food For Thought Today!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:28:00 +0000

Click on the link below!!! Thank you Blake Simon for sharing!!

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/no-vacation-nation-why-americans-work-like-robots.html

Be Around Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:06:00 +0000

Good morning and happy Friday everyone!! I hope you all are prepping for a relaxing or fun filled Memorial Day Weekend! Today's topic focuses in our all those animal lovers we know.

Some people, I notice, are just made to be around animals. They have such a calmness about them when animals are around. Animals have proven time and time again to be great healers for people....I know this because I watch Animal Planet quite often :).

If you're one of these special people, consider turning profits from your passion by being with animals. All You Magazine suggests several ideas: groomer, pet sitter, doggy-day care owner, dog walker or trainer, horseback-riding teacher and pet product developer.

My real life example today is Troy. When Troy and I were first dating, my neighbor and friend, Karen Dean, asked Troy to pet sit for her almost 200 pound dog, Flap. If you've seen or know this dog, you know the challenge he was in for. At the time, we had also just become proud parents of our dogs, Roux and Cola. The deal was that Troy got free room and board in Karen's home while she worked for a movie 60 miles down I-10. Troy's only real task was to see about Flap and Roux in the morning and evenings. This included feeding and walking and an occasional phone conference with Karen so she could talk to Flap. This worked out great for Troy as he was in transition at the time and needed a place to crash. He considered making this a full-time thing for people whose work lives involved lots of travel. We discussed how he could create a business out of "couch surfing" and "pet sitting". Eventually, we moved in together so the idea went out the window, but if you are a free spirit and in transition, this idea may be a great one for you!!

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!!!!! Be safe!!

Keep Organized!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:56:00 +0000

If you are as OCD as I am, keeping organized may seem like a simple chore. But, if you're as messy as my cousin, April, keeping organized is no small task. Growing up like sisters, April and I always bickered about whose stuff was getting in whose way. My things were always neatly stacked while April's were always in a huge pile that looked like a mountains of junk in my room (I love you April)!

Thinking of April leads me to our next "profit from passion"...Keep Organized. All You Magazine suggests several ideas like becoming a professional organizer or a time-management consultant. They also throw a few other ideas into this category like life coaching, being a virtual assistant and bookkeeping. With technology these days, virtual work is becoming very popular and if you're skills and passions fall into this category, this just might be a great opportunity for you.

The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris, discusses lots of ideas for virtual working so if this is a possibility for you, The 4 Hour Work Week is a must read!!

Buy Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:23:00 +0000

I can't remember the last time someone gave me permission to buy clothes. As a kid, it was a necessity and something your mother made you do, but as an adult, this guilt sets in every time I purchase something I don't need while my closet is getting fatter and fatter. As shoes and purses seem to breed in my closet (I'm convinced that's how the multiplication has happened so fast), so does the clutter, etc. But that does not seem to stop the shopper!!!

Thankfully, over the last few years, I've been able to control myself....however, I have many friends who still battle the mall. All You Magazine list a few examples of turning profits from your passion of shopping. They are a stylist, personal shopper, image consultant, fashion designer, and eBay retailer.

My real world example for this post is going to be the beautiful, the talented, Claire Breaux Louis. My friend Claire has always been into fashion design. I remember back in high school, every bit of her wardrobe was laid back, yet very intentional. From her glittery eye shadow to the way she wore her socks, she was "happenin"! In college, she studied apparel design and soon ended up in Hollywood on movie sets. But Claire's passion extends way past the glamor of dressing the A list of Hollywood. Claire not only designs and sells her own jewelry, purses and you name it, but she also has done her share of shopping for high end consumers. While artist, designers and crafters don't always have the most consistent income, Claire has figured out how to design her life around this cash flow obstacle. I've never seen Claire over indulge in anything but yet live a comfortable life for the means she has.

I'd love to hear other similar examples from you guys...If you know anyone or you yourself have experience in this line of work, please share!!

Hit Antique Stores and Garage Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:44:00 +0000

As we continue on with our theme for the month, profiting from your passion, today's post touches on hitting antique stores and garage sales for money. All You Magazine gives a few ideas: antiques salesperson to retailers or designers, booth operator in an antiques mall, restoration expert, upholsterer, and estate-sale company owner.

Here's what I know about it....When Troy and I made the decision to start selling our things so that we could purchase the RV and travel, we started posting our items on Craig's List and Ebay. Within a day, I had numerous replies for the few things we had posted. As people came over to claim their purchases, they discovered that everything in our home was for sale. They always left with more than they had originally intended and before we knew it we were "bankin".

Before we left our home, we also had several "estate-sales" which earned us plenty of cash. Grooves of people showed up from all different walks of life. We had the pleasure of meeting many of them who purchased "used" items in order to fix them up and resell or remake and resell. From a retired couple living in an RV, to a flea market couple to artists and Ebay Store owners, we had them all. It was so interesting to hear each person's story as they shopped our sale. What we discovered is that many folks do this as a supplement to another income. However, we did meet several people who relied solely on this type of income. They were the ones who worked really hard at it.

If this is one of your passions and you are interested in making this type of career change, I would do as much research online as possible as well as talking with the people who do this full-time. Starting slowly is key, as we sometimes discover in the midst of a career change that the new path is not for us or we haven't quite figured out how to make it work for us just yet.

For those readers who have experience under their belt with this passion, we'd all love to see your comments so we can learn!!

Thank you all for reading and until meet again....

Receive Posts in Email

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:44:00 +0000

A quick reminder to everyone that you can receive all posts via email by entering your email address in the upper right hand corner in the designated box. Also, I disabled the log in requirement to make comments (didn't know it was checked) so it should be easier to make comments now. Thanks for following and sharing everyone!!!

Real World Example

noreply@blogger.com (Kelli Foret) — Fri, 20 May 2011 18:05:00 +0000

Real World Example

Today's post is a real world example of a friend and blog follower who has chosen to make big changes in her life by following some of the principles and ideas that Our Vision Drive references. Take notes, because my friend, Emily, has tons of great information to share with you today!!!

Enjoy her post below!!!!

I'm a huge fan of etsy (and artfire). I haven't set up my artfire
shop yet, but hope to soon because I feel that the more exposure I get
on different websites, the better for me.

The reason that I've had sales so far is because I create a few items
that no one else is selling on either website (crawfish jelly and
honey bourbon jelly). I find that I sell way more via facebook,
though (because of my fan page AND my personal page). It's just a
matter of doing self-promotion on facebook without making people sick
of hearing about what you're doing (I mean…not everyone eats jelly or
preserves!!). I try to make my status updates about the adventure of
creating rather than about having something to sell. And I really do
get excited about the creation! The other stuff (shipping, making
labels, etc.) is not so fun to me but necessary.

After my first listen to the Four Hour Work Week, as well as some
major soul-searching I've been doing, I decided to make some changes
in my life and one of the results was a need to redesign my etsy shop
so that I'm not running around in circles for very little profit.

First off, I'm charging full price for shipping now. I used to be
worried I'd scare people off with my high shipping costs, but I was
losing money on shipping. That's pointless.

Second, I'm no longer doing piecemeal orders unless it's for items
that are popular. So, if someone wants one of the wine jellies, they
are most likely going to have to order two or four at a time, instead
of just one. I took a look at what I was doing – spending money on
one-jar orders while the other jars I had to make with that one jar
would just sat around waiting for someone to buy them. I WILL still
do one jar orders, but only if I have them in stock. Or if they were
leftovers from a custom order.

Third, I have decided to discontinue some items that just didn't sell.
Actually, my cousin just placed an order for two jars of an item I
discontinued. I was JUST about to go make an entire batch of this
stuff that hardly sells when I realized, all I had to tell her was,
"Here's my last jar. I'm sorry, but I'm not making this one any more
unless it's a four jar order." (And I actually will probably make it
again, for myself...because I happen to love cooking with it.)

Another way that I've been adding to my etsy shop is by selling
vintage items. I absolutely LOVE going to flea markets. Kappy's
Korner is a very short bike ride from my house in Sunset. If
something only costs a couple of dollars and it's cute, I buy it.
I've only had a few vintage sales so far, but I think once I take some
better pictures, my sales will pick up. (Again…one of these sales was
because I posted a picture on facebook.)

While some of the recipes I use are my own (and I don't share those),
I do share some recipes. I know for a fact that goodwill (toward
people) is a great way to increase sales. In fact, I am loyal to
several etsy shops because of their goodwill toward me - they promoted
me when I first opened my shop and gave me good exposure.

As part of the Handmade Louisiana artisans group, we tag each other on
facebook and promote each other when possible (we call it Tagging
Tuesday). More promotion of and from other shops. This past month, I
purchased from Louisiana shops these items: a pretty little necklace
designed just for me; environmentally friendly laundry soap powder;
bath soaps; and badge reels (that I clip on my pants so that I don't
lose my printer access card for the office). I absolutely LOVE the
fact these small business owners got my money for things I needed,
instead of a big corporation who doesn't know me from Adam. Being a
part of the Handmade Louisiana group has really helped me learn the
ins and outs, plus they let me vent my frustration. We gage how
everyone is doing sales-wise about once a month. We get and give
advice/feedback. It's been very helpful to learn from these people.
I get inspired by them and just by browsing etsy's pages.

I do have more projects in the works, after I get some technical
difficulties worked out (my brother is building me a contraption so
that when I cut glass bottles, my cuts will be even - they're SO not
even right now). I figure it's a great way to use EVERYTHING from my
business...wine makes jelly, wine corks are being used for stamping
and cork boards, bottles will now become planters, vases, etc. I'm
even repurposing my old jar bands that can't be used again by creating
pin cushions with them (when I go home tonight, I'll put the final
coats of paint on my latest batch of bands). I've got so many stashes
of fabric scraps that I'll be using up my scraps for the pincushion
tops without having to buy new fabric.

And when I get a chance to breathe, I want to start sewing again. I
used to make reusable grocery bags out of old tablecloths, but every
time a friend would see my latest bag I'd end up giving it away...so
I'm out right now.

I've been reading your blog and a few others, as well as revisiting
some writing I did last year and the year before. I can tell that
I've been searching for SOMETHING for a while now...just not sure
what. And I'm still not sure what just yet, but at least I'm aware
that I need to be exploring and doing and creating. A few months ago,
I found my paints that I had been looking all over for - they were in
a drawer that I opened MULTIPLE times while looking for them. I think
that night I just needed to find them. I gathered all of the tiny
canvasses that I'd been collecting and I started painting. Most of it
was crap, but it didn't matter. It felt SO GOOD. And that week is
when I decided to make some changes. I want more time to paint,
create, sew, write, etc. I have been working so many jobs AFTER my
regular job that I would just come home late, cook, watch the news, go
to bed. It's not fun. And it wasn't making me that much more money.
That week, I decided I am going to eat tuna fish for dinner some
nights. One night, I cooked peas in the pot and ate them out the pot.
(Why dirty a bowl????) I live by myself...I don't have to act
civilized! Ha ha ha! I would rather eat tuna fish out of the can and
have time to sit outside taking pictures or sewing or spray painting
something, than spending all of my time cooking a meal for just one
person, and then cleaning up.

I've cut way back on my after-work hours since that week of awakening.
It may sound wrong, but if it doesn't work for me, it's just not
going to happen. I realized recently that almost all of the people
that I do extra work for don't even work full-time jobs! Some don't
work at all. I'm loving the "jobs" that bring me fulfillment or
good money or some other benefit, but some just won't happen any more
and that's my decision and it makes me happy.

I told you I wrote a lot. I could go on and on. But, I won't.

So, I'm also trying to learn to profit from my passions...but
adjusting along the way to make sure I'm not running in circles!

Oh...one last thing about profiting from passion is just talking to
people about what you do. I've been talking to Vince who owns the
Sunset Market about setting up a section of his market for people like
me who don't have time to man a booth all weekend. Every time I see
him, I remind him. And, here at the office, I have jars on my desk as
a way to start conversations. I got a nice order for Teacher
Appreciation Week that way. Soon, I hope to make a few surprise
shipments to friends who I know love my goodies and will promote my
shops.

Okay...that's really all. :)

--
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/mygreenboot
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