Dearest Cynde,
Here's your morale booster for this week:
Persistence pays off!
My couture business grew organically by word of mouth-I never did any advertising. 10 years ago I was approached in a fabric store by a bride to be and it went from there.
Always, always wear/carry something you have made. Every day I am asked about my clothes and lately the jewelry and scarves I have made.
I don't know how long you have had your Etsy shop, but you should estimate a year of getting known before you enjoy good sales. Many of these will come from all the contacts you've made through Twitter Facebook and your blog and sites like this one.
You already have a good following, and good products. Keep on being stubborn!!!
I only put things in my shop in December of last year and told myself to be realistic, as I don't like to promote anything that isn't new and also have no family in the US and few friends in San Francisco to help promote my work.
I have fun with the accessories which are a good relief from wedding gowns, and I get to do exactly what I want when I want!
Yes, pricing is hard but I think we all agree we need to accurately reflect our worth, so eventually when you do get well known you won't be stuck with a reputation for rock bottom pricing which will make you resentful.
And finally, we should all remember mistakes are the building blocks to perfection!
How can we make progress without them-I embrace my mistakes (mostly)!
