Back to Square 1

When I revamped my blog a little over a month ago, I thought I would tackle the topic of how to start your handmade business.  I had my whole first series of posts typed up on how to launch your Facebook page, complete with screenshots and everything.  Then Facebook dropped the "timeline" bomb.  So I'm back to square one.  I can't explain how/why things appear the way they do on the new timeline layout, why certain posts show up in a newsfeed and "reach" so many fans while others don't, and am no more an expert than anyone else out there. 

So I'm back to the drawing board.  Trying to decide where my blog should go.  I don't want it to simply be a "giveaway" blog, though I do want to occasionally feature other vendors and host guest bloggers.  But for now, I'm just going to be honest.  I think it's good for anyone to know that running a successful handmade business is incredibly difficult and takes the right balance of hard work, dedication, and luck. 

I'm having an identity crisis.  Twysted Yarn is a little over 2 years old and is wildly successful every fall/winter in helping accessorize the entire family's winter wardrobe.  The demand for my products in the fall is amazing, but without fail, that demand falls off every spring as the weather turns nicer.  Having Newbie Noggins has helped stabilize my business since I offer items and photography props for newborns, and since babies are born year-round, there's a more consistent demand for those items.

However, for the past few months, I've been trying to break the barrier into couture photography props (like the pixie bonnet featured above).  And though I'd compare many of my items to some of the high-end vendors, I haven't fully been able to break through.  It's so frustrating to use the same types of materials, to create a similar style of items, and put in just as much time and money as those vendors and not always meet success.  But that's where determination comes in.  A great deal of patience is required to succeed in this business, so I'll keep marketing myself, creating, and holding my breath that hard work and patience will pay off. 

Thank you for being a part of my success and for your continued support!  Some of you have been with me since Day 1 of Twysted Yarn, and it's been a crazy trip, but without my loyal fans and customers, I wouldn't be where I am today.  I'm excited for you to head into this next leg of my journey with me!