Pretty Girl and Bub...my new venture

My banner from my Etsy Shop

So I did it...I took the leap I've been wanting to take for years and started my own business. For now it will be part time as I am still working in a very busy but rewarding job that I love. I am making purses, totes, baby toys, pet accessories, and jewelry that I will be selling online at Etsy, in person to friends and family, and eventually at craft shows. I've made a few things and have a few things stocked in my store. Here are some examples of my work...some are for sale and some were gifts. Please take a moment to check out my website, my Etsy store, and my Facebook.

A beaded Focal Centerpiece using Dutch Spiral

Turquoise earrings on copper wire

The Lucy Tote by AliFoster in a lovely black and white dot print

The Envelope Clutch by Noodlehead in a fun grey, white, and aqua print

The Diaper Bag by Craft Apple in a Marvel Super Heros Print

The Sidekick Tote by Noodlehead in a Alexander Henry Print

My Favorite Piece of Jewelry

I do not have an engagement ring by choice. My husband and I never had a formal engagement but he did talk to my father and he asked me prior to us getting married if I wanted to marry him. But we decided that an engagement ring wasn't needed. At the time we were trying to take care of other expenses so we decided that spending a chunk of money on an engagement ring wasn't needed. And when it came to a wedding band I wanted a simple white gold band. It amazed me when we went to look at rings and I said I didn't want diamonds in my band some of the looks and comments we got from sales people. But I knew what I wanted. 

I think part of it is having been married before I have different expectations and needs this time around. I would have been happy with a piece of string tied around my finger as long as I was marrying J. He is my port in a storm and thanks to him I have a home not just a house. 

To me this ring means more than a $10,000 diamond ring because J gave it to me out of love, faith, and commitment. And he gave it to me as part of our commitment to God and each other. Now don't get me wrong if you and your spouse decided to get an engagement ring I'm very happy for you and think it is great!! But for us this was the right decision.

Baby Steps in Business

So in my family...my brother is the math, science, and business whiz. Which is good because he works in finance and he is good at it. I on the other hand am better with the creative side of things...I hated math and loved English and Art. But he is a great resource for me. As I've mentioned before I want to start my own business selling handmade accessories. So I made up a business plan (which I've never done) and my brother read through it. He made some very good suggestions: keep it simple in the beginning, get a domain name, get business card, keep it legal, set goals, etc. He made a very good point that this is the perfect time to do this since J is gone and I have time on my hands. So I'm going to use this blog to help keep me on task...here's my current to do list (in no particular order):

• Create a business name ~ mncollins designs
• Get a domain name  ~ mncollins designs.com (not live yet)
• Get a tax certificate and a DBA (doing business as)
• Get business cards
• Make purses and jewelry
• Set-up an Etsy site
• Open a bank account
• Set goals for sales and business
• Start spreading the word

So we're on our way to having a business!!