How Did We Get Here?
In my last entry I spoke a little about what made me start my own business. I think it was mainly out of creative necessity, whatever that means. Like I tried to explain before I was feeling stifled and needed an outlet. I’m sure I had other reasons but that is what sticks out to me the most. Probably because it’s the area in which I have so far achieved the most success. I may not be getting rich quick off what I do and it sure has not solved all my problems but it defiantly helped heal my artistic and creative self and allowed me to grow in that way. At least I can always say it was successful in that way. This subject brings forth the discussion of why others choose to take this rout. Why start your own home-run business? I’m sure there are one million ways and variations by which one could answer this question. To see just how varied the answers may be I have posed this question to several of my peers (and by peers I mean home business owners). They varied in age from 20-60 and live all over the country (one or two even live an ocean away) but they all seem to have one common goal; to share their craft that they love and to make a living doing so. I interviewed working mothers, college students, even an Army wife living in Germany struggling to make her business a success thousands of miles from home. Please check in later this week as I delve into this question on a personal level. Everyone has a story to tell.
Side Note: Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you out there! Much love to any readers, lurkers or classmates. I hope those who have a somewhat cynical view of this day can take the romance and commercialism out of the equation and focus on love in general. As children my father never stuck us with a sitter while he took my mother out for a night on the town. He included my little sister and I in the equation. He brought us all little gifts and made reservations for 4. He gave my sister and me wonderful perspective on the “holiday” from a young age. The day can be about your love for your mother, your friends, your children or even your cat. Doing something small for anyone you have love for today might make a world of difference. If you’re not in the giving mood then listen to a song you love or do something you love or are passionate about and use today as a reminder of the importance of the emotion. xoxo
BTW,any USF readers please know that you can use student discount code GOUSFBULLS12 to get 12% off at checkout at SleepyPoppyShop.etsy.com.
The Sleepy Poppy Shop, If I Only Had A Heart Valentine Gift Box
poppyshoptalk 
Hello Francesca,
I commend you and am a little envious that you found something that made you happy and marketed the idea. That is the American dream in a nutshell. I wish you great success in all your endeavors. It sounds like you really have sacrificed your time and love to help your father in his time of need. Although it may have felt like it would never end, someday you will look back on those memories as moments that are truly irreplaceable. The moments of silence while driving down the road together, the caring glances exchanged and the gift of companionship that we give our parents in return for all the years they cared for us are remarkable. I hope that one day I too can have the opportunity to give back the way you did.
Did your mom or father ever tell you that they would take a bullet for you?
Well my parents did, and I used to laugh it off not knowing what the hell they were talking about.
No years later after having my own child I get it, being a parent teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.
It sounds like you may have unconditional love for your father, and I think that is grand.
I noticed that you never introduce yourself by name on your blog. Sometimes people like to put a name to a face even with an online business. Just a suggestion.
Natalie,
Thank you for your sweet and thoughtful reply. It actually found me at a good time. My Mother is having a hard time accepting my
fathers final diagnosis. She has defiantly been in a state of denial for some time and is now coming to terms with it all and its been a rough few days. It really made me feel good to think
about the time I got to spend one on one with my father in a positive light. You are right, that time is precious. Sometimes I need a reminder not to look at
it negatively. Thank you for the suggestion. I should introduce myself officially in my next post.
Thanks again,
Francesca
I love your handmade soaps! Thanks for offering local pick-up, it was very nice of you. People reading – You need to use that discount code and get yourself some poppy seed soap!
This was a good post and I will be interested in what the other shop owners have to say about your question. Also your positive look on Valentine’s Day was pretty refreshing, I posted about how Valentine’s Day isn’t all it’s hoped up to be, but you make good points that people should focus more on love rather than the commercial side of it. There were a few typos in your blog, you should re-read your posts before submitting them. But other than that, great writing!
Thanks Kristen! I’ll try and proof read with extra care next time. I was a little busy/rushed but I think I’ll have my fiance be my editor from now on. I feel like sometimes my own eyes don’t catch my own mistakes. I’m glad you liked your order. It was my pleasure.
For any of you who are interested ordering in the Bay Area the pickup FREE shipping code it is: STPETEPICKUP and can be used at SleepyPoppyShop.Etsy.com. Pickup time and place can be arranged via etsy convo or e-mail.
Thanks again Kristen!
Francesca