Etsy Store or Somewhere else?

Hey Guys,

So, I've been away from normal blogging for three reasons.

1. We went to the Renaissance Festival and I was busy getting us (me, the boyfriend, and baby boy) ready so we could just leave after I got off work.

2. Work/School

3. I've been researching ways to sell online.

I've been looking into the obvious shops like Etsy or if I should do it more organically and create my own shop. Creating my own store online I feel would be 8 bagillion (it's a measurement I swear!) times more expensive and time consuming. Which, as I've illustrated above I do not have a lot of.

I really want to take my time with this and get all the details right for me so I am proud of what I come up with and not so rushed. That's really why I wanted to start this blog first so I could document my journey of creating Hot Chocolate Weather. I want to make everyone feel included.

I'm thinking that maybe before starting a store online and selling actual inventory (vs. custom orders) that maybe I will start going to craft shows, expos, trade shows and talk with people and see how they did it. Then maybe set up a booth when I feel more comfortable.

I want to start out small and gain customers who keep coming back because they know I'm good at what I do and I will work with them.

I'm really seriously debating on whether or not to focus on one aspect of crochet or just go crazy and do what I want and sell what I want.

I'm also thinking of future promotions or small gifts for large orders. I keep telling myself to move slowly but I feel like I keep rushing. I'm going to get a notebook to keep all my loose lists and ideas in.

With that I leave you...

Love & Warmth to You,

Hailey

Summery Weather

So, while I've been thinking and asking people what they think of the name of Hot Chocolate Weather I get the reaction of "What about summer weather?" I seem to have to keep fighting for the people around me to get it. Which makes me wonder if I made a mistake in naming my future business this.

Then again, I make cozy homey things. If I sell more in the winter, then I have the summer to catch up and stock inventory. Or, at least that's what I'm telling myself.

This has been a post about self doubt. I will kick myself into gear with pictures and ideas of what I'm going to add to my store soon. I hope everyone has a good rest of their week!

What makes you doubt yourself? How do you get out of that funk?

Hot Chocolate Weather

Welcome to the inaugural post of Hot Chocolate Weather! My name is Hailey and I will be your host for this evening.

Hot Chocolate Weather is my brain child for possibly a new business venture for me. I intend to create things that make you feel homey and warm. Just like a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

I got the idea for the name while taking garbage out at work (glamorous I know!) but it was chilly and raining and I thought to myself, "I just love this hot chocolate weather." Hot Chocolate Weather? Love.

Over the next few days this blog will take a less generic look as I change and add more about the future of Hot Chocolate Weather!

Thank you for reading and have a lovely day!