keeping the balance

If you have children, or know anyone who does, you probably have an idea of the importance in keeping the balance between being a parent and everything else life brings, for reasons that vary from health to sanity. Brain and heart. It’s the hardest for me. More often than not, one is trying to convince the other when it comes to decision making, large or small. I find myself wanting both of their input equally, the perfect balance.

When my co-workers at the Montessori school kept asking me if I was coming back to work after having the baby, my head and heart went into raging battle to come to a solution. For many parents this is the hardest balancing act of all. Parenthood and work. Parenthood is work, right? My brain primarily functions off of ‘what ifs’ and my heart maintains a foundation of ‘just trust, it will all be okay’. After months of back and forth dialogue between the two, my lovely husband tipped the scales. Heart for the win. We decided it would be best for me to stay home with Little J primarily and find little bits of income here and there.

One idea, or dream more like, that I’ve had for a bit was to start a business. No I don’t know anything about starting a business, I’m a teacher for crying out loud. But here is where the trust comes in. Trust the universe, trust my abilities, trust that it will all be okay. Some of you know that I love making my own skincare products out of my kitchen, as I have been experimenting with this for a while. Throughout the learning process I have been encouraged by several friends and family members to stop giving them away and start selling them. I’ve always loved to make things for fun, but become fearful that the fun will go away when it becomes work. I guess I’ll have to try it to find out.

One Day I was out and about in West Asheville with Little J, and decided to stop into an establishment called The Drygoods Shop. From the little that I knew, they sold vintage fabric and notions…two things that have a very special place in my heart. It turns out they are a collective of artists who rent the space to practice their craft, and then sell their goods in the “shop” which is set up amongst the sea of beautiful crafting tables and sewing machines. In addition, they teach a variety of classes, some accompanied by wine and snacks. What a dream. I started talking with the owner because I was so curious about how the collective worked and mentioned my plans for putting more focus into selling my skincare products. Like magic, she told me that this is exactly what the shop needed for a balance of goods…”Why don’t you bring some in and we’ll sell it here?” Okay, yes, yes, and yes. Was this my universal push?

So, with a little bit of trust,  I have have been selling some skincare products in town. In addition I thought they might sell well on Etsy. It’s a small grouping of lovely smelling things that I hope will grow into a larger one. Who knows, maybe it will one day grow into a business. But for now I’ll start with The Drygoods Shop and Etsy. As my mother always says, “One thing at a time”. Bird by bird.

If you are interested in learning more about The Drygoods Shop they have a website here.  Also, head on over for a visit in my Etsy shop here. If you know anyone who is interested in handmade goods, pass this onto them. Or don’t. You can do whatever you want.

Here are a few of my personal favorite products.

 

My lovely sister of Hooligan Ruth Designs helped create this beautiful label for me. You can find her website here. If you ever find yourself in need of design work, she is a master. I did all of the photography in my kitchen. And Little J helped me think up the name.