enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

fresh start.

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Yesterday, I took almost everything off my bulletin boards. They are ready for the new year. New ideas, new inspiration, new color palette. I also ordered supplies for a new product to debut early in 2011 and then I mentally closed up shop. No stress over coming up with new products for the next few weeks. That idea on it's own is inspiring. Have you noticed that when you decide to stop thinking about something the ideas tend to come?

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I did leave one thing on my blank board – my first ever business card. It's a stamp on a piece of cardstock. These were shipped out with my first couple orders. I'm sharing it here as a reminder that if you want to open a shop or small business you have to just start. It begins with making a product, taking well-lit photographs and posting them online. The details like your business cards can evolve with you and your business. Don't get caught up in making your brand perfect from day one.

Just start.

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19 responses to “fresh start.”

  1. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    great advice and inspiring creative break idea – thanks elise!

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  2. Monika Wright Avatar
    Monika Wright

    Your last words of wisdom are so PERFECT and I hope it will encourage others to pursue their passions. I had my Etsy shop open with no product for a year, and then 6 months ago, I took the plunge and just did it. Surprisingly, customers have come and purchased, many of them are quadruple- and quintuple-repeat customers…but I know that I might never hear from any of them ever again. I would never have imagined the feeling that I get when someone actually LIKES what I created and I get paid for it!
    Best wishes for a wonderful 1st married Christmas together!

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  3. Lauren Stennett Avatar
    Lauren Stennett

    That is so true, thanks for the great reminder that to start something all you need to do is START!

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  4. lindsey Avatar
    lindsey

    You are so right, my plan is already rolling. January 1 will be my debut! Thanks for your undying inspiration. Was walking around the mall and fossil’s new ad was either created by you or someone just like you, check it out here.
    http://aworldofcolor.blogspot.com/2010/12/lately.html

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  5. DawnS Avatar
    DawnS

    Thanks so much for the reminder! I have my etsy shop ready to go…all I need to do is add my creations! My goal is to that by the end of January 🙂
    Like the Nike ad says…Just do it!

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  6. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    You have inspired me to possibly re-open my Etsy shop in the New Year and truly make it happen. Thank you.

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  7. elise blaha Avatar
    elise blaha

    love that ad – thanks for sharing! And good luck with your debut!

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  8. Desiree Avatar
    Desiree

    I love that… just start. Everyone starts somewhere.

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  9. belula oliver Avatar
    belula oliver

    i so agree & also am opening a shop in the very near future – just have to photograph some products!
    thanks for always being such an inspiration & have a great holiday season 🙂

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  10. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    I Just opened my etsy shop & I can attest to the truth of your very wise words to just start. I’m the lady who likes getting started getting started. Great post!

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  11. Efrat Kashat Avatar
    Efrat Kashat

    I love you left your first business card! And thank you so much for the advice… I hope to open an Etsy shop soon (eeek!) and it’s definitely easy to feel like the wrapping paper, business card etc. have to be perfect since the very beginning! So thank you so much. 🙂

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  12. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    I Just opened my etsy shop & I can attest to the truth of your very wise words to just start. I’m the lady who likes getting started getting started. Great post!

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  13. Jenn Avatar
    Jenn

    Elise,
    You should make some sort of print about the mind set of ‘just starting’ I think that would be neat 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
    Jenn

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  14. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Couldn’t have put it better!

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  15. Barb Avatar
    Barb

    Elise, I really needed to read this today. Just start, huh? Thanks. Just the simple push I need.
    Peace & Love,
    ~Barb~

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  16. kristy Avatar
    kristy

    that is wonderful advice. truely the thing i needed to hear… i keep getting wrapped up & bogged down with the simple details so much so that nothing ever gets off the ground…
    thank you & merry christmas!
    here’s to 2010!

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  17. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    Thanks for the bit of encouragement. I really needed it today. 🙂

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  18. Deirdre Avatar
    Deirdre

    I rarely comment but reap tons of inspiration here, but no other image has spoken more to me this season than these bare bulletin boards. I’m excited to clear some space in my life:) Thank you!

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  19. Meg Avatar
    Meg

    After struggling a lot lately this was what I needed to read. And now. Thank you so much for all your inspiring posts all the time.
    Just Starting….Now

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