enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

Magicmondaystart

I spent last week in Hartford, Connecticut, making magic with Kolo. I wish I talk more about what we worked on, but it’s all top secret for awhile. I do not have any photos to share, but I do have some thoughts :

I see great value in working with other companies. It’s fascinating to jump in as a consultant and observe a brand that is so much bigger than my own. In some ways, it’s like my business class case studies have come to life, only I get to interact and actually give input that makes a difference. It’s fun stepping into a more professional world and I am looking forward to seeing what we worked on come to life.

I don’t know that I have ever mentioned this here, but I have no plans to ever grow my own business on a large scale. I definitely want to make more products and experiment with new ideas. I want to work on different projects and I would love to gain more exposure.  But I do not want to sell wholesale. I do not want to hire oodles of employees. I do not want investors. The key thing, I recently realized, is that I want to be able to change course in just one day and have that be completely okay.

My business plan for this small brand is to continue loving work and making stuff. This blog and the shop that sprung from it, started very organically and I would love for it to continue that way. I am never going to get rich – at least not financially – but ideally I will always be able to contribute to my household. I am grateful for the opportunity to step out of my own office and my own work last week. I enjoyed turning my attention to something else, not just for the experience, but also for the fact that when I return to my life, to my desk, to my coffee mug and my business to do list, I am seeing it all with fresh eyes.

The opportunity that is waiting in this Monday, more than any I have had in a long while, holds more than a hint of magic.

Inothernews

And also, I want to thank you so much for your sweet words, thoughts and prayers last week. My dad, brother and I were able to fly to Iowa and meet my mom and extended family for the funeral on Saturday. It was very well attended, including twelve great-grandchildren. She was buried on a beautiful hill between both of her husbands. She is finally peacefully at rest.

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16 responses to “magic monday.”

  1. krugthethinker Avatar

    I am so glad your collaboration was fun and fruitful! And I am happy to hear that the heart and soul of your business always remains the same: love. You are such an inspiration!

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  2. france Avatar

    I think the vision you have for your business is great and quite similar to my own. Bigger doesn’t always mean better. I think that as long as you can share what you do and enjoy fun collaborations then you are on a path to success that works for you. I wish I figured that out at your age:) You’re way ahead of the curve. Looking forward to seeing what you did with Kolo. I love them!

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  3. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    Good for you for keeping your goals in sight. It’s important to dream big, but it’s also important to know your limits and realize what you want out of life.

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  4. Chris Avatar

    It’s awesome that you came away from your Kolo collaboration with such an outlook. Cannot wait to hear about that trip, though!

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  5. Kaytie Yost Avatar

    thanks for continuing to share thoughts on your business (and life). you have such a fresh outlook and i enjoy hearing about your perspective on your own small business ventures…. and can’t wait to hear about your collaboration with kolo too! 🙂

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  6. r's adventures Avatar

    so cool when you realise you’re right where you want to be 🙂 love the thought of a magic monday to-do list!

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  7. Kelly jo Avatar

    Good for you! What an amazing opportunity you had to consult and learn more about your own goals! I worked for a very large company that tried to create a very small brand (keeping it separate from the big company) and let me tell you, it’s nearly impossible because as many positive things there are to being a bigger company, those things can also slow you down (processes, decisions, etc.) so bravo for sticking to your brand identity!

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  8. Victoria Klein Avatar

    So jealous that you got to go to Connecticut, especially when they got their first snowfall of the season (my husband and I lived in northern CT before moving with the Marine Corps). It sounds like your trip was very successful & I look forward to seeing the “secret” outcome 🙂

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  9. Bridey Avatar

    I love your business philosophy. Sometimes I think I’m lacking ambition with my future business plans since I can’t imagine working 50+ hours a week, being super productive and needing to employ other people. Keeping it small and personal and flexible sounds like a much better plan!

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  10. Skye Avatar
    Skye

    I love that you plan on remaining a small business. 🙂
    Also- I hope this doesn’t sound creepy- I had a dream last night that I attended your minibook workshop! Sadly it won’t come true, as I’m on the east coast.

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  11. Sandy Avatar
    Sandy

    I’m so glad things are working out great. I’m happy you were able to attend the funeral.
    Have you thought about offering a book on the class to those of us who can’t attend the class? No pressure, just checking. I hope you have a great class, I know you will. Lucky students.

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  12. Skye Avatar

    I would definitely be interested in a book/.pdf version of the class, too! 🙂

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  13. Patty W Avatar
    Patty W

    Elise – totally random, but is it ok to ask what brand of graph paper notebook that is in your photo? I love graph paper notebooks but they are hard to find – maybe I am not looking in the right place. I love yours!

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  14. elise blaha Avatar

    it is a moleskin journal. 🙂

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  15. Patty W Avatar
    Patty W

    Thanks Elise! I think I want one 🙂

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  16. Judith Gaston Avatar

    There is nothing more rewarding other than being happy with your work. Other people dislike Monday, but you find it magical. Hahaha! People should be like you – positive, content and hardworking.

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