enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

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I am really excited to do something different with my posts this month.

In addition to some "normal" posts, I am going to be telling my small business story in 500-1000 word parts. Consider it my "blemoir" which is when a blog and a memoir have a baby and nobody wants to raise, edit or publish it except the blogger.

I'm doing this for three reasons and since my favorite thing to do is over-explain, I will now detail them.

First because I LOVE THIS STUFF. When people that I find interesting tell their story I read it with hearts in my eyes like a real life emoji. (Some of my faves from the top of my head…Bri's Creative Morning talk, basically anything Emma & Elsie share in Blog Life, Joy Cho's keynote at Alt, Mindy Kahling's book, Ree's Black Heels to Tractor Wheels – when it was still in blog post form).

It makes me giddy to hear people talk about their path, what they did, why they did it and what they learned. I love to watch people weave threads through many years. I love when my own lightbulb goes off along with someone else's. And so it's probably no surprise that I also love to write these stories. My four part WDS series (part four coming as soon as the talk is released online) was some of my favorite writing from the past year.

Second because I get a lot of emails asking me "why did you…?" and "how did you…?" and "what would you do if…?" I can't always give individual advice when I know just one piece of the puzzle, but I can share in detail my story, my regrets, my wins and my mistakes. I have shared (many) bits here and there as I have tried and accomplished various things, but never have I discussed how all these steps relate to each other and never had I had enough time (read: real perspective) to note why something worked or why it didn't. This series will answer all the questions. Think of it as a Women Tell All episode of The Bachelor but with less hair extensions and more paypal fees.

Third because the concept of "overnight success" is complete crap and I am one example of that. Don't worry, guys, I get it : I don't have a wikipedia or IMDB page. I don't net a million a year. I am not remotely close to a household name (though I imagine in a few houses I'm "you know that blogger who's husband was deployed/with the cute baby with the thing by her eye/who's always making something/who lives in that house with the cool ceilings?"*).

But though the definition is flexible, I have found "success" for me because I currently make decent money working my dream job. Sometimes accidentally and sometimes deliberately, I have built this career over the course of many (many) overnights.

I am excited to share my story this month and I hope you'll follow along!

*I mean come on! We all do this. Paul knows every blogger I follow by the most random descriptions.

Dottedline

Today on ELISE GETS CRAFTY I am chatting with best-selling author, Scott Berkun, about creativity and business myths. Click here to subscribe or stream the episode from your computer here.

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80 responses to “I’m telling my story this month.”

  1. lisa valinsky Avatar

    Such a cool idea! I love hearing your thoughts on business, so hearing it through your own experiences will be even better.
    I recently realized that I hadn’t shared my story on my blog, and rewrote my about page last weekend. I think a lot of us love to learn of people’s stories – we have so much to learn from each other, and then we learn about ourselves even more.

    Like

  2. Hannah B. Avatar
    Hannah B.

    “Remember, babe? The blogger I keep buying things from with the cute baby? You like her house!”
    Nailed it. Can’t wait to read along! 🙂

    Like

  3. Leah Avatar

    Yes!! This is super exciting to me.

    Like

  4. Helene Avatar

    Hi Elise,
    It is something different you propose here, I like it! And of course I am very excited to hear all about your business story!

    Like

  5. Vera Avatar

    I can’t wait to read your story! Because I, too, am following a very non-traditional, meandering path (I studied modern languages but am currantly teaching & writing about & photographing & designing edible gardens)I do not really have any real life “colleauges”. It is fascinating to read stories of other creative people online!
    p.s. My husband mainly knows you from your posts on coffee because I email him a link and because he likes to be funny in a very juvenile way he calls you “Elise Bla-Bla” (sorry).

    Like

  6. Lucy Hermann Avatar

    This will be great. I’ve been reading your blog for 5? 6? years now? So I’ve more or less followed along with this story, and I’m looking forward to seeing how you reflect back on it.
    Also, this?
    “I am not remotely close to a household name”
    My husband does actually know you by name. Haha.

    Like

  7. Natanya Avatar

    What a great idea for a month feature! I’m looking forward to hearing your story and as I’ve been a reader for many years, it will be fun to hear you retrospective from your perspective 😉

    Like

  8. Susan M Avatar

    Haha in my house your the “remember that girl who I wrote about being a new mom that I would cry hysterically about who lives in Cali”. I heard the podcast yesterday and I was so excited to happen upon a new one because there was no no update saying there was one so I thought I had found a secret on all for myself hahha

    Like

  9. Samantha - Fluffyland Craft & Sewing Blog Avatar

    “that blogger who had the orange and gray wedding”
    “that blogger who likes ampersands”
    “that blogger who’s obsessed with plants and always gets me to buy more even though I don’t live in California so mine all die”
    “that blogger who got me obsessed with stripes, and re-obsessed with orange”
    …just a few more for your list 🙂

    Like

  10. Samantha - Fluffyland Craft & Sewing Blog Avatar

    not to mention “that blogger who makes me want to start a new quilt even though it drives me CRAZY that she doesn’t care about straight lines!”

    Like

  11. Natasha Avatar
    Natasha

    I am so excited for this!
    And you are definitely a household name in our home too (“What are you up to?” “Just catching up with Elise” (haha) “Oh, how’s she doing?” “Great, she’s just made 29 clutch bags!”…)

    Like

  12. Lou @ Mommy Sanest Avatar

    I’m a relatively new reader of your blog and very excited about this. I’m also in the process of starting a blog/small freelancing business, so I love hearing how others have made it work. Looking forward to your story!

    Like

  13. Tilly Avatar

    Hi Elise, I only discovered your blog relatively recently and am excited to hear your story. Firstly because I like your attitude and what you do, and secondly because as a creative business lady myself I LOVE to get inspired by hearing other people’s stories. Thanks in advance for sharing!

    Like

  14. Allie Avatar

    I am beyond excited for this series. I’ve been following you since your junior year of college, so I feel like I’ve had a seat on the sidelines to your growing awesomeness– I’m so excited to hear your perspective!
    My husband knows you by name. All I have to do is say, “Elise posted…” and he knows what I’m talking about 🙂 He looked over my shoulder while I was scrolling through instagram the other day and was like, “That outfit is cute on Ellerie.”
    I love this blogger world where we are so interconnected.

    Like

  15. Jillian L Avatar

    So excited to read this series! I recently realized memoirs are my favorite genre to read- which is one reason I love your blog so much.
    And yes, my fiancee totally knows the bloggers I read, but when I start to describe one now she’s like, “yes, yes, you talk about them all the time, I know which one you mean, just say their name”… even though it can be weird to refer to bloggers by their first name like you know them in real life 🙂

    Like

  16. Stephanie Avatar

    Whenever I mention you I start with “you know, Elise, the blogger who…” and my love interrupts me with “yeah yeah, you really think I need more than just ‘Elise’ by now?”
    And I’m totally excited about your October plans. Something to look forward to during lunch! (your blogs go live right after lunchtime for me)

    Like

  17. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    This is SOOOOO cool! I find these stories so fascinating:)

    Like

  18. Armalite Avatar

    Ah ah, my partner knows you as “you know, the blogger that I find so inspiring, the one who has such a great attitude?” 🙂

    Like

  19. Kristy.Lynn Avatar

    This is such appropriate timing, for me anyways. I’ll be finishing school next year, and I keep thinking about what I really want to be doing… I found myself thinking about how I found you on 2peas, and started following along because I was obsessed with the idea of making a daily/weekly card… a subject I don’t think you can even find on your blog anymore, and how you grew up your business slow and steady.
    So even though I’ve been here since before you were the “Elise” (and I’m sorry I can’t add to your list of ‘known by’s’ but in my circle of friends, we are all on a first name basis with you 😉 I’m totally excited to see the parts of this that I don’t know fit together.

    Like

  20. Ann Avatar

    that blogger who is super-inspiring, you know, the only one I ever mention who is super-inspiring?

    Like

  21. Mickie Avatar

    I am soooooo excited for this series Elise!
    I check your blog every-single-morning at 8ish without fail.
    And I get those same emoji hearts in my eyes!
    Have an awesome October.
    xoxo,
    Mickie

    Like

  22. JayEssJay Avatar

    Love it! Can’t wait! My husband, too, knows you by name 🙂 In fact, when the name “Elise” comes up in conversation, he always asks, “Blaha or your real life friend… which Elise are we talking about?”

    Like

  23. Kristen Avatar

    Elise, I could not be more stoked to read these posts this month!! Best idea ever (well at least today).
    PS: In my household, you are “you know my favorite blogger…” and my boyfriend half listens and tries to humor me about whatever post or idea that made me think. 🙂 Thank you for all you’ve shared so far of your beautiful, honest story.

    Like

  24. Whitney Avatar

    Excited to read along! You never disappoint with the blog posts.

    Like

  25. Leah Avatar

    Ooh, I just checked out your blog, Vera, (because I’m interested in planting an edible garden) and I will follow it!! It looks beautiful.

    Like

  26. Shannon Dias Avatar

    Super excited about this. I buy all your ebooks and courses. I’m super motivated by reading peoples stories. It’s my favorite thing to read of all time!
    Thanks!

    Like

  27. Johanna Avatar

    “Elise.”
    That’s good enough a name in my book 🙂 Also, yes, I will of course follow along. Too excited for this, too excited! Tell on!! (I can’t overhype this enough! Hah! Okay, enough exlamation marks!)

    Like

  28. windy Avatar
    windy

    can’t wait!

    Like

  29. Erin Avatar

    Yes yes yes!!!!! I know you’re not doing this just for me but I soooooo believe you’re doin this just for me. Haha. If you know what I mean!!!

    Like

  30. Beth Avatar

    Elise, I’m so excited for this! I’m branching out into my own business next year. Totally unrelated (nutrition) but can’t wait to read your story. Already learning so much from the podcast.

    Like

  31. Katy Avatar

    I’m excited to hear your story! I’m just starting out in my career and I love hearing everyone’s path. lt gives me hope for mine.

    Like

  32. Stacy Avatar
    Stacy

    Looking forward to this!! And yes, I also refer to my favorite bloggers like that. Lol!

    Like

  33. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    Oh, I’m so excited! Can’t wait! Also, you are hilarious!

    Like

  34. Katie Avatar

    Ooh, I LOVE this! Can’t wait! And around here you’re, “You know, Elise. The blogger I’ve been following for years and years and I’m mildly obsessed with.” 😉

    Like

  35. Beth Avatar

    Love it! I have to differentiate between all of my other fellow military friends, so over here, you’re “you know, her husband deployed while she was pregnant and he was able to briefly take leave for the birth of the baby, but they had to book his flight(s) way in advance and they didn’t know if he’d actually be back in time and IT. WAS. SO. STRESSFUL.”
    (I’m really glad that all worked out, by the way. We were rooting for y’all!)
    Looking forward to hearing your story this month… and anything else you ever share, because it’s all rad 🙂

    Like

  36. Tara Elias Avatar

    I’m a new reader around here, but have come to really look forward to your posts. I love love that there’s a little bit of everything and I love your writing style. It makes me want to blog more, but I always end up getting mental block over what my vision is and what I want to talk about and all the PRESSURE once you start blogging to keep it up. Anyway, just wanted to tell you I adore your blog 🙂

    Like

  37. Eva Avatar
    Eva

    That description is definitely how all of my friends know you. And that’s the dang truth.

    Like

  38. Anna Avatar

    So excited for this! I’ve read (I think) all the archives but can’t wait to hear your 20/20 perspective on how your blog and career has evolved.
    And LOL at the footnote. I do the opposite actually… in my house you’re “this one blogger” because if I refer to you by name, my boyfriend will realize that way too many of my crafty ideas come from one place. Though he does know you by your coffee setup and your pizza dough recipe. 🙂

    Like

  39. Carly Friesen Avatar

    I am beyond thrilled to read this as it is published here. I am always interested in peoples successes.. and as a 25 year old mess of a women, I am excited to be reminded that success is a long journey.

    Like

  40. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    At my house, you’re just Elsie!

    Like

  41. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    Your house DOES have cool ceilings. I’m looking forward to these posts.

    Like

  42. Melissa D Avatar

    I listen to your podcast in the car, so my 6-year-old always asks if we’re going to listen to “Elise Gets Crafty.” 🙂 At first, she thought we were talking on the phone, so she kept trying to jump into the conversation.
    And just last month, she asked, “Is Elise’s middle name Joy?” Incredulously, she picked that up from hearing your Instagram handle at the end of the podcast each week!

    Like

  43. liz eaton Avatar

    I can’t wait to read your story! I love everything you write & make & talk about. I am sure it will be the same for this series!! Awesome of course! Thanks for sharing!

    Like

  44. Amy T Schubert Avatar

    haha! You are totally ‘that blogger with the amazing house’ when I talk to my husband 🙂

    Like

  45. Meghan Avatar

    I’m looking forward to this series! I also love reading about people’s stories and journeys and how they got to where they are now.

    Like

  46. Mandie Avatar
    Mandie

    You’re the blogger with the great podcast in our house. 😉

    Like

  47. lea @ healthy coconut Avatar

    I live in Orange County and frequent San Diego often with my 18 month old.
    When we visit places (coffee places in Hillcrest?) I’ve seen pictures from your blog before, I always say to my husband “I heard/saw this on a blog before”. lol
    We were also at the new water park downtown during the summer and looked up to take random pictures on phone, and remember a picture you posted in Little Italy and figured out my newly taken picture looks familiar because I’ve seen it on your blog.

    Like

  48. Collette Avatar

    Looking forward to this. I like keeping things real. I enjoy reading your thoughts/perspective. Very encouraging.

    Like

  49. Melody Avatar
    Melody

    In our house you’re known as “that blogger who made the wooden plant stands”. It gave me a laugh to hear you self describe — also fun to read all the above comments! From: “that Air Force wife who loves your blog with her morning latte”

    Like

  50. Lauren Linster Avatar

    I’m so excited for this Elise! I love behind the scenes and thoughts about the real life and the real things behind what we see on the blog and can’t wait for your insights. I am hoping to transition and build my dream job similarly. I know it doesn’t happen overnight so I would love any takeaway you share with us and hopefully be able to set reasonable expectations. So many thumbs up!

    Like

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