It's not a destination, it's a journey!

Almost 3 years ago (in late August) I began taking karate classes. I can't recall exactly when I had this strong desire to begin such a daunting sport in my early 30's, but I had wanted to learn some form of martial arts for as long as I can remember and the desire was only getting stronger! When I started I thought it would just be enough to have a Black Belt and then move on. As I have traveled this road however, I have quickly found (and been repeatedly reminded in class), that "karate is not a destination it is a journey". And so a black belt in the end, won't be enough. I'll keep going. I'll get as many stripes on my future black belt as I can.

I've pondered on this thought for a couple years now, applied this concept to my life. From all aspects of my life as a mommy, my spiritual life, and my business as well...it is all a journey. Since beginning on this path of being an inventor and entrepreneur, my business has seen many alterations. I've ripped my business apart at the seams and re-sewn it. I've changed a straight line to a curve and it will continue to change.

Recently I have thought of all the changes my little "kid giddy" company has gone through. Not knowing where kid giddy will be in 5 or 10 years, it will be interesting to see this list of where I've been, where I am now...and where I'd like to go in comparison!

Initially - Manufacture my Invention and sell only Wholesale:
I had this grand idea that I could single handedly, get my Tuck 'n' Go into some major retail stores with 'some' effort. As I progressed along the manufacturing path, it became increasingly difficult and dollar signs were lingering in my eyes, even when closed. The fear of losing money like I did trying to sell Mary Kay makeup years before, paralyzed me. I also knew i didn't want to manufacture in China or anywhere overseas! Looking back is always 20/20! I certainly had not yet learned of all that I "didn't know then, but I know now". I'm glad I didn't go that route. It may work for some, including you, but luckily I was guided as I prayed and saved thousands of dollars!

 Evolved - Self Manufacture Unique Goods and sell only Retail:
After letting go of the idea to sell to all the 'major retail stores' dream...I decided to find a way to get my goods online and sell them on a more personal level. That's when I discovered Etsy. I felt like I had missed the boat on Etsy (everyone was already selling) - but it was only getting bigger - so I figured I'd play the catch up game. Luckily it worked. It would've been great to say I've sold out of my Tuck 'n' Go's, but that is not the case. Surprisingly instead, I've sold over 200 of my thumb guards, and hope more of my other goods will become just as popular. But self manufacturing is hard. You have to commit to the time it takes to make each item. You will have inventory when some things don't sell and you have to stay fresh and current. I think for now it is something I will continue to do, so long as it doesn't interfere with new opportunities and my family.

Currently - Designing Sewing Patterns:
I love this part the most - maybe because it's the most current adventure - who knows?! About this time last year, I was looking online for pattern drafting books that taught something other than apparel - they were hard to come by. I was so afraid I was going to write up my patterns the wrong way or miss something because I am self taught and lack the education of a seamstress. I quickly threw the fear aside, feeling this was a challenge I was willing to overcome. After all, I am in this for the journey. In a sense - that means I am here to learn and grow and keep going. And so I will.

Future - The Journey:
I know what I'm working on next...(but can't say)...and I do know that I want to write a book and share many many more of my sewing patterns, and even children's books that are brewing in my head, but that is all in the future (the very near future)! Regardless, that journey will be written another day. For now I will enjoy this journey. I will find joy in each day. Otherwise - what is the point of it all? I have come this far and will keep going.

(it's still me - I cut my hair again to donate!) & both of my girls are Green w/ Brown Stripe too!

As I celebrate my new 2nd Degree Brown belt, I will continue that journey as I work towards my 1st Degree Brown belt and then my Black Belt. It won't stop there. I've only just begun. And so too, I will celebrate my Kid Giddy accomplishments (Crafts 'n things publications, and working with Anna Griffin) and continue on this journey as well. I'm looking forward to seeing where I will go and walking through all the doors Heavenly Father is willing to help me open. So where have you been? where are you now? and where is your journey taking you?

Seller Saturday: HappyCreations4U

Hey everyone....Phoebe from HappyCreations4U got her power back on...so today she's my happiest Seller Saturday! She's happy all the time - she's just one of the sweetest Etsiers I know!

1. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? I would be blue, no wait...green. Hmmm I can never decide if my favorite color is blue or green (and all shades in between) so I choose both!! They are the colors of the sky, the sea, the trees and grass. I just love them, and I love them together even more!

2. Do you have a special talent? I guess being an artist is my best talent. I am also very passionate about karate but I don't know if I can call it one of my talents. (kid giddy says she can - you should see her in action! *sings* "awesome"!!!)


3. Which season do you love the most? I love Summer! I just love summer because the days are longer and warm. I love being able to just put on a T-shirt and shorts and my flip flops and just go! I love the beach and the outdoors. During the summer you can just spend the day outside!

4. What made you want to open up your Etsy shop? I did my first craft fair over the holidays and it went pretty well. I had several people ask me at the show if I had an Etsy shop. I had been previously thinking about opening one, but that really set the wheels in motion for me. I just think it is so neat that Etsy is global.
I have only had a few sales but one of the most exciting was a custom order for a woman in Portugal. Now that was cool! I love seeing where people are from and think "wow my little creations are traveling to different parts of our world!" I also opened my shop because I really want to make things that make people happy. My items are small but my hope is that they will brighten someones day and make them smile.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop today? I think my favorite item(s) are my dragons, the little blue dragon in particular. I really love dragons!

Thanks so much Phoebe for sharing your happiness. See you in karate soon - can't wait to order myself some pandas for the girls....didn't see those last time!!!

If you would like to be considered for a future Seller Saturday post please check out this thread on the Etsy forums for more information. Have a great Saturday/weekend everyone! Thanks! kg

Please remember all images are copyright and owned by their respective artists. Please do not copy!

A New Year - What Motivates You?

So in my recent and numerous conversations with my twin sister - we have been talking about parenting techniques and finding ways to motivate our kids to make good choices instead of making a bad choice and having them be sad or frustrated or worse - have us be sad or frustrated. She's been reading her book, I've been reading mine, and the one word that continues to grab our attention is "Motivate". And so she asked me - what motivates me? Last night as I lay trying to sleep, I thought about that word over and over. I wondered what really motivates me to get up everyday. What motivates me to go to karate, to write this blog, to fill my Etsy shop with cute things....What motivates me period?

So - instead of a new years resolution that will soon be tossed out to the curb with the Christmas tree or the garbage....I thought I'd list the few things that I am motivated by and put the challenge out to all of you, to find out what motivates you? And maybe just maybe - it will make our 2010 that much more rewarding!

My children motivate me to get up. Everyday is different, every day is a challenge, but they change with the wind and the second. I don't want to miss anything and some day I don't want to wish they were 5 and 6 again because I missed it all. They make me laugh, cry (for good and bad)...and give me hope for a better world where everyone can be as a child...innocent and loving!

My 2 is Beautiful business motivates me to keep going everyday. I love coming up with new ideas and wonder what the world might think of them. When I opened up my KidGiddy.Etsy shop I was bummed everyday for 30 days until I got my first sale! By golly - people like my stuff! Sales aren't always easy on Etsy. There's a lot of hard work and networking involved. Unless you are already well established on Etsy - it can be tough getting noticed. I've had 13 sales to date and am grateful for each one. I have some big plans for my business this year and hope it will continue to grow with each new idea.

My karate motivates me - because it's so freakin' awesome and fun! It gets me working out 2 times a week (when I'm not sick) and I get to have stronger muscles and more self esteem than I've ever had in my whole life. I sitll look over my should when I'm alone or feeling vulnerable with my 2 little girls, but don't mess with me or them, 'cause I'll kick your butt! LOL!

I am motivated everyday by the people around me. My husband (he makes me want to be a better wife - designer - and tennis player)....members of my church (they make me want to serve more often and judge less)....my neighbors, my blog fans and facebook fans and twitter followers - even Joe at the Post Office - everyone seems to give me a reason to do something good today. That's motivation.

I am less motivated when it's cold wet, rainy and snowy - but am more motivated by blue skies and warm sunshine! So there it is - maybe not everything under the sun that motivates me - but it's enough to get me going and to get my new year started in a good way!

What motivates you? Feel free to share in the comments below! Happy New Year! -kg