By nature, I’m a competitive person. If you would’ve asked me if that was true a few months ago, I would’ve confidently told you “no”. I was in denial! Since starting a business and a blog I’ve come to realize that I am, although not so much with others as with myself. I want to be the best I know I can, at everything. I want to have a thriving business where my furniture sells as soon as it’s available. I want my clients to be stunned by my amazing refinishing skills and incredible turn-around time. I want my blog to be fascinating and have several new projects to share weekly. All this while being an amazing wife and mother {with a spotless house}. Guess what I’ve learned these past four and a half months: I can’t have it all. I’m human. And much to my dismay, that can’t be changed.
Recently I have devoted most of my “work” time to client projects, the majority of which I don’t share with you because I’m so focused on getting them done and out the door. I’m waking up earlier than I ever would’ve imagined to fit a couple hours of painting time in before the kiddos wake up, but still there’s no time for staging and photos. I’ve finally decided that things need to change. I’m doing several things adequately instead of a few things exceptionally. I enjoy blogging too much to give that up, instead I’m going to be greatly reducing the amount of client projects I’m taking on – which means I’ll have to learn the art of saying no…eek! Hopefully as a result, my blog will be better, my family happier and I’ll have more time to be creative in the way that I choose.
So as to not leave you with only my ramblings, I’ll share what I finished this morning.
Before:
After:
Thanks for reading, I’ll see you tomorrow :)
I am glad to hear you will not be giving up blogging! You have inspired me to attempt to start a furniture refinishing business in the Kansas City area and I can only hope to be half as successful as you have been:)
ReplyDeleteI love the blog! It's hard to make those tough choices.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya! So difficult to find that balance. Glad to hear you've found a way that works for you.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dresser!
I LOVE your blog!! I don't know how you do it all! I've redone a few pieces for myself and with two kids my house is definitely suffering. Keep it up, I look forward to your posts!!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't start turning projects away just yet (unless you don't want to do them!)
You might consider adjusting your lead times and don't be afraid to tell them they will have to wait a couple of months until you are available. Some will wait, some won't! MOST people will understand that your children are home for summer break AND that it is simply too hot to do work very long in the garage.
One of the great parts of custom jobs is that you can get a better idea of what your time is worth and how long it takes you to do things. You might also consider raising your prices if that helps ease your mind!
Furniture companies do both all the time! They keep very exact time and expenses of their labor and adjust accordingly. They also adjust their lead times when needed.
Good luck!
I'm on the East Coast, I so wish you were closer. Your work is awesome!
ReplyDeleteGood for you on trying to find balance in your life...so hard as a wife, mother, business owner, blogger, etc. etc. I'm glad you are continuing to blog. I've only recently discovered you and your blog and have really liked it! Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteWe hear ya, girl. It's hard even with two of us... today when my little one was napping, I was cutting vinyl and Kelli got up and left saying she was going to be a mom and took the kids to swim. Anyway we have reduced our blogging to 3 posts/week and it has made a huge difference! I only blog-hop when both my guys (hub, baby) are asleep... like now ;) xo
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDresser turned out so great and I completely feel every feeling you talked about in your "rambling"!
ReplyDeleteOh Nat, it is gorgeous! So perfect.
ReplyDeleteAnd I adore the staging. What camera are you using?
PS-Never stop blogging.
That has to be a Brownwood dresser. I have the exact same one, same finish, only the bigger version. I'm so glad you posted the photos, I've thought about painting it white but couldn't imagine how it would look. Now I can see for myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you on this girlfriend! As much as taking on client projects has helped me to build my business, it's just not where the true joy of this business is. I love being creative and I think taking on too many client projects definitely boxes in my creativity. I've decided to do the same thing and although I'm sure it's disappointing to the clients, you have to follow your heart. I love that you're doing that! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteRachel
xoxo
I love this! WANT it in my room :)
ReplyDeletePlease don't leave us! If anything, we'd still love to have a quick before and after for your projects, even if they don't get an official staging. What I like about this particular reveal is that the white paint and pink knobs made a visually heavy piece of furniture look more light and airy. Nice work once again!
ReplyDeleteOh, and here's an idea for balance. If you don't have time to keep your house immaculate, could taking on more clients instead of turning some away allow you to hire a house cleaner? Or help with painting projects? Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteThe dresser looks beautiful! And I can totally relate to finding balance and wanting everything to be the best it can be. I'm struggling with this too, so you aren't alone!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to make those decisions, so congrats on taking the first step and actually making one :) The dresser looks great, too!
ReplyDeleteAmazing how the details like the lines between the top 2 drawers really pop when painted white. Love it!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to browse your blog further.
Thanks for that advice. You may not have meant it as advice, but I need to cut back as this is taking up some much of my time as well. I am a new follower!!
ReplyDeletecrazy love your blog and am also crazy impressed/jealous of ALL of your skills! Also, I think I have the exact same mirror! I also repainted my white, but am thinking of changing it to a super happy yellow...whatcha think?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. You sound like a very determined person! The dresser looks great!
ReplyDelete