Am I too busy?

Being a small businesses owner, mom of three, and wife, who is also involved in my kids' school, a member of the local art council, weekly church volunteer, about to be soccer coach, friend, assistant, sister, daughter, daughter in law, aunt and all around hustler, also whatever other title you would like to give me (please exclude profanity lol), is told she is too busy.  What do you do?  How does that make you feel?  I am sure many women can relate.  How do you know if you are too busy? 

Well, I have thought a lot about this lately.  Am I spending too much time on my business, too little time on myself, too little time with my kids, too little time with my husband, too much time with my community?  How do I know?  How do I know for sure?  And I came up with these things.  Am I happy?  Is my hustle outdoing my growth?  Is my family happy?  Yep, nope, yep!

I don't just enjoy my family and love them, I live for them.  They are my everything, but I am also pretty pleased with who I have grown up to be.  I feel like I am a pretty well put together person.  I have an opinion, that I can express.  I have compassion for others.  I give to those in need.  I pursue my goals (of course my jeans size could be smaller, but we can't be perfect huh? ;-)  All in all, I am happy. 

My business is growing.  I actually pulled together some statistics and my small company has grown about 8 fold in the last year.  That is super exciting!  It allows me to stay at home with my kids and be the mom to them that I want to be.  But, it does take work and lots of it.  It take lots of coffee (sometimes wine) and late nights.  And I am okay with that.

And as far as my family, I simply asked them.  And a mom can always tell who is being honest.  My annual progress report, if you will.  Am I a good mom?  Are you happy?  Do you know I love you?  What is something fun we can do together?  As long as I feel like they are happy and I know I am doing the best I can, then that's okay.  

It is hard to be a woman.  Society tells you that you need to be thin, but it's okay to be a little "curvy".  That you need to be successful and live your dreams, but spend every waking moment with your family.  You need to be polite and quiet, but make sure that you speak up and don't let anyone take advantage of you.  You will never be able to live up to society's standards as a woman or a mom. Well, screw that.  I am proud of myself.  I am going to make myself happy, love my family and do what is best for us.  It may not work for everyone and I may be tired and busy.  But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Here is to you and your dreams!  Cheers!  (It's a wine night, not coffee)

Local Artisan: Mary Avelis

Mary Avelis is an extraordinary local crafter.  Her niche is sewing and as a customer, I can say, she does it well.  A creative of beautiful pieces such as eye masks, totes, accessory bags, wristlets and pillows, Mary is the owner of Li'l Fox Designs.  I talked to Mary about what it is like to be an Etsy shop owner and why she loves sewing. 

 

Mary grew up in Galveston, Indiana, a small town in North Central Indiana.  A newly wed, she is recently also a new homeowner.  What time she is not spending on her craft and business, her husband and her are remodeling their home.  She also trains as a boxer.  She has a step-daughter, Lauren, who has also grown to love crafting.  And Mary teaches her the ends and outs of owning a small business.

 

How long have you been sewing?

 

Let me get the calculator! 18 years!!  Doesn’t seem like that long, but I fell like it has been longer.

 

 

Who taught you to sew?

 

I learned to sew while I was taking Home Economics in High School. Mrs. Chambers, was a great teacher, that explained everything so easily! She not only loved what she did, but was very talented as well. My mother and both grandmothers were around to help with any questions, I might have had after High School. My mother was always sewing. She made Easter dresses for my younger sister and I, as well as herself. My grandmothers were always mailing clothes for my sister and I along with matching dresses for out Cabbage Patch Dolls.

 

 

Why do you enjoy sewing as your craft?

 

It is a stress reliever for me!  I can take out my frustrations on a piece of scrap fabric, either with the seam rippers, scissors, or with my rotary cutter. Its my alternative to shooting a gun or taking things out in the boxing ring, which I still do.

 

 

How do you stay with the trends?

 

I struggle with trends and what is in the NOW. I follow a few other businesses on Instagram, and read a few blogs of Fashionistas.  I love to visit Pantone.com and Polyvore.

 

 

What do you use for inspiration?

 

Who doesn’t use Pinterest?  Some of my inspiration really comes from custom orders. They are one of my favorite things to do.  I change things up and make it my own.  Then it inspires new additions to what I create.

 

 

What are some things you do to keep your shop thriving?

I like to create things that help others, to accessorize life.  Really it is all about trial and error.  I have had a few things, that have flopped horribly.

 

 

It is a busy life as a small business owner.  What are some tips you have to balance home life and work life?

 

I am still trying to balance everything. I still work full time, other than my sewing business. I have recently bought a house (built in 1900, needs some love and care). Got married in December to my best friend, that I have worked with for 9 years. We plan to start a family this winter.

I do get a little frazzled, but work well with the chaos. Throw in some yoga, some leisure sewing, and a long hot bath. Let the balancing commence!

 

 

Where would you like to see your business in 5 years?

 

Here and there, over there and over there. Who’s to say where I will be. Everyone wants to be successful, and make a million dollars.  I want to have a business that can sustain itself, and let me be free to keep creating what I love and share it with others.  Purses for women on the go, accessories and supplies for other artisans and crafters.

 

 

What made you decide to open your own business?

 

It started with making small alterations to their apparel and accessories. I started making purses and handbags for myself. Friends and coworkers noticed them, and wanted one of their own too. I loved making things for others.

 

 

What advice can you give to those just starting their own business?

 

It is not an over night thing. It takes work and time. Believe in yourself and what you do.

 

 

Where can we find you on social media?

 

On Twitter @lilfoxdesigns

On Facebook @ www.facebook.com/lilfoxdesigns

On Etsy @ Lil Fox Designs

 

And I plan to have my own website set up in 2016.