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Graciously Woven

Creatively Living and Sharing Grace

motherhood

Small Business Mind: Sorry Can’t Share That…

November 20, 2013 Comments : 2

I was recently on Twitter just reading random stuff and I came across a small business owner who was complaining about the influx of inquiries about how to run a similar business like hers. In so many words she shared, “you have to keep SOME things private.” At that part I agreed, then I felt a tug at my heart. I’ve read a lot of rants and frustrations from small business owners that really have made it BIG on this side of the industry. At some point lending a hand becomes a bit more less and less (I do understand that not everyone has the best intentions when asking questions). The more I grow in my business, the more I see the competitiveness that arises and just like anything else the “cliques” that exist. Is there anything terrible about these things? No, that’s not what I’m focusing on. Just like in any setting we all gravitate to those that can relate to us and have similar interests…it’s just natural.

However, in reading these different perspectives and frustrations from owners about people copying their work, had me really thinking and even some what concerned about my own work being copied by someone GASP! My first run-in with this was when I started researching how to purchase larger quantities of mugs. Naively I sent an email to a small business owner who hand paints mugs like myself and asked her… Wait for it… no response. I was shocked and a mad at first (how are you NOT going to respond..rude), because I felt like I’m not copying you I just don’t want to keep running around trying to buy mugs! She never responded… 

So I figured that’s kind of how it works – and I had a hard time not feeling like I would do the same just in case the shop really took off. I mean what if someone makes a Camera Mug like MINE?!? So I figured I better play it safe and keep things to myself that I find really helpful or “tricks of the trade” that I’ve had to trial and error to find out. It’s been a lot of work these past several months, from replacing mugs because the paint did not withstand normal use to hunting for mugs and seriously praying for a consistent set of mugs to work with. Why would I want to just let someone have the easy way of starting up? I’ve put my heart and money into this thing.

Then I got an email today, asking what technique I used in designing my mugs. She ended it with

If you do not want to disclose your technique I understand.
and my heart sank, because she was just like me several months ago when I had no idea how to really make it work. I tossed it around in my mind and started talking to God about it, because truthfully I knew what to do. I took a look into her shop and thought to myself wow these designs are beautiful! Seriously. Even had a moment of, what if she becomes my competition? And then I got over myself. Just like that and responded. I shared with her some of the things I’m learning and encouraged her to look at different blogs I’ve seen regarding pricing and even asked to feature her. She really has some beautiful items.
The truth is if I focus on myself then I’m going to be really lonely in this journey. I’ve seen some people really make an impact with their businesses. And I’ve seen the same businesses everywhere and little up and comers not get the time of day… I’m not saying I’m going to be foolish and tell everyone what I do, but I am going to encourage and support those around me and point them to some great guides along the way. 
One person gave me a shot and it’s made all the difference. From critiquing my blog to teaching me about sponsorship. I genuinely am grateful and know I need to pay it forward.
Today was a stretching moment for me, and not something I’m sharing just so I can say look at today’s good deed – but really because I really wish that more people would be inclined to just reply back. In the process she even shared a technique I NEEDED! I would have never received that if I focused on protecting something that was not even my idea in the first place. A Blue Swallow was placed on my heart through my own quiet time and time spent with God. When we let things live their true purpose and don’t hold them too tight they have the room to breathe and really thrive.
Kindness bears more worth than Wealth.
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Comments

  1. MoJo says

    November 21, 2013 at 9:57 am

    Carmen! This is such a great blog post cause ive totally been thinking about this and growing my business and you put it in such great perspective. I love this so much! Thank you!! -josie (@thejuniescarf)

    Reply
  2. blueswallow says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:57 am

    Thank you so much Josie!!! This just made my day 🙂

    Reply

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Carmen | Truth & Grace Living
Let’s talk about shame... When the Lord started Let’s talk about shame...

When the Lord started walking me through how my approach to correcting behavior started to look more like shaming... it was humbling and convicting. 

Many times my desire to correct overrides any opportunity to understand and walk through the challenge together. 

When I yell, dismiss, or even explode at what they shouldn’t be doing - I communicate shame rather than offering wise counsel. Especially with abstract concepts that deal with the heart like lying, pride, anger...

It hit me most when I yelled at my angry child for lashing out 👀 - as I watched myself I felt the Lord nudge me with how can you correct sin while sinning? 

... oh the embarrassment, but the chance to do better.

Quieting my own self and taking it in, because conviction makes room for growth not shame. 

I’ve asked the Lord more and more to calm my voice with the intent of allowing true change as I parent. Praying my heart is bent more to seeing how God restores and transforms our behaviors to reflect true goodness. Rather than a God who shames as they see me shame them. #christinmotherhood
Mila is the mood as I sit and am so grateful for e Mila is the mood as I sit and am so grateful for each of you engaging me in this process. Thank you for being present in the messy parts too as I navigate this season. 

I continue to be so thankful for this community - and I pray I can lend a listening ear and support as much as you are to me ♥️ #beautyincommunity
“Mom he has pom pom hair and there’s animals!! “Mom he has pom pom hair and there’s animals!!” 😍

We have another budding reader in the house!!! I love reading and finding books that encourage our kids to enjoy the same I’m all for it!! 

Being able to find books that are not only personalized but allow my kids to see themselves in the story is even better!!! 

@lionstory.books gifted us this beautiful book all about Izaiah making a change for animals - which is his THING! 

They have a variety of stories and options to make your book special. Thanks to their team you can use code: CARMEN50 for 50% off your own book! 

Check them out parents of growing readers! We love what they’re doing ♥️ #homeschoolmama #growingreadersforlife
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and do Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24

There’s power in praying our family grows in God’s word and even more as we see ways to apply it daily. I’ve come to realize there’s a spiritual home we’ve been called to build it looks like this family.

In our character, how we reflect Christ, and how we model that for our kids - even invite them to do the same.

I started working on this portrait of us and wanted to symbolize how we’re planted. When times have been their hardest - it’s been God’s word that’s sustained us. #foundationinchrist
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