It is with a sad, but relieved, heart that I am announcing a major sabbatical for Sweet Eventide. I have poured my heart, soul & wallet into my blog and Etsy shop for two-and-a-half years and it is time for a re-evaluation period.
I work Monday through Friday while my son is in school and trying to juggle my family and Sweet Eventide during the rest of the hours is not sustainable any longer. If I was making great strides in my creative photography business, I would be getting some return on the immense investment I have made into it. However, I am not. I simply am not, despite my best efforts.
The final straw was yesterday's artisan bazaar. I had such high hopes for this bazaar, what with finally being in Portland, where people love art and handmade and "meeting the artist behind the work." I was finally showing somewhere that had good foot traffic! That is what has been missing all along, I told myself for the past month as I prepared and prepared and prepared to show myself at my very best.
an iphone photo, not the ones documented with the rented Tokina 11-16
I will be brutally honest here and tell everyone that I spent countless hours and over $500 preparing for this show and I sold $30 worth of merchandise. Yes, I even rented a fancy wide angle and marco lenses from my employer and took lots of cool pictures of my display. But it all ends with an iPhone snap.
My family gave up their entire weekend to help me because I was so sick. This is a business that has been bleeding the entire time it has existed. I may have a dream but I also know when I have hit my personal limits. I have only so much time and energy per day. I spend it every day as consciously as I can.
And I am done.
You see, lots of people did go to the bazaar and a lot of them came down and saw my booth. Most people l-i-n-g-e-r-ed over my display, oohing and ahhing over my work. I overheard wonderful murmurs like "beautiful" and "peaceful" and "calming" and other nice things. I even heard about my business cards -- "These are so gorgeous! You give these away?" -- as they took one and walked away without buying anything.
Why yes, yes I do. I give and I give and I give.
And I am done.
People respond so well to my work and some people have supported it with a purchase. Thank you to each and every one of my 64 customers who have supported my shop since it launched. But in a world overflowing with beautiful blogs and photography and handmade gorgeous goods, you don't really have to buy anything. You can get endless amounts of pretty for free.
And I am done with all of that. I've loved sharing my work. But it comes at a great cost to me. I know a lot of people don't talk openly and honestly about this stuff. I am going to talk about it. I can read every article out there about SEO and indie marketing and successful ads and social media and tags & titles and how to stand out on Etsy. I can, I have, I have tried and tried and tried.
And I am done.
I do not know what the future will bring. But right now I am taking a sabbatical and I am walking away. If you are here if and when I come back, that is wonderful. If you are not, I understand.
Thank you for going on this journey with me.
xo,
Jess
I'm sorry about this :(
ReplyDeleteI will still be here! I am so sorry Jess that you are having to deal with this.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry! I know this feeling so well. I think so often we focus on the fluffy stuff and how fun it is to create and have a dream of sharing it with people. I've totally been where you are. A long time ago when I closed a flower shop and also recently with some other projects. Sometimes it's a turning point for something greater, whether it's more time with your family, or eventually a new business. You are so talented, I know it will turn for the best. xoxo Chelsea
ReplyDeletei'm just waiting to see what is next...because there will be something. embrace the part of change that is exciting...the freedom to do whatever, or nothing. and then get back on your feet, full steam ahead when inspiration strikes again. for now: a clean slate with some experience behind you to boot.
ReplyDeleteIts sad but today's consumer is very frugal and use to 'Walmart' prices. I respect you for keeping true to your 'brand' Jess. Perhaps, in the future....you will find your market.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad you're leaving, but so proud of my friend for being so open and honest. I'll be here waiting for whatever comes next. Stay well friend. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been exactly where you are and I feel your pain. I am slowly dipping a toe into comeback mode after a year-and-a-half sabbatical.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know that there is hope and that you never know where the business cards you distributed this weekend will lead. If you need a full break, I completely understand. If you feel like continuing, doing it just for the love of it and letting go of the need for a certain result, even better. The looser I hold my work, the better it feels. Good luck!
I hear you and truly feel the emotions you are expressing. I relate so well to this sentiment, "I give and I give and I give." I wish it were easier to take, to not let ourselves give with such ease. The blog community is incredible like you mentioned, but the give and take ratio is off majorly. It feels as if there is no middle road-you either become super successful or float to the bottom. And I could go on with my venting, but I won't. I will be here if you decide to return and redefine what this space will mean for you and your family. And I will eagerly support you my dear, simply ask :).
ReplyDeleteSometimes a break is just what you need, no strings, no plans, just separation. I am sorry you are having such a rough time with things, I think your work is beautiful and unique. I secretly hope that getting a break from the pressure of being "successful" allows you to find joy and inspiration again, for me that is the real reason to create art.
ReplyDeleteJess -
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have stumbled across your site. I clicked on a link that was retweeted. From one creative person to another my heart is breaking for you. From one dreamer to another my heart is breaking for you.
Take a break but don't give up. Keep creating. Create for yourself and for no one else. One day you will have the answers. One day the pieces of your puzzle will come together.
This is not the death of a dream - merely a short nap.
Jessica
I will miss you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read about your frustrating experience over the past weekend. I've been there (actually, it was 32 years ago)... doing craft shows... I had hoped to supplement my day care business... but learned exactly what you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteYou pour your heart, energy, creative spirit into creating handmade items... but, it's sort of like being a teacher --- the pay does not match the energy you spend to be great at your work. I ended up leaving the craft show circuit because I spent too much time away from the family --- I switched to making gifts for family & friends who APPRECIATED one-of-a-kind presents. Changing my focus didn't earn me any $$$ but I found I enjoyed creating more...
You mentioned being tired, as well as sick... perhaps taking a break from blogging will allow you to focus on self-care --- I would hate to think you would have to give up blogging permanently --- wouldn't you miss your communication with the blogging community?
Do hope you reconsider... especially loved what Jessica said above.
It's time to move on! you gave it your best, I am so happy to read such an honest account, so down to earth and how the transformation begins again!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear this. You are so talented (in taking pictures and making beautiful arts), as well as with your encouraging and inspiring blog. I wish you the best in healing and your future endeavors. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletexo Jess!! I completely understand. You can only give so much without return. An empty cup quenches no ones thirst. Take care of yourself. Take beautiful photos of your family events - we still cherish the ones you took of I's party - and be well.
ReplyDeleteHi sweet lady. I am proud of you for doing everything you could to see if you could make it work, and am proud of the success that you have had. You are a talented individual and a wonderful thinker, creator and photographer. (and WRITER!)
ReplyDeleteWhat courage to talk about the hard stuff like this. I'm sorry that things did not work out as you had hoped, but I'm glad you made the right decision for you and your family to get back on track.
I'll stick around if you decide to come back, and will keep in touch. Much love, Mariss
Well, sorry to hear about your sucky experience, seems like photo's are really tricky to sell, even if you get great press, your not alone. Maybe there's a coffee table book in your future, who know? I hope your sabbatical is fruitful, and I"m still going to look at your pretty pictures on instagram (please don't stop :)
ReplyDeleteBe Well.
Jess, this post really moved me. I really appreciate your honesty; frankly, it's kind of refreshing -- we're always so positive and upbeat on places like Etsy, but the truth is that it can be really difficult to "make it" in this business (by which I mean both handmade goods AND fine art photos). I think your work is lovely but cannot begin to express my grand respect for your personal and professional decision to recognize when you've met your limit. I hope that if and when I reach that point, I'll be able to recognize it as distinctly as you have. I wish you all the best for your future and just remember that most things happen "for a reason" and this likely just means that you're meant to be doing something else, something that will give BACK for all the energy you're putting in. :) xoxo.
ReplyDeletewow, Jess, I feel the same way. no sales, no feedback & ready to scream if one more person uses my images for free to make their cyber-collages! If you find the better way, please let me know!!
ReplyDeletegood luck in all you do, your photos are lovely.
This makes me very sad. Thank you so much for your honesty. I wish you nothing but the best with whatever you do.
ReplyDeleteI've just had a similar experience as you and I know just how you feel!!!!!! We should start a support group for the life after Etsy and all that goes with it! Please keep blogging because I just found your blog! :D
ReplyDeleteHave you read Seth Godin's 'The Dip'? Successful people fail so many times, the only difference is that they fail often, more frequently and keep going. Maybe worth remembering. Good luck with everything you do! x
ReplyDeleteSometimes a sabbatical can lead to new and amazing things. Hope you are taking care of yourself Jess. xo
ReplyDeleteHi Jess - I only just discovered you through your comment on decor8 about red and aqua. Your disappointment in this post is so tangible I just want to give you a hug! Your work is REALLY beautiful - keep taking your photos!! I don't know what your future holds but hold onto your passion, take a break and something will come along to re-invigorate you. Good luck and enjoy a wonderful Christmas with those that you love. Cath x
ReplyDeletei'm sending you a hug, jess. i completely understand and feel your pain. i've seen my sister go through the same thing with her photography and i felt similarly about pouring heart and soul into a blog that... doesn't get to where you want it to be. you deserve to go on this sabbatical. to re-evaluate, relax, and become inspired again. and you reserve the right as to what you wish to do in the future. no matter what i still plan to come back to visit this space. and am still grateful for meeting you over the BYW class. take care and good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much for writing this post. I respect and admire your courage, tenacity and candor. I live in a very 'artsy' area and it seems to work just as you've described. Many of us are trying to resolve the dilemma, but I think it just is. Some rise, many fall - only because the market is saturated and most have no disposable income. It does NOT mean you have no talent and that you haven't given it all. Clearly you have! I feel for you. I hear you. I hope you can celebrate your sabbatical and that only great things will follow. Thank you again for the beauty of this post and your work.
ReplyDeleteJess, I'm so very sad to read this post. Reading this post strikes a chord with me, and I truly respect your decision to step back from it all and figure out what's important and what's worth your time. I wish you the very best in whatever comes next for you, and hope that you'll find some time (just little!) to keep us updated every now and again. And whatever you do, don't stop taking photos - they are so beautiful, even if they're just for you.
ReplyDeletehugs, kisses, and holiday wishes
Hi Jess...boy, I feel your pain. I've done years of street fairs, some OK, some horrible, all too much work for what doesn't come in income-wise. I'm also in the HBHS e-class. It will either re-craft how I do business, or I'll go get a day job and paint on the side for myself. I think we're making the world a better place, but we do have to pay our bills too! If people really had any idea what a world without art in it was like, they'd at least consider spending as much on art as they do on hair and makeup! I hope you get the rest you need...and then get a chance to tell the world your story.
ReplyDeleteDearest sweet jess, i totally understand and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us...for being so honest. I am very inspired by your courage. My little creative business doesn't bring in enough revenue for me to be living a creative life and i have done markets and shows that shows very little to no return eventho there were many people admiring my work...so i really totally understand how you feel. But i'm hanging on and not giving up, i believe one day things will come together for all of us. Sending you lots of love, hope and support. May we strive in HSHB together. Love to you and lots of it!
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