Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Re-Focus

I haven't been blogging in a loonngg time. I lost my focus for a moment. What I have noticed about myself is that I get bored very easily. Not sure if that's the creative part of me, or the lazy part of me. I haven't seemed to master the art of juggling, many task, that is. Either I'm all in with one thing and other things lack. I'd be focused on my Etsy shop, but my exercise/eating healthy routine would suffer. I'd be all focused on exercising and eating healthy and blogging would suffer. Can I only concentrate on one thing at a time? I hope not. A lot of changes have occured in my life in the past few months, some good and some not. I ran into a creativity wall. So I took a suggestion and did something else, totally unrelated. I let out some frustation on my bathroom and ripped up the tile floor. Don't worry, it needed it. The tile was coming up anyway and I got tired of looking at it. That may have re-focued my view. Now that I have a lot on my plate, I really need to focus. People are counting on me to pull my weight. What do you do when you need to re-focus?

Sunday, March 28, 2010

I GOT MY FIRST SALE!!!!!

After finishing up for the day and about to turn off my computer, I decided to check my email one last time. Little did I know that a surprise was waiting there for me. It read "Notification of payment received". I have been getting a lot of spam, so my first instinct was to delete it. But since it was in my inbox, I opened it. The first thing I saw was, "You've got Cash!" Still confused, I wondered who this person was and WHY were they sending me money. As I read further, I discovered to my surprise, I made my first sale. After 8 months of being on Etsy, I finally got my first sale. I have two shops, MaKayla Creations and MaKayla Bags. The sale was in MaKayla Bags. I'm was so excited; I couldn't sleep. I had been doing so much research, reading, trial and error, trying to see what would work. I edited my descriptions. Nothing. I changed my photos. Nothing. I credit the talented members of my Etsy team for their expertise and wisdom. My team started a thread on our site called Renewing/Relisting/Showcasing. It was very helpful. They talked about the importance of relisting and renewing. I didn't even know I should relist/renew nor that there were certain days/times that are best to renew/relist. Showcasing, I still not quite sure about this, but from the ones that tried it, it wasn't as profitable as renewing/relisting. So I took those tips and started renewing/relisting in both of my shops. Then at one of our team meetings, someone mentioned the benefits of Google Analytics. WHAT? So I did my research and used Google Analytics to see which day/time my views are the highest, in which shop and where they are coming from. So far, so good. Then, someone mentioned a website that would allow you to edit your photos. I have seen quite a few sites and software, but picnik.com is the BOMB!!! I was so excited about how user friendly and FREE it was. My excitement kept me up half the night adjusting my pictures. Hopefully, all of this hard work will reap more sales.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

We had a blast at Funky Finds

Funky Finds was this weekend. My girls and I had a great time. I didn't have a booth. Our team was a sponsor and we had a booth where we sold donated goods from our team members benefiting the Tarrant County Food Bank. I volunteered to work that booth. Maybe for the next show, I'll get up the nerve to do my FIRST show. Some of the booths looked really good and I got a lot of ideals. Just need to decide which direction I want to go. Here are some pictures of the Etsy Fort Worth team in actions.




I hope you enjoyed. Share your favorite moments from a craft fair. Thanks.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wicked Wednesday Week 4 "Black History Month"

First, let me apologize for not posting a Wicked Wednesday last Wednesday. Was having technical difficulties.
February is Black History Month. Americans have recognized black history month since 1926. Black Americans have been part of America since the colony, they didn't get a respectable presence in history until the 20th century. Today, I will take a look at contributions made by blacks that allow us to live a comfortable life.

Garret Morgan invented a 3-way automatic traffic sign which paved the way for the 3-light traffic sign. We have all been in the traffic jam when one of these breaks.
James West research in sound technology led to the development of foil-electret transducers used in 90% of all microphones built today and in most new telephones being manufactured.
Thomas Martin patened the fire extinguisher in 1872. On of these came in handy when I accidentally set my
fence on fire.
Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine, which connected the upper part of the shoe to the sole. Every shoe lover should pay homage Jan.
Joseph Lee invented a bread making machine that mixed the ingredients and kneaded the dough in 1895. A bread machine in the 1800's? Who knew.
L P Ray invented the dust pan in 1897. How many of you remember using an album cover? Or maybe that's a hood thing.
When I was in school, Feburary was the only month we learned about Black History. My hope, wish and goal is that Black History becomes a permanent part of American History, not just mentioned in the shortest month of the year. Thanks for sharing. Leave a comment about your favorite black history memory or invention.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Super Bowl Sunday

I am originally from New Orleans. I can remember sitting on my parents coffee table on Sunday afternoon, with my dad and brothers, rooting for the Saints. Every season ended with disappointment. But not this season. Win or lose, the simple fact that we are in the Super Bowl, is a huge accomplishment in itself. We are already winners. So today, I'm promoting my favorite Saint's items.

First, an invitation to the party. Everyone has to have a superbowl party.

Can't go to the party empty handed? How about some cookies?

Looks too good to eat. Next I need a huge glass to hold my hurricane.

If you don't have a jersey, how about a nice Who Dat t-shirt,

And how about some bling, bling

And after all the festivities are over, a pillow to lay my sleepy or hungover head.
It took over 40 years, but we are so glad it's finally our time. Geaux Saints. "Who Dat Nation" alive and well. Now I'm home sick. Thanks for sharing.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Team Members

Do you ever have those days when you just don't feel like it or you're sick and tired of being sick and tired. Well today was one of those days for me. More like the last couple of days. I'm a member of team Etsy Fort Worth and tonight we had a meeting. I really didn't feel like going. I wanted to get in pjs, slip under my covers, grab the remote and eat a cake with a gallon of ice cream. So I forced myself to go, wanting to turn around with every mile. When I got there, seeing familar faces, I began to feel better. As we discussed each item on Jen's list, my tension melted away. I met new friends and got plenty of ideals for promoting my business and cross promoting team mates. By the end of the meeting, I was so pumped and inspired to create something. So I wrote this blog. I love my team. Go Esty Fort Worth!!!!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Wicked Wednesday Week 3 "Happy Sexy Valentine"

Everyone has their own special way of celebrating Valentine's Day. Here are a few steps to a very sexy valentine.

First, let your imagination wonder on how you would like to look for your special Valentine. Gazing at this print would certanily get you in the mood.
Sexy and seductive. Second, you need a relaxing scent in the bath or bedroom. I'd have candles everywhere, but that's just the kinda girl I am. 
Close your eyes and you can smell the heavenly scent of ?. After you light your candles, how about a long, relaxing, luxurious bath? Bubble bath scent to match the candle, of course.

Bath for one....or two, the choice is up to you. A scarf can be used for more than wrapping around your neck on a cold winter night. In a romantic situation, it can be quite magical. Let your imagaination go. 

Vixen fringe scarf. Enough said. Massage, anyone?

or, if it's your fancy, body powder, with a duster. Use your imagination, AGAIN! 

The oil and powder are edible. Brings a whole new meaning to "taste tester". Just be careful. Don't want to make paste. To finish it all off, how about some sexy lingerie?
WOW! What an ending, beginning or continuation to a great night. If you don't have a Valentine, wrap all these up in a basket and share with someone you want to be your Valentine, step by sexy step.
These are just some of my suggestions. Please take these, add some of your own or I hope this has inspired you to come up with your very own sexy Valentine. Let's make everyday a day of love and "bring sexy back" every night or at least once a week. Thanks for sharing.