Today’s Small Business Saturday event was wonderful. There were lots of guests throughout the day, and one of them even brought her sweet little chihuahua, Quetzia, whose presence I had specifically requested. Funny how the energy changes when there’s a dog in the house! I loved Quetzia, and I am considering adopting a chihuahua (they are cute, feisty, and very portable), though for now I am enjoying not having to take care of anyone.
But back to my event, which was quite successful. It kind of serves to underline some of the things I’ve been thinking about lately. I’ve been thinking about the Year of the Snake (which will be followed by the Year of the Horse – and you know I’m excited about that!). The Year of the Snake is supposed to be about shedding, about transformation, about leaving certain things behind.
For me, it’s been a year in which I’ve tried many different things and finally came to the conclusion that I need to bring my focus back to what’s most important to me, and that is making and selling art, writing and selling books.
This year has been a year of collaborations with many other businesses. I’ve done more pop ups this year than in any other year, more book signings and similar events than ever. And while these have been nice, and while I will enjoy doing such things in the future, it’s time to return to my original business model and focus most of my energy to inviting people into my own space. Or rather both of my spaces.
I’m lucky that I get to sell my own work and connect with collectors and readers directly and that I can entertain them in my home stidio(s). I’m lucky too to know some really cool and supportive people. This year reminded me of that.
I am planning a collage workshop and then a horse painting workshop (in which we paint horses on paper, we don’t paint on actual horses!) for early next year. And I am considering having a standing monthly event (or even two!) from here on out. I’ll keep y’all posted.
And how about you? What are you shedding in the Year of the Snake and what are you excited to start in the Year of the Horse?
