1. Anytime you have an opportunity to stretch yourself (no matter the outcome), it is a good thing! Intimidating artists, stunning displays, a smart & knowledgeable audience – this show had it all! It was scary & I was nervous, no doubt! While I was setting up the day before the show began, I majorly fumbled around with my booth display. My plans for a unique wall of Wallets went out the window almost instantly, and I had to go to plan B & C for my lighting just about as fast! In the end, my solutions worked out fine! Will I do it differently next time? Heck yeah! Was I cranky trying to figure it out? You betcha! Did any of my customers know? Not a chance! 

2. You never know who you will meet! Two holidays ago, I did a show where a lovely woman named Arwen Fine got my information, but we didn’t really connect in person. Through online communication, she then invited me to participate in her online gallery, which has been a great budding partnership. Well, at the ACC show, we finally had the opportunity to chat in the flesh! It was fantastic! 

3. Take notes, be influenced, but stay true to you! It’s so easy to get caught up in all the amazing things other artists are doing. Are they better than you? Maybe. They might have more raw talent, more drive, or more experience. But, no one is you! And someone (hopefully, large groups of someones) will connect with you over everyone else. I had a woman walk into my booth like she was on a mission & buy a bag. She made a point to tell me that she normally has to walk the entire show once before she buys anything. But, I was in the first aisle and she couldn’t go further without owning this handbag! Woohoo! I’ll take 30 more of her, please! 

4. A great show doesn’t guarantee great sales. The ACC Show had so many wonderful elements going for it, yet I didn’t get close to my sales goals. Is it because I’m a first time artist? People are nervous about the state of the world? There was too much fiber at the show? It’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact reasons I didn’t sell well. But at the end of the day, it’s up to me to analyze the data and decide what’s next. 

5. Keep learning! This show definitely affirmed that I am moving in the right direction – which sounds odd since you wouldn’t call it a success by looking at my bank account! But, when I analyze the arc of where I’ve been and where I want to be, this totally fit. I took copious notes on improvements I will make the next time I’m in this position. I’m already feeling better prepared! 

So, ten years from now when I look back at this time in my career, I think the ACC Show in Atlanta will definitely be seen as a pivotal moment! How? I’m not quite sure yet. The good news is, I don’t have to know right now. I only need to carry on – taking risks, being brave, and weaving like crazy! I’m excited to see what’s next! 

What valuable insight have you gleaned from a recent experience? 

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You see, I’m the oldest child – responsible, organized and not willing to make a move until I’m good & ready. (My family can tell you many a story!) I’m not naturally wired to spontaneously jump off the high dive because someone else was doing it (that would be my younger sister). Nope, I have to take stock of the situation, analyze it from many angles & then once I decide it is a good plan, I’m all in – avoiding as much uncomfortableness as possible! 

But, building a business as an artist doesn’t always allow me that luxury. One of my goals for the year is to become a better businesswoman. I am working with some very talented, successful people to help me get on track. They are brilliant at business, which makes me keenly aware that I’m not. 

And while I know in my gut it is the right path, it’s still very challenging to make it through a meeting unscathed. Typically, I walk out afterwards and just start chanting, “I’m a damn good weaver” over & over again. To willingly place yourself in a situation where you know you’ll be uncomfortable and vulnerable is tough, no doubt about it. But, the benefits can be huge! My goal is to learn to be a brilliant business owner – which I figure I’m smart enough to do and I’m putting my trust in the right people to help me! 

This coming weekend, I am heading down to Atlanta to participate in the American Craft Council Show. It’s not my first indoor show & it won’t be my first time at this location. But, I’ve never done this caliber of show before and it makes my tummy gurgly when I think about it too long! 

I don’t have any crazy plans to do anything drastically different than I normally do. But, there are always unknown variables and that can freak out the best of us. The cost of the show is high, the talent of the other artists is amazing, people will definitely have more experience than I will, etc. Ugh! It’s an ugly downward spiral if you choose to get on that ride. 

But because I have put myself in new and uncomfortable situations in the past, I know how to put together a good display. I know how to interact with a customer and talk about my work. I know how to share my passion with friends – new & old. (And of course, I know that I’m a damn good weaver!) 

So, the plan is to be as organized as possible. Then smile, be friendly, & roll with the punches! Anything I don’t know, I’ll simply ask. The uncomfortableness will pass. And no matter what, it will be a great experience because I have decided it will be. I can do it! We all can do it! It’s just a matter of forging ahead – even if we’re uncomfortable. 

What new things are you trying that make you feel like you’re flying blind? 

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