Boy, it’s a big one, isn’t it? It’s so easy to be hurt or disappointed or upset when folks don’t like your work. Or when they say they like it, but never buy. At one of the first European Markets I participated in at Chesterton, there was a woman who loudly proclaimed that she had seen, “a bag just like this at Target”. I’m sitting 4 feet away from her, at my loom, weaving the fabric that will be used in a future bag. Ugh…

What I came to realize is that my work isn’t for everyone, nor should it be. My handwoven, one-of-a-kind, colorful, textured handbags and homegoods are intriguing to women who value the story of knowing who made the item and what she went through to create it. My client sees the whole process, appreciates the passion invested in each piece, and will happily pay for it – knowing that she will have the only one in existence. Ever.

Not everyone is that person. And that’s really okay. I think our job as artists and business owners is to market ourselves and tell our story the best way we know how in order to reach our audience. That’s a pretty tall order. To do that, it’s in our best interest to let the other non-customers go and focus on our people.

Who are your people? Happy weaving, friends! – Chris

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* Parents who generously let you live in the basement while building a business.

* A little brother who asks when you’re coming back to visit the second you leave.

* A sister who will harmonize with you while blasting a song in the car.

* Nephews, and pretty much everything about them!

* The waitresses & waiters at the local restaurant who bring me hot tea the moment I sit down.

* A lifelong friendship with a girl who I’ve known since the day she was born.

* A 15 year-old Daschund who shows me how to never give up on a daily basis.

* Yarn of any kind – especially in green!

* The process of weaving, which I am mystified and exhilarated by each & every day.

* An incredible friend who has supported & challenged me in a weekly conference call for years.

* A small town on Lake Michigan that’s exactly perfect for me in every way.

* An entire roster of amazing people who would help me mop up the basement at a moment’s notice.

* A part-time gig that allows me to pursue the dream of future years while managing the current days.

* A fabulous local library that feeds my reading addiction for anything with great characters and a happy ending.

* A relaxing weekend with three girls who are happy to just be together with no other expectations.

* All the supporters over the years who have purchased something from Acton Creative.

The list could go on and on, for sure! But these were front and center for this lovely Valentine’s Day 2018!

What makes your list this year?

Song of the Day – Aqualung, “Brighter Than Sunshine”

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