Business Established:: Second Star Designs began in February 2008 as a means to an income after the closure of the company for which I worked. With the success of my first fashion show, Second Star Designs became my passion and the drive to see its fruition into a success.
What she does:: Using a variety of colors and textures, each item is carefully hand-crafted with attention to quality and detail; creating collections that are timeless and without a specific season. How she finds balance:: Wow. I ask that myself at least once a week. I am a mother to 3 children aged 7, 6 and 5 – two of whom are in school. I work a full time job. I attend art school 3/4 time in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. And I own two businesses: one that is primarily dotcom and the other one which is dotcom half the time and participating in fairs/shows/festivals the other half of the time. And I have a significant other who appreciates the time we are able to share with each other.
What I have found is that if you are passionate about your business and are building it in the event that your safety net disappears, everything else has a way of fitting in around it. My days start at 6 a.m. and go until 11 or 12 at night. I get up, go to work, come home, spend a few hours with the kids [homework, playing, reading, etc] before bedtime at 9, spend a couple hours on either homework or building inventory, then bed – only to do it all over the next day. Weekends not spent at shows are used for family time or building inventory. Two nights a week, there is no homework, so I share that evening time with my SO. And, I am blessed with an affordable babysitter for Friday nights – this allows uninterrupted time to get important stuff done.
Her best advice:: Always make sure to reward yourself [or your family] in some small fashion for the sacrifices that are made – even it’s something as average as a bubble bath at 10 p.m. with nothing but you and the bubbles. Having a limited income and investing every spare dime into the growth of the business, I often overlook treating myself to such things as new clothes, shoes, etc. After a successful show last week, I treated myself to the clearance rack at a local department store. You cannot imagine what level of happiness a $7 sweater can bring!!!
Also remember that familial support goes both ways. I am fortunate that my SO supports my passion unconditionally. He is there for the triumphs and the defeats. Involving your immediate family allows them to be a part of your dream and helps them to feel as if they matter during those times when the bulk of your concentration is elsewhere.
Get it now:: 20% discount off of entire purchase from our Artfire store. Enter MOM2010 at checkout to receive discount. Good thru 5/09/2010.
What they are giving away:: Candy-Tuft Tutu in winner’s choice of 2 colors. Available in two sizes: small [nb-2T], large [3-6]. Amazing for photos, dress up, or pretend play.
Play and win:: What is your favorite product from the site?
To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.
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