Another little happy dance

It has been FOREVER since I last did a post about some of the milestones and achievements Bubblegum Sass has reached! In fact, I think it’s been almost two years since I last stopped to take stock. Waaaay over due! I know how important it is to take a moment and reflect on the things I’ve done with the business. When you don’t have a boss or supervisor to give you praise for a job well done, it’s up to you to provide that little pat on the back every once and a while! Plus, these posts act as a great way to see how things are going with your own business. Definitely give it a try, even if it’s just to reflect on what you have achieved with your personal life. Here are some of the highlights for Bubblegum Sass:

In the Etsy Shop

• Reached 61 sales
• Reached over 100 items for sale
• 228 shop admirers (people who have favored the shop)
• 873 listing favorites (people who “heart” an individual item)
• 282 followers (folks who keep track of the shop in their news feed)
• Had my first order from the UK
• Had my first order from Australia
• Still participating (when I can) in the Alberta Etsy team
• Been featured in well over 100 treasuries
• Spread the love, and created close to 200 treasuries
• Offered my first big sale in the shop (Spring Cleaning)
• Paid for Etsy Search Ads for one month (I’ll report on that a bit more another time)
• Started photographing all the product on a white background
• Started modeling some of the product, for a bit more variety

On Facebook

• 126 people “like” my page
• Trying to share more of the creative process and my personality with followers
• Posting regular updates, blog links, new product listings, and photos

Out and About

• Traveled to Edmonton to see fellow teamies at the spring Make It!
• Participated in this year’s spring meet-up with Alberta Team members
• Become the official handmade sponsor of the Make It Happen! documentary
• Interviewed by Neil Mangan for the Make It Happen! documentary
• Submitted my application for the Make It! show in November (will find out in June, if I’ve been accepted)
• Received my nifty mobile credit card reader from Square (all set for future craft shows… no more “cash only”)
• Have an exciting new collaboration coming up with Red Bloom Photography
• Will have a line of product available for sale at Treehouse Boutique in Ontario

In the Sewing Room

• Developed a new line of upcycled accessories for women
• Took a hard look at my product line and decided to stop production on certain items
• Trying to determine which items I will focus on making going forward
• Brainstorming craft show display ideas for new product

On Pinterest

• Created 51 boards
• Over 3,000 pins of inspiration and ideas
• 267 folks are following me

Sometimes I don’t feel so great about what I’ve done or haven’t done with my business. After all, this is already the third year of Bubblegum Sass and I thought things would be progressing further (aka more steady online sales, more regular craft shows). But then I remind myself of what else I packed into those three years. Not things that fit into easy stats or numbers. Life changing events that will forever impact where I go from here: a brother laid to rest, our first child born, my mother’s battle with cancer. Somewhere in there, we bought farmland and started planning for an even BIGGER change. Many times, Bubblegum Sass sat to the side, while I fought through these things. The challenge that remains and which I am feeling more ready to face, is ensuring that from now, Bubblegum Sass keeps pace with the rest of our life.

So now looking back over all these random numbers and accomplishments, I can honestly say that I feel quite satisfied. I can’t change the past or hold onto regrets, but I’m excited about tackling the future. Ready, steady, go!