Zinnia’s Closet began in 2015 when I opened a shop on Etsy. I didn’t start selling because I had some new or trending idea. I wanted to learn how to run a small business without the pressure of depending on the income generated from it. Sure, I could have read a bunch of books. But nothing beats hands-on learning.
At the end of every year, I like to take the time to reflect on what I’ve learned, and what I would like to achieve.
So, here we go. What happened in 2018?
I started a website! I didn’t even know where to begin one year ago. But I took the leap, chose a web host, and here I am. Blogging isn’t easy for me. I tend to internalize everything instead of sharing it with the world. I’m definitely stepping out of my comfort zone when I write. Will this get easier over time??
I also started an Instagram account. I haven’t mastered the art of attracting attention there, but that’s something to work on in 2019. I just read an article about how to save a draft Instagram post, so at least that will take away some of the pressure 🙂
Photography has been an interest of mine for quite a while. I bought a camera a few years ago and have slowly been learning how to take photos without the “Auto” setting. Practice, practice, practice. My photos are getting better as I gain better control of the camera. In 2019 I plan to re-take many of my product photos to make them look more professional. Along the way, I’ve learned a little bit about how to use photo-editing software. I’d rather take a good quality picture with the camera, instead of a not-so-great picture that needs to be edited. But, it doesn’t hurt to learn how to fix a picture if needed.
This year I started designing my own fabric! I made a few test drawings and printed them using Spoonflower. Next year I hope to start selling bags with my own fabric designs. I’ve already had a request to make bags with a custom fabric design!! I’ll have to write another blog about my adventures in fabric printing. I am very excited about this opportunity.
My sewing skills have increased this year! I took a deep breath and learned how to install a zipper. Wouldn’t you know, I had a customer ask for a bag with a zipper only a few weeks later! What a coincidence! Then my sister asked me if I knew how to sew a snap. I didn’t, but I figured it out!
Zinnia’s Closet hit some amazing milestones this year. In March, we hit 100 sales on Etsy. In December, we had our 100th order on Etsy, and 50 orders in just one year. There’s still a few days left in 2018, maybe we can squeeze in another order or two. I am sincerely grateful for all the wonderful customers I have had this year and am looking forward to another great year in 2019.
I have a few plans for 2019. I will continue to work on my social media and website. Of course, there will be new products. If all goes well, I’ll be offering products made with fabric that I design myself. I have BIG plans for my current customers. I’m not going to reveal my plan just yet, I want to make sure I can implement it 🙂 Eventually, I would like to make this website an e-commerce site. I don’t think that will happen in 2019, but I plan on learning enough to make that happen by 2020.
All in all, 2018 was a great year. I’m looking forward to the many lessons that 2019 will bring. Thanks, again, to all of our wonderful customers. I can’t wait to work with you again soon!
Happy Holidays!