Getting Personal

Despite the economy this holiday season, people are still going out and finding wonderful gifts for their loved ones. Some are heading toward the more traditional route this season. They're getting personal.

I read the NY Times article about Etsy recently, as I imagine most of the community did.

Overall, I liked the honesty of the article. It reflected the experiences that I have had so far and also of those whom I've read about who have been there much longer and are much further along in their success with a personal business.

Just one aspect rubbed me the wrong way: the tone was a bit trite. It overexposed the potential issues of a self-run business without spending equal time on the benefits that these same business owners undoubtedly listed in their interviews.

Is it hard work? Yes, it can be. But it doesn't have to be on any particular day. Sure, there's requirements on your day, as there would be anywhere in any position. There's also so much more freedom. And sure, things get mundane, as with any job. But it's not the aimless inhumanity of a cubicle job where it's difficult to see the benefits of your extra labor. Here, the benefits hit my bottom line: I can see my hard work paying off anytime I do the books.

Spending 15 minutes to 1 hour every day rationalizing my every decision and reporting how effective I was that day never seemed very effective, to me. Now, I don't have anyone leaning over my shoulder asking me why I am saving my trip to the Post Office for the afternoon instead of going first thing in the morning. I'm not counting my time anymore. I'm making my time count. That's truly liberating.

I hope this is the genuine return toward things that are handmade by a real person who fully realizes and values the importance of each customer and each product they create. It's a great positive energy to have around you. Why would parents want to succumb to this year's Tickle Me Elmo when the kids will play just as much with Stringfellow's Bunnies instead, for half the money?

I guess we're not all as broke as we like to think - or feel - that we are. It's not that. Etsy is booming. Homemade artistry seems to be booming. Both purchasing those small lot items and buying the supplies for those items is sometimes not a cheap endeavor. But, it's not just about the money anymore, for the buyer or the creator. We have money, most of us. We're just being more selective. We want quality, a unique experience and a good deal. I'm excited to be a part of it with Archimatta, in our own small way.

Happy Holidays,
Karina