My boys were 3 and 1 when I started my craft business, Charlotte Makes. Life with young children felt so much more manageable when they were that age. Hard, obviously but manageable: our days were much more predictable and revolved around meal times, nap times and ultimately that precious 7 o’clock bedtime when I could escape to the peace of my craft room (or dining table as it was back then).
My business started for ME. I needed something to make me feel like Charlotte again…I’m not just a mum is what I remember telling myself. And in so many ways it’s helped me to feel like myself again. It’s bought some sparkle back into my life, metaphorically and literally! I’ve told myself that Charlotte Makes has been like my third child, I LOVE it so much. And I do love it but it’s by far my most difficult child; my most demanding child; the one that takes up most of my time and just.doesn’t.get.any.easier!
Now my boys are 6 and 4. Nap times don’t exist; meal times do exist but so do 2453 snack times in between and bedtime is just laughable really. In short, I feel like I am in the thick of it: at the epicentre of this shitstorm they call ‘parenting’. In recent months I’ve pushed myself and stretched myself so thin. I’m exhausted and I feel like I’m ‘failing’ at everything – my business, parenting, friendships, relationships…everything that’s important! So I’m making some changes going forward.
My boys have grown up knowing that their mummy works hard making other people feel special and happy. They’ve each had 3 birthdays with sparkly birthday badges that now sit pride of place on their special shelves in their bedrooms; I know this is true for other people’s children too. I am so proud of what I’ve managed to achieve but it’s time I practice what I preach and look after my own mental health.
I can no longer continue building my business like I’m the mum of a 1 and 3 year old. If you’re reading this, you’ll be in the next phase of my business journey with me. I’ll be closing down my Etsy shop, I’ve paused my website, I’ve stopped sending stock to some wonderful shops that stocked my stuff on a sale or return basis, I’ve stopped actively looking for new customers and stockists, I’m setting boundaries in my business that didn’t exist before. Moving forward, I’ll be focusing on the parts of my business that fill up my own cup…I’m concentrating on wholesale orders, people who know me personally and loyal/repeat customers. I also have big plans to launch in person workshops as a way of helping others with their mental health.
I feel excited about this next phase of my business and as a result, I feel so much lighter. My boys won’t be 4 and 6 forever, and I won’t be their favourite person forever either. I know I’m doing the right thing and I know deep down that if you’re reading this, you will absolutely still be there to show your support so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Love and sparkles always,
Charlotte xoxoxox
❤️ I hear ya sister, with all of it! Proud of you for making that change, it’s so hard but sometimes we have to do what is right for us. I’m sure things will still thrive and flourish but I’m a less stressful way for you. X
ah thank you lovely I feel so much lighter since making the decision! Hope you manage to get to a point in your business where you can make similar decisions too xxx
You should be so proud of everything you have achieved and continue to achieve my wonderful friend. Good for you 🙌❤️
Thank you as always my lovely xxxxx