confession

October 24th, 2011   /   17 COMMENTS   /   business advice

I have a confession to make: after four product launches (Ainslie, Belmont, Quincy, and Webster) this fall, I have one more collection to launch, the biggest one yet, and I don’t really feel like finishing it out.

Yep, I’m exhausted from learning how to make great products that are totally outside my realm of previous experience and dealing with all of the issues, delays, details, and inventory. I have stretched myself beyond doing my usual 3 launches a year and went for five in this fall season alone. I’ve been working on these collections since April and I don’t feel like sourcing more lining, finding the last few hardware pieces, and making sure this leather from Italy makes it to Chicago safely. I don’t feel like paying for the leather, and trying to turn this all around in time for the holiday season.

But you know what?

I’m going to do it anyways.

I’m going to finish what I started. All along the way the faith and vision I have for the bags remains incredible in my mind and I still know that these are my favorite products I’ve ever designed. And just because I am tired right now, doesn’t mean that I’m not capable of pushing through and completing them.

I just need to take a deep breath, focus, and just keep going.

 

  • http://stylizedexistence.blogspot.com Lauren {Stylized Existence}

    Amen sister. Keep it up, you are an inspiration. I really enjoy reading your blog — sending you positive thoughts of productivity and determination!

  • http://thepurplebow.blogspot.com karlita

    wow! let us know when the collection launches!! great!

  • http://fiscallychic.com Cathy

    You can do it Jess! This is the final stretch of the marathon. You have only a few more miles to go. I’ll be cheering for you and can’t wait to see how everything comes together.

  • http://channelingcontessa.com/ Clara

    I am with you, Jess! Lately I have just felt like, ugh no more, I don’t want to do it! Even if it’s the things I enjoy doing, I feel bored and burnt out. But I am forcing myself to stick with it and keep pushing. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in this!

  • http://www.dismountcreative.com alicia

    Could I get you to email this to me every morning? Because I need frequent reminders :)

  • http://www.maggieroseonline.com Maggie Rose

    Hang in there, lady! You have much to be proud of and this will be the cherry on top. And just remember that the exhaustion will pale in comparison to the joy of presenting your new product :)

  • http://www.justcallmesassy.blogspot.com Lauren @ Sassy Molassy

    You are ever impressive. Thank you!

  • Jenn

    If you are releasing leather bags…. I CAN’T WAIT!!

  • http://tlexx.tumblr.com Lexi

    I am very excited for the new collection – so much so that I’m trying to save my pennies in order to either purchase that or the Lake Shore tote that I’ve been in love with for months.

    Just keep going because you know in the end it will be rewarding for both you and your readers. :)

    Lexi
    tlexx.tumblr.com

  • http://www.vmacandcheese.com victoria | vmac+cheese

    You are wonder woman. Seriously. Keep going… you’re such an inspiration!

  • http://www.megustaensalada.blogspot.com SEMinegar

    Hang in there! Can’t wait to see the next line. …and thanks for the reminder to just keep going (I needed that right now!)

  • http://www.yellowbrickhome.com Kim @ Yellow Brick Home

    This comes at a GREAT time, as I sit at my painting table with dozens and dozens of custom orders ahead of me and just feeling plain ol’ exhausted.

    I, too, have to remember that the end result is always so worth it!

  • Eva

    No don’t give up! You said it… “the biggest one yet”.. therefore it will require more! You are an inspiration to small business owners everywhere… AND also to regular peeps like me (cube sitting folks)! I can’t wait to see all your hard work pay off! Sending you good vibes!

  • Sarah vL

    You can do it!!! Just a little bit longer until you can reap the rewards! Seeing your lines, and meeting YOU!, this weekend at the Pop-Up Shop in Millennium Park was so much fun – I wanted to buy everything!!!

    Also, did you see this? The 1st picture down in the post (I think it’s originally from Rue) – is that your necklace in the beautiful silver dish? http://smallshopstudio.com/2011/10/24/pretty-parfums-collecting-displaying/

  • http://susanthereserayofsunshine.blogspot.com Susan

    Ahhh Jess!! Keep up your fantastic work! I cannot wait to see what the new bags look like and I bet you whatever they are they are going to end up on my Christmas wishlist, that is for sure! I’ll keep you in my prayers as you work through it and finish what you’ve started. Your products are always made with such care and that’s what I love about them. Keep the faith and know that you are making so many people happy. You’ve got this!

  • Marguerite/@chicspace

    When you are going through hell….keep going.

  • http://www.makeundermylife.com Jess

    Thanks so much everyone for your encouragement everyone! Yesterday I went and found the lining and plan to order the hardware today!

    Sarah, it was great meeting you on Saturday! And thanks for sharing the photo, you are totally right, that is a Franklin necklace on Crystal of Rue Mag’s dresser. (And I now love Small Shop, so thanks for introducing me!)