The Good Work Network

Yesterday I had a meeting with the Good Work Network. This is how they describe their purpose: "The Good Work Network is dedicated to helping low-income and disadvantage micro entrepreneurs get the resources they need to succeed. It provides training, one-on-one consultation, group networking and collaboration opportunities, back office support services, market access assistance, and access to micro loan funds to individuals and businesses in the greater New Orleans area. In support of its mission, Good Work Network also provides clerical and accounting services to small non-profit organization in the area." I don't think I could word it better than they already have, but, here are my thoughts. For those with dreams of owning their own business without the know how, the Good Work Network is like a breathe of fresh air, a guide through an intricate labyrinth. Yesterday was actually my second meeting with them, but my first time meeting with my counselor, Leslie. My initial meeting at GWN was more or less an intake of sorts. I met with a very pleasant representative there who gave me an overview of GWN. She gathered information about my business and the goals I had for it. My second meeting, however, was more in depth. Meeting with Leslie was wonderful and extremely productive. She listened in earnest to what I needed and desired for HDH. In the past, i've dealt with other "so-called" small business development agencies, only to find out later that they had grossly misrepresented their true intentions. This meeting was not like that. Leslie further expounded on the purpose of GWN, gathered additional information about me and HDH, and provided me with a plethora of great feedback. She looked at the HDH Etsy site, and even complimented my keen (but amateur) photo taking ability. She was very knowledgeable about info as it pertained to business start up and its' laws, and more importantly, she was eager to help! It's a known fact that you can tell when someone has dedicated themselves to the cause of helping others versus someone who clocks in for eight hours to collect a pay check. I left with an assignment to work on and complete the marketing strategies portion of my business plan, and more importantly, the reassurance that I can do this! I'm really excited about meeting with her next week. So thanks to Leslie and the good folks at the Good Work Network. For those New Orleanians who want additional info, you can find it here: http://www.goodworknetwork.org/

Handmades By Hands God Made

The other day while sitting at my desk/dining room table tying up some loose ends, I began to ponder slogans for my new business. Then, like a lightening bolt, it hit me! "Handmades by hands God made." It was brilliant, to me at least, because it involved a play on the word handmades, and more importantly, it reflected the fact that even in my business dealings, I wanted to always give honor to God. When G-Man (that's the hubby) got home from work, I was excited to show him what i'd been working on (i'd made up flyers incorporating the new slogan). He had to read it twice aloud before he got it, and then his response was: "Are you sure you want to mention God? It may be a turn off to some prospective customers." Hmmm... I thought. He may be correct, it might matter to some. It might even cause me to lose sales. What!?!? Could I afford that? I mean after all, I'm a new start up company that has dreams of someday expanding my biz beyond the scope of Etsy (no disrespect to Etsy, I appreciate them for making it possible for people like me to be the little engines that could). Well, really and truly, this was a no-brainer. The question was, could I afford not too? I love my hubby because he balances me out, and always offers a fresh (usually political) perspective. And, as opinionated as I am, he can normally get me to see things his way. But to him, my response was, "then if that is their motivating factor for not buying my products, then so be it." It was God who got me to this point, and God will take me beyond. Now, don't think that I am some holy roller, because truly i'm not--this year alone, i've missed church far more often than i've attended. But I do believe in God's power, mercy, and grace. Will this make me a better entreprenuer? Who knows, but, i'd like to think so. And guess what else? G-Man agreed. HA!

Getting The Party Started

Yesterday, I took a big step and launched my very own Etsy shop!!! Herb'n Development Handmades. I make and sell handmade bath and body products, such as lotions, soaps, body butters, hair care items, etc. Initially, I wanted to wait until I had all of my "ducks in a row" i.e. perfect pics, perfect labels, beautiful website, a large inventory, etc. And while there is nothing wrong with having all of those things, I followed one key piece of advice. "Start where you are, use what you have." And, now that I have, I must admit that in my head, I was absolutely making things more complicated than what they needed to be (in some respects, I probably still am). Since starting this journey I am blessed to have been led to sites and networks such as the Indie Beauty Network, Essential Wholesale, Bella Lucce, Brambleberry (whose Youtube videos I watch almost religiously) and countless others who freely impart their wisdom to newcomers like me. If you are just entering the handmade industry, networking with just the few that i've named here is great way to start building a solid foundation.

After finally taking that one intimidating step, I decided to take on this next step into the world of blogging. Not that I haven't tried my hand at blogging before, that was some sort of bloggerized (is that a word) catastrophe, that has since been deleted and cast into a firey pit. This time, I won't scurry off into a corner at just the mere thought of blogging. Here I intend to chronicle my journey as a fresh new entreprenuer and my love of creating new products, and share what I learn along the way. I hope that you will hang in there with me as take my first steps, and follow me on this ride. Oh, and please check out http://www.herbndevelopment.etsy.com/ where all things are "Handmade by hands God made" (yeah check the slogan, I made it up myself, LOL!) I will be adding more products in the coming days.

Peace and Blessings