Why I Didn’t Do a Fall Collection
The first week of October is here. It hasn’t been very “Sweater Weather” outside, but cooler weather is on its way. The Autumn flavored drinks are now on every coffee shop menu, and people are wearing their favorite flannels as they go to the local apple orchard.
Normally around this time of year, I have a plethora of Fall-themed macrame items in my shop. Not this year. Even though I had some very popular items in my collection last year, I made the conscious decision to skip the hassle of creating macrame foliage, petite ghosts, and multicolored tapestries. Why? For two reasons: I didn’t realize Fall was so close until it was actually here, and I already need to start preparing for the holidays. I love Fall, and I genuinely love creating the macrame to welcome the new season, but this year just kind of snuck up on me overnight. Having a baby to care for on top of running a small business certainly makes time fly by quicker than a witch on her broom!
While I haven’t put out a Fall collection, I still plan on staying busy this October. Actually, I should say that I plan on spending my time intentionally this month. November and December are always busy months, as any small business owner can tell you, so I plan on using my time this month to prepare, rest, and plan. I have four big markets coming up in the next two months, and I would rather go into them with plenty of stock built up instead of scrambling the week before to scrounge together enough keychains, wristlets, plant hangers, and a wall hanging or two. On top of these markets, I will also have holiday orders to fill as well as shop locations to keep stocked. There are going to be plenty of reasons to be busy! As you can probably imagine, these will all take time to prepare for. I am so very thankful for how my business has grown this year, even with having a baby. I want to be able to manage it well, and show up for my customers with everything I can give them! I want to use this month to prepare for the holiday rush now, so I can actually enjoy the season festivities instead of stressing out about them the whole time. Becoming burnt out is a very real thing for makers around the holidays, and it’s something I would like to avoid where I can. This will be my first Thanksgiving and Christmas with my daughter, and I want to be able to be as present as possible as we build new traditions together as a family.
Speaking of which, another way I want to spend my time this month intentionally is by spending it with my family. October is such a magical month! There are so many fun things to do, and I want to be present with my family as we enjoy this enchanting time of the year. I want to have weekends free to go hiking, visit family, do a day at the pumpkin patch, and rest! It can be very easy to fill my calendar with events, but I have made the conscious decision to keep my weekends as free as I can so I can enjoy time with my loved ones. It can be easy to assume that as a small business owner, you have to take every opportunity to make money, but it’s equally—if not more so—important to prioritize personal and family time. If you want to do what you do well, you have to give yourself a break every now and then so you don’t get sick of your passion!
I will absolutely be filling orders this month, and making sure my shop locations are well stocked, so don’t hesitate to shop! I just am taking an intentional break from markets this month. I can’t wait to share with you what I am working on for the upcoming Holidays, and I hope to see you at some of my upcoming events!
I hope you all have the magical month of October, and it’s filled with all kinds of Fall Festivities!!
Much love and a Pumpkin Spice Latte,