Making it Happen!

I've been waiting a long time to tell you about this, because I had to be sure first...

I'm making a total career change. I never thought I'd have the guts to go for it, but ever since my old employer didn't renew my contract and the birth of Iep, it's become more and more of a realistic thing to start my own business.

To be honest, at first I planned to just take care of Iep for the first 6 months and steadily ease into my new self and new life as a W.F.H.M. (work from home mom). But I just can't help myself. Even before my pregnancy leave was officially over, I already contacted some people to see if any of my ideas could go anywhere.

And they could...

As of march I am starting to teach knitting at Caroline Vogel's Naaicafé in Rotterdam. I'm still working on the details, but the idea is that I'll teach beginners and intermediate knitters how to knit using different kits I design myself. If the idea proves succesfull I'll try to sell my kits in other places too, like lifestyle and fashion shops. I have some other plans but I'll keep those to myself for now. ;-)

So the last couple of weeks I've been working on designs for beginners to knit. Three types, for children, teenagers and adults. I need about 6 patterns to complete the kits so I've been buisy. I'm still fairly new to designing so designing for beginners is a good way to start.

It's been a real adventure so far, it al seems way more simple than it actually is, it's like a mathematical question with loads and loads of variables. To make it affordable and still be able to earn some money is a challenge to say the least. But I'm getting there. I've thought of a cool way to package the kit, the patterns are almost done, I've ordered the materials (that made it seem so real 'hi, I need 10 skeins of so and so, 14 sets of #7 bamboo needles'...) flyers and e-flyers have been sent into the world, it's official...

I am my own boss.

It partly scares the sh#t out of me. Not because I'm afraid it'll only cost me loads of money, not because I think I forget how to speak as soon as I'm in front of my first class, not because we'll have to manage with one less income, but because I have to get a class first... What if no one's interested.... What if I'm in the café all dolled up and ready and noone is showing up.... what if I think there's a market for my stuff when there really isn't...

Better cross that bridge when it's in front of me...

I've worked in marketing/communication for the last 6 years so I know how to sell things, the thing is I'm used to work at least 8 hrs a day and now -beeing mom first of all- it's 4 hrs max. Then the designing takes up a lot of time so I have to do most of the 'selling' after the first workshop is over when I have more time. That is a big contradiction, but I'm counting on the flyer, e-flyer and word of mouth to get me the first group of wannabe knitters.

Big news huh?

Well that's not all. I'm also going to continue my communication work. Small projects that I can do from home. I just really love to do that stuff, make sure everything has been done to get people to know about a certain show, play or festival. The really cool part is getting as much as possible done within the -always- tight budget. I've already had a conversation with one potential client so that's business number two ready to take off.

I'm overwealmed with the possibilities, I'm drowning in inspiration and I'm really really happy. The next thing I need to do is get ajusted to the new way of working. My little boy comes first, everything else is extra.

Ok, just because he's so cute, here he is...