2013 The Year That Was

While putting this collage together, I realised how little I have done with Pivotal Xpressions in 2013.  It's been a very quiet year with the business.  I must admit it's got to the point that I'm not too sure what to do with it, do I close or have a break?  My husband said to have a break and to have a think.  Yes I am still thinking, so hopefully I will have an answer in 2014 of where I will go.

In the meantime I want to thank my readers for still sticking around.  Have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas and an amazing New Year.  See you in 2014.

#reverb12 What was your dream destination?

What was your dream destination in 2012 and why? 

It can be a town, city, country or region -- real or imaginary -- 

and doesn't matter if you actually got there or not!

My dream destination for 2012 was to once again start approaching retail shops around Melbourne to see if they would except my stationery.  I did do this, I was turned down many times, but on the positive I was give some suggestions on how to promote my products to shops.
I am pleased to report that a shop has just recently accepted my suburban greeting cards.  Watch this space to hear more. 

My mini studio

I'm in the process of taking photos of my cards.  I have made a mini studio, seeing I don't have access to a professional studio.  I use props from around the house to make the scene interesting and light the studio to the best of my ability and knowledge.  Have you ever made a mini studio?

Thread Den / Kick and Screen

Yesterday I met the lovely Eleanor from Kick and Screen . We had a lovely chat about screen printing and the wonderful world of running a business. Check out her web site, wonderful to see another Melbourne business flourishing.

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On a disapointing note, yesterday wasn't the best market I have been to. This time I was in a different location, the corridor near the doors. In theory I thought it would be an excellent position, near the food, toilets and stairs. But alas it was the worse position. I and my fellow crafty companion Little Cooties, were asked directions so many times, to where the Ballroom was. It got a little annoying. Well I have learn't a lot from yesterdays market, it's so true that location can not always be what it seems.

Happy Birthday Pivotal Xpressions, we are 1!

Photos: The 1st stall, 1st online Etsy Sale, Noddy arrives from Ireland, Visiting Lark, 1st Giveaway, Receipes, Stalls at Northside, Thornbury, Thread Den & Borders, Group on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy Birthday to Pivotal Xpressions!

We are now 1! I cannot believe where the year has gone. So much has changed in my life. I ummed and arred about starting a business from home and finally made the plunge. It was scary at first, but now I feel content and still very excited that I'm learning, creating and meeting wonderful people.

Pivotal Xpressions would not have been born if I hadn't had the amazing help and support from the following people:-

My husband, H. Who has supported me beyond the call of duty. Words cannot thank him enough.
My mum, Jan. Who has supported me with advice and looking after our son during markets.
My son, Callum. Who has been very patient and his advice on the children's products.
My friend, Margaret (Konstant Kaos). Who gave me much advice, words of wisdom and confidence.

There are many others who have supported me, Fab, Karen, Donna, Maria, Kathy. Also not to forget you, the fantastic readers of this blog. Thank you so much.

Cheers to year 2, where will Pivotal Xpressions be?

Nice Feedback....

Recently there was a purchase of my rocket birthday invitations and rocket lolly bags. I designed the invitations and my husband designed the CGI rocket. It was so lovely to receive some positive feedback, it makes it all worth while. :-)

Hi Beky,
......I LOVE supporting artists like you. Your shop is great...the items you are selling are beautiful and well priced...you go girl!

My package arrived and I absolutely LOVE both the invitations and lolly bags...you and your husband are extremely talented. You have one happy little customer. And thanks for the other treats...they were a lovely surprise. Btw, Very professional packaging.
Cheers Amy

Selling your creations.....

'The Handmade Market Place How to sell your crafts locally, globally and online' this looks like a book to add to the collection.

Craft or Business / Etsy

I consider myself still very new to the craft scene (began March 2009) so I feel I still have much to learn. A few of the crafters I consider mentors or my little Yoda's :-). You know who you are. :-)

I have started thinking where am I going to go in 2010, answers to this million dollar question will be covered in another post. Other crafters are also thinking about their direction. I understand everyone wants to create but also make a dollar on the side. When do we decide to go from a small business to a business that can put a lid on our creativity?

There is a really interesting article on The New York Times web site, check it out here

Made in Thornbury - I have been accepted!

Received anticipated e-mail today from the team who bring to the community the Made in Thornbury markets. My application has been confirmed! So as you can guess, very excited and extremely nervous. Lots of thoughts go through my head, most of all, will people like my work? Only time will tell.

Hello Etsy - welcome to my shop

Well today was nerve racking and exciting at the same time. It was time to finally bite the bullet and sign up to Etsy.

Started by taking photos outside. That was fine until our dog Ben decided he wanted to chew on the blue tac that I had brought out to hold down the cards. He thought it was a wonderful game, I on the other hand was not amused.

Ok next stage joining Etsy, Paypal and then loading up my little babies. It was a roller coaster of emotions, 'will people like my work, excitement, fear, this is fantastic can't wait to put the other products up and of course relief.' I have made the big move.

Pivotal Xpressions and my products are my babies, holding them up to the world is probably one of the hardest things I have done in my life. But it's been worth it.

Lastly I want to thank my husband for all his endless support, my mum Jan for her encouragement and lastly Margaret from Konstant Kaos. Thank you

Getting down to business

Well I finally have my desk organised, I have no excuses now. I will have to start working!

Things to do:-
* Get items ready for the printer
* Items printed
* Start an Etsy account!
* Design final draft of business card for 'Developing Pathways'
* Remember to have fun!

Researching Printers

Well when one starts a business, one must research. So today I visited a few printers in my local area. It was interesting what type of responses I received from the printers. It ranged from, 'can I get this customer inquiry through quickly' to 'would you like more information, can I help you with something else'?

I have discussed with people in the past about printing products in China. I have decided that I will print as much as possible here in Australia. Yes it may cost more, but like many others I want jobs to stay here in Australia and I want to support Australian workers.

The next bit of researching will be the process of wrapping paper. One can never have to much beautiful wrapping paper.

Starting a business

Changing one's career is a big step for anyone. It's exciting and scary at the same time. For the past 8 years I have been a stay-at-home mother. This is a demanding job, but unfortunately does not bring in a wage.

In the past I have Edited the odd publication, using such packages as InDesign and Photoshop. I enjoyed this so much I thought why not make a little money out of my skills. Thus with the encouragement from my husband, family and a few friends, 'Pivotal Xpressions' was born.

So what does 'Pivotal Xpressions' means to me? Well I enjoy organising, craft and life, so the business name is a combination of balance and creativity. So of course I will design things we always need and help us bring organisation and balance to our lives.

The business is young but I'm sure it will take me to many places.