This blog is in need of an update and I thought the beginning of September will be an ideal time to provide one! I have not been posting any news on my life and of Lace And Buttons these few months (except for a few instagram images) as I am badly in need of a break from all work-related activities. Had been feeling really burnt out and felt an immense urge to just drop everything and relax for as long as I can, which is just what I did since (around) the month of May this year.
I am glad I did what I did as it gives me the time to clear my mind and think of how I want to proceed with my business and life in general. Before my long "holiday", I am always stressing over how to improve the operations at Lace And Buttons and other business related issues and this really took a toil on my emotional health. I am often in a panicky mode and it gradually began to make me dislike the life I am leading, one that was turning really stressful and unhappy. These negative feelings made me feel very much older then my actual age and even affected how I look as I always appear very tired and had lack of sleep.
So the day came when I finally decided to give myself a long break, with just some very light planning work for my business arranged in between. Although I knew that taking an extended break is likely to affect my business since it will remain stagnant during this period while new businesses/competitors are coming up all the time, I have decided to put my health and happiness in first priority.
Beginning a new business is one of the most challenging tasks I have ever undertaken and in my case, not having enough understanding of how the fashion industry and online marketing worked when I first began are the major causes of distress. My husband (who is the co-founder of Lace And Buttons) and I learnt about running the business through the "school of hard knocks" and it was with much tenacity and heartaches before we finally understand most of the formula. Even then, there are still many limitations a small business hold which create barriers not meant for the faint-hearted.
If I gave the impression that starting a business is going to lead one towards a worrisome and anxious life, do allow me to explain. Sure enough that starting a business from scratch is no easy feat, but the process can definitely be easy and more enjoyable if enough quality research/preparations is made in advance. In my opinion, it will help tremendously if you are commencing a business that you have at least some working experience in. Passion is important too but it does not guarantee business success as passion alone does not translate to the knowledge of adopting cost-effective marketing strategies or the ability to manage heavy logistics. Handling your new business with patience and realistic expectations is also crucial, especially if you have limited experience in your area of business. Like a toddler, learn to climb first before you attempt to walk. Once you know how to walk then you can learn how to run the long distance. In short, I believe starting a business can actually be pretty manageable with adequate preparation and the correct attitude. If only I knew then what I know now, I could have saved myself a lot of unnecessary stress. Nevertheless, both my husband and I have learnt a lot from running the business and we hope we have grown wiser as well :)!
During this period of break, I am glad to say that there are still many good things happening which I am very thankful for. I am more rested now (although I still tend to sleep quite late watching way too much TV!) and I definitely look fresher as I have taken the time-off to care for my skin with new products and treatment. I began attending church regularly and despite still having a lot to learn about faith and the love of God, I can feel a healthy spiritual nourishment brewing in me. In regards to the business, we have finally received the PIC Grant for SME after a long wait! This grant is really a blessing as it helps to cover our business costs for the new directions we have been undertaking, as mentioned briefly in previous posts.
To end off, I will like to share a few photos of my husband and I taken not long ago. We knew that we would have some time left after a photoshoot for our upcoming collection of dresses so we got the photographer to take some shots of us with the remaining time. September is a special month for my husband and I as it is the month we gotten married. Thank you for always being with me through all the ups and downs, my love.
Till next time!
