From Retail to Studio. Just like that.

For the past two months I’ve been working out in my mind how to get more done in less time.  How to check off everything on my to-do list.  I’ve been working hard to reach out to customers, try and send regular emails, Facebook multiple times a day in multiple groups, to make more kits, to make samples for classes, to offer classes at more convenient times, to network with other business owners, to do more marketing, be open more hours, and in general do everything do that people suggest that I do to be successful.  I am failing at it.  I know that I’m failing because my MUST DO TODAY  list is getting longer, and not shorter.  When I look at the shop’s sales I feel like it is a personal failure that the numbers aren’t bigger.

I feel exhausted from all of my effort.  I feel completely worn out by failing.  The Crafty Fox was intended to be a source of warmth, comfort, creativity, and love.  So it is really ironic and unfortunate that I often leave the shop feeling beat down and drained.  I’d rather put that energy into positive feelings, positive interactions, and creativity.

Here are some facts:

• Classes are going great
• Our retail shop isn’t making a ton of money
• Someone must physically be present in the shop during all retail hours
• I cannot be present during all the hours that a retail shop should be open
• We cannot afford to hire a sales associate if we aren’t making money during those hours.
• Our lease is up in September

So.  I’ve decided to make big changes at The Crafty Fox.

I think The Crafty Fox is the cutest darn shop in Forest Grove, and also the cutest darn shop for miles and miles around.  I love teaching people how to do crafty things.  I love meeting customers, I love meeting their babies and kids.  I love when customers become friends.  I love watching moms and daughters craft together.  We have an awful lot going for us.  At this point I think it’s really important to focus on the wonderful things that we have to offer and to stop trying to force the things that aren’t working.

Are we going away?  No.  Am I quitting? No.

The Crafty Fox is going to become a creative work space.  What does that mean?  It means that our focus will shift from being a retail shop to being a studio/ class space.  We will still maintain a small retail space in the front of the room, but the majority of our energy will go into our classes and studio space.  We will work towards becoming more like a communal craft space for people who are really passionate about making things.  We will spend less energy on trying to force people to come to the shop.  We will stop stressing out that sales are not what we think they should be.

If you’re still with me and you’re really excited about the craft studio idea, say something!  I often feel like I’m talking to myself, and that’s never fun.  If you think you might want to come use the craft space, if you’re looking for creative space away from home, if you wish you had childcare so you could get crafty, if you want to teach a class, if you just want to hang out and knit on our couch, send me an email or leave a comment!