Things keep rolling

The last two weeks have been a bit on the crazy side. We got our first major snow storm of the season, I had the opportunity to judge at a speech tournament at a completly rebuilt version of my high school, found out about a new project at my 9 to 5 job, learned about sheering sheep, and finished three yarn projects.  In the midst of everything I have been trying to figure this whole small business thing out.

There are so many things to figure out when starring - how do items get priced? How do taxes work? Should I look into setting up at a farmers market or in a shop designed to carry items made by local micro business  But most of all, am I crazy? And the answer to that is yes, at least a little bit.

I am taking some steps to figure this all out this week. Going to a class on running a business at the local small business development agency, visiting a culinary school this weekend, and keeping my hands busy. I love the latest scarf I finished for a friend and a huge thank you to Katie Lane for her photography! Take a look:

One of my learning curves is figuring out what to post here. I know I should be blogging more, but am struggling for topics. So help me out, what would you like to see here?

Things just got Real

A few miles from our house is a dog park that has a swimming pond in the summer, and the first time we took our smaller dog there was a day to remember. She is maybe 24 inches tall if you measure to her ears, but she is strong and stubborn. So the first time in she bravely followed her brother (a border collie mix who had swam before) in. No big deal at first as she waded in, and then it happened - she found the drop off.

In this particular pond there is a gradual slop for about 2 and half feet, and then it drops off. Not terribly deep, but deeper than she could easily reach. In that moment she had a look of total and utter terror on her face, instinct kicked in and she began paddling like mad to turn around and get back to safety.

Last night I felt like that.

For a while now I have been talking about starting a business. I've done an order here and there for a friend and built a name for myself at my work site. If I sent out an email saying I brought in treats staff members began steadily coming by, even if it was 9 am. I took an order here and there - designed a scarf for a co-worker, made a 5 tier "Very-Merry Un-Wedding" cake, and even had a booth at a small craft show. It was just kind of fun and games.

Until yesterday...

Registering my business with the state, not a big deal. Having a logo designed and business cards printed, also no biggie. Delivering my first orders, rather exciting. What made it all real was the creation of a web presence yesterday - I saw the blog my good friend Megan designed for me and started a Facebook page. I became "Facebook official" so to speak, and things got real.

I know how to knit, crochet, embroider, sew and bake, I do not know how to run a business. I am figuring this out as I go. What I know is I am committed to bringing joy to your life through sweet treats and soft, fuzzy creations that will warm your heart and your paws. I also am committed to running this business in a way that gives back to the community.

This morning I got up, went to the gym and watched a beautiful sun rise, and felt that like my pup I had gotten back to the part of the pond in which I can get my footing. Once again I am looking forward to sharing this journey of creativity and business with you, even if I'm not ready to go to the center of the pond yet.

Please take a few moments to explore what Quirky Squirrel Creations has to offer you, and keep me in mind when you need a gift that will bring a smile to someone's face or sweets to bring to a party. And please come back and check the blog - see what I've been up to and hopefully learn something that you can use in your own creative pursuits.

Thank you,
Marija