.....end of the road musings

So Lollypups hit the ripe old age of 14 from the day-one decision to embark on this entrepreneurial endeavor, to the present time- March 31, 2023 and another notch added (thankfully) to my "golden years".  As I look back at past blog posts,  I'm amazed at what went on during those 14 years: the research process, the designing, the successes and failures of those designs, the pitfalls and the frustrations of starting something from scratch,of dealing with vendors who, understandably,  had little time or use for small businesses, all of this,  with absolutely no foresight into how I would pull it off.  That's exactly what made the whole thing so exhilarating.  From start to finish, I never knew what would happen, always struggling to make the right decisions during an economic recession and the rising costs of material and failing miserably. Then onto a Covid 19 pandemic screeching everything to a halt and yet,  learning perserverance in spite of drawbacks. 

Here's what I can now take away from evaluating this enduring experience.  I am, I know, basically an upbeat person yet I also know, I have been apprehensive and basically lacking in self confidence all my life. A true sufferer of  "imposter syndrome".   For me to have pulled this off to the extent that I did, is nothing short of miraculous.  Now, that being said, I am no Donna Karen or Martha Stewart, or female CEO of a million dollar company.  In fact, I really don't think I set out to change the world of dogdom with my designs or to make my fortune.  I did however, bring a bit of laughter, joy and smiles to dog people across the country. Whatever profits I made went back into the business or to pet shelters and adoption events.  I took no salary other than treating myself on only two occasions, to craft show jewelry purchases.  So my modicum of success was really to my satisfaction, because it allowed my fragile ego to gain strength in knowing that I pulled it off in my own way. Do I miss it?  Sometimes yes, but mostly, I'm devoting myself to creating art..... something this "imposter" never had the courage to pursue wholehartedly but with the burning desire to do so.  So, there's that little success. 

There were many changes in my life over those entrepreneurial years.  Travel, grand babies, downsizing from my home of 21 years, being at peace with a life filled with many downs but still more ups. This business plopped me in a terrain of happy hustling, absorbing information, honing skills, developing friendships and, with each new experience, the freeing aspect of not having to answer to anyone but myself.  I never once thought of retirement;  sitting around reminiscing about the good old days, or feeling bad about my wrinkling skin and poor eyesight, or my arthritic knees and hands detering me from doing anything I set my mind to do.

Who is this person??? No longer filled with self doubt but walking with a slight skip in her step (when not limping)  and a smile on her face.  Talking to every dog that passes by and greeting every person they're strolling with. Thank you Lollypups Petwear for a job well done keeping this old gal sane, and Etsy, for making selling and shipping painless.   And
to that imposter.....I bid you a fond goodbye. 

Getting the hang of vendor events ....

It's October and as always, the smell of the air;  semi-crisp, turning-leaf-deliciousness,  introduces yet another autumn to the lower Hudson Valley.  With it continues the assortment of craft fairs, flea markets and pop up shops hoping to take advantage of the cooler climes and potential shoppers getting a jump on holiday gift giving .  I've learned since joining the deluge of craft vendors back in 2011 with my Lollypups Petwear offerings, that my best customer is the devoted dog lover/pet parent and they can be found, en masse, at pet events with names like Puptoberfest, Petpalooza, Hounds on the Sound, Mystic Krew of Barkus, Bark in the Park. NY Pet Fashion Week, of which I was a participant over the years.  It did take a period of trial and error, kind of a sledgehammer to the head realization, to conclude that non-pet events were a waste of time and to exclude them going forward. The pet events are always for a good cause too, and those attending like the idea that part of my proceeds is going toward pet adoptions, or running a no kill shelter. However, that being said,

My summer 2016 vendor experience was a bust because: 
a) torrential rain is not conducive to foot traffic
b) potential shower forecast is not conducive to foot traffic
c) farmer's markets aren't craft fairs
d) some craft fairs don't allow dogs

....hence, my aforementioned conclusion.

So starting fresh in the fall has produced 3 events for dogs, about dogs, FILLED with dogs, and attended by like minded dog lovers who truly appreciate what I create for their fur babies. I look forward to seeing all the pets sashay and strut with their proud mamas and papas and am happy to hear their stories, especially when they say their pets are rescues.  Sales soar at these events.   A customer can try a harness vest or sweater on their pet rather than just guess if it will fit, and that, more times than not, generates a sale.  I do have photographs of various dogs hanging in funky frames around the booth,that can be referred to for breed,  weight, size etc. which works often too.

Although, in the past, my concentration was on smaller dogs up to 20 pounds, I decided this year to start supplementing my handmade offerings, , with a small assortment of items for bigger dogs as well. Through the NY Now gift show this summer, I was able to add a few leashes, collars, toys, pet themed totes and charms and spa products, purchased at low minimums, to try out. So far, its proven to be a good move.

So having a small business is a continuous, ongoing learning process and sometimes, it takes several tries to recognize what works and what doesn't.  I still love what I do, the process, the designing, the people and dogs I meet. I don't know how long I'll be able to do this vendor part of the business, but while I have the determination and energy to make it work, I'm still loving the ride. Happy Fall!!

All I can say is .......whoa what a ride!!!

The last couple of weeks as a deaf invalid were definitely NOT the high points I imagined for July's end. My viral infection cleared up ok thanks to antibiotics but my ears have not.  (question: which is worse, not being able to speak or not being able to hear?.....)  However,  I had no problem hearing myself bark like an old woman....Heh???.....what???....WHAT??? How truly annoying absolute silence is!  I remember when I relished my "quiet time" only to realize, now, that it was never TRULY quiet. Next step, steroids for 6 days. ENT doc says that should do the trick and I have no choice but to believe the end is at hand,  lest my head explode in silent frustration.  Happily I did attend an outdoor jazz concert at Lyndhurst with friends this past thursday. My first night out in two weeks!   I'm told the band was so bad deafness would have been a blessing to all who attended.  I count myself lucky on that one.

I've been getting as many harnesses and leashes finished as I can in preparation for the upcoming vendor events in September and October,   but am having a hell of a time with the male pattern for the Halloween concept.  Notched collars are way more complicated than I figured on.  I'll get there I'm sure, it's just another minor frustration to add to my deafness, my inability to adopt a dog, and our missed opportunity to spend a weekend with my daughter, son-in-law and grandbaby at a beautiful lake house.  

I've been working on some more creative concepts for the vendor booth too. I feel with these two coming up, I'd like a snazzy set up to attract more customers.  One is a pet event so that's a captive audience anyway,  but the other is a big, high end crafts event at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens ....classy but no dogs allowed.  I think the more attractive the display, the more chance I have at being noticed.  So I made flags to drape in the front and cut out funky frames for the dog portraits. (two more to go)   Ofcourse the sweaters hanging on the grids at the front always attract attention but I want people to meander inside too.  I found a great idea that I'd like to try for hanging light weight shelves made of foam core board and hung from the ceiling with cord.  That way the harnesses will be displayed at different levels rather than crowded on a table and I also have that great chartreuse hat rack I bought some years ago to hang scarves, or leashes . note to self: remember to pack the mirror this time :(

Wish I had a funky chandelier too  but who knows, maybe something will turn up. 
So very glad to be back on track!!