What a treat – I just got back from a long-delayed and many-times-postponed coffee date with Susie Lubell of Mishmish Studio. Susie (aka Mishmish) is a talented artist of whimsical watercolors, children’s prints, and ketubot, who happens to live about a mile away from me! When I discovered her website I introduced myself via email, and though it has taken a few weeks, we finally managed to meet in person.
And I am so glad we did! It was great to be able to “talk shop” with another artist who’s making a go of hawking her wares online. We face many of the same challenges and frustrations, so there was, of course, the requisite bitch-fest about same. But lots of ideas for collaboration, and just life stories as well.
I can’t tell you how great it is to meet a cool new person who really gets what I do! We’re planning regular get-togethers from now on, which I’m very much looking forward to.
It was a nice way to start my Tuesday, before heading out to look for part-time work to supplement my income. Yes, I’m afraid it’s come to that. I haven’t been an employee for 20 years, but “the economy” has hit me hard. I spent way too much last year on marketing that didn’t pay off, and now I’m paying for it.
So off I go to temp agencies to see what’s available. I don’t even know how to write a resume or do an interview, it’s been so long, but I guess I’ll learn! There are so many things I can do: write, proofread, edit, design work, teach, train… And running my business for 14+ years must count for something.
And the lovely thing about temp work: it’s temporary! If I’m doing something I can’t stand, I won’t have to do it forever.
Meanwhile, I’ve been antsy to stretch my wings for awhile now. Maybe this will ultimately lead to something really cool.
BTW, in case you’re wondering, no, I’m not shutting my business down — no fear of that! I just need some extra income right now to make ends meet. But I may slow down the mad rush to grow, spend time only on orders that are coming in, perhaps stop accepting rush jobs. I’m not really sure how it will pan out. It’s a big adventure, and I’ll see what happens…
Wish me luck!
~Melissa
I just now saw this. You are so sweet. when are we getting together again!? I am loving your new zazzle shop by the way. kickass.
Thanks dahlin’! Glad you like my shop. I’ve been having so much fun with it! I’m about to teach a workshop in NYC, but let’s get together after I get back!