Shyness Can Kill Your Business

Someone over on Etsy convoed me the other day (that's contacted me via the Conversation tool for all you non-Etsians)and asked if I would be willing to participate in a local craft show on December 6Th. Of course my first reaction was "Hell yeah," but then I thought about it for a sec and basically replied "Hell no!" Of course I was the utmost professional in declining the invite, but now I've been thinking: Why did I say no? Was it because this show was only 2 weeks away and there was no way I could pull it off in such short notice or was it because I was afraid of the crowd and talking to people? I am so not a people person. I don't do well in crowds. I'm a poor socializer (I haven't Twittered in over a week!) My sister did all the selling for me. I just stood there nodding and smiling and answering questions if a shopper had one. I felt so awkward. Thank God for the Internet. If I had to talk to you good people face-to-face, I would die! I've always been an introvert, but it's high time that I start shaking this shyness because it's affecting my ability to grow my business. While it is too late to rescind my declination, I will do the next one when asked. Now is the time, if I want this venture to succeed!!!

It's Baaaaaaack!!!!

It kept calling me like. I was like an addict searching for her next hit. I couldn't concentrate on anything else. I literally dreamed about it. "What is it?" you're asking. Okay, I won't keep you in suspense any longer: It's The Decadent Flame!!!!!

I told myself I would concentrate on my soap making and possibly pick the candles back up in the fall, but I missed my wicked babes. I re-launched my Etsy shop today. For those of you who don't know, you better ask somebody! Just kidding. The Decadent Flame is my shop dedicated to my love of all things sweet. I make dessert-inspired candles scented and shaped like pies, cakes, sundaes, etc. The photos really don't do these candles justice. Whenever I do a show, people are just in awe that it's actually a candle. They sell like hotcakes. I'm hoping to get selected for an outdoor craft festival here in DC called Crafty Bastards. I bet when I lay these candles out next to my soaps, the soaps will get no love. I won't be surprised though. It never fails. Anyway, I'm happy that The Decadent Flame is back, and I'll be doing more candle projects really soon.