My life and other stresses.

So you may(or may not) have noticed an absence of new posts since July. That's because in July I came to the discussion to start a new business, it's something which has been kicking around in my head for some time, like those shiny balls in a pinball machine.  When I stated selling my craft items on-line under Maisielu I had no start up capital, and everything I needed to learn such as marketing, website sites, promotions etc... I had to figure out myself and with that learnt what works best for my sector. I was asked by my networking group at the start of the year to do a little talk on social media to the group, and was super nervous (as it was my first time public speaking) but got such a great response.  People really were interested in the way I put it across, although with the nerves I forgot to introduce myself(head slap) and implemented my hints and tips. The leader of the networking group suggested that this is what I should be doing as my business, and it was as if all the lights lit up on the pinball machine in my head, jackpot.  But were to start? Well not by researching other social media companies that's for sure, they terrified me, and almost put me off starting at all. However I remembered what it was like first starting Maisielu and this blog, you automatically look at the famous and greatest crafters and bloggers, but they are several years down the line.  Don't compare yourself with someone who's further down the road when you may take a different path anyway, you need to take the slow road to learn what you need to know.  So in July I started Social-Elf. I choose the name with the saying "the elves will do it" in mind, as one of my services is providing social media on companies behalf. I thought it would take a long time to get clients and I'd have plenty of time to tinker with websites, logos, social media sites and the like.  I had a perfect client in mind as part of my business plan, a crafter like me starting from scratch, looking to develop their on-line presence, so far this is the client I've not managed to get. I picked up my first client in a week and since then it's snowballed, my client books are now full and I'm working on developing training courses to give to small businesses. I have not even created my website or worked on social media myself yet, so word of mouth really is the best form of advertising.  Maisielu has taken a bit of a back seat, which is a real shame as I love it too but I still work during the day at Monsoon and have a family to take care of, something has to give and that was the simplest. I have not picked up my crochet hook in months and feel totally depressed at the fact, but I have a week off soon and have promised myself time, for just me and the yarn and fabric. My mental health needs it.  I seemed to have missed putting so much on here, which has only been glimpsed through instagram photographs, and will put on backdated updates as this blog is for my children to read thorough at a later date and see their progress to, a diary of our family life.  Also I need to discuss the beautiful site I now write from, a wonder in blogging design, but more on the new amandauniquely branding soon.  So that's where I am, thanks for sticking around, no photos I'm afraid as I'm writing from a coffee shop waiting on a new client. This is my life now and I kinda love it.

Empty Shops

I'm not sure what I wanted this post to be about, I'm not politicly educated enough to go through the issues of why and what can be done about this problem I can only give you my layman's view. The news reports are grim, with more shops going into administration every month.  

Throughout my city and probably most others throughout the country empty shops appear, high rents and rates, lack of financial support, lack of community spirit and creative thinking within city councils and shop owners. 

The list is no doubt endless. 

The shops below are just a few of the empty shops in Carlisle city centre.

Past Times went into administration closing 46 stores, Carlisle being one of them.Closed 2012.

This was a Goldsmiths jewellers, closed 2012.

Hawkins Bazaar went into administration closing 65 stores, including Carlisle. Closed Boxing Day 2012.

This was a nibbly fish, foot place which after scare stories in the press went from being very busy to customer less in a week. This is in the main shopping centre The Lanes, they use special advertising boards to distract from the view of empty shop.

Was a milkshake bar, closed 2011, also in The Lanes.

Ex Faith shoe shop, also in The Lanes but being hired out this week as a pop up charity shop.

Was a Benetton shop, but closed 2012 when they didn't renew their lease.

Think these 2 were bith stationary type shops at one point, not had anything in them for a few years.

Another shop in The Lanes, this was a Quiz shop.

In The Lanes again this was a Laura Ashley shop.

Peacocks went into administration 2011, 344 shops were saved in a buy out but 224 were still closed including ours.

This was a tanning shop, closed 2011.

This has been many things but last was a cafe sandwich bar.

An ex hair salon, closed 2011.

This is a space I find really interesting, as far as I know it has never been occupied since The Lanes was done up several years ago, it's a coener that doesn't get a huge amount of footfall past it, but looks very cool.

A fashion boutique which closed 2012.

A bistro restaurant which didn't close but moved into much bigger premises around the corner, it always seems busy and is doing well at it's new premises, yeah. 

Freckles bridle shop had another shop in Dumfries and choose to close Carlisle one.

Chapmans is currently having a closing down sale, the business as been there for 165 years and in the current climate has choose not to renew it's lease. It took up all 3 floors of this amazing building, and leaves 49 people unemployed.

Another long running jewellers which closed in 2011.

A pair of newly renovated but empty shops.

Nice to see this one has an under offer sign on it, and that the charity shop that was in it has moved to bigger premises.

These shops are in Botchergate which as thankfully seen some regeneration last year, I hope that soon these will get a helping hand too.

And below is Hoopers, it takes up a huge building in the heart of the historic quarter of Carlisle. It has just announced it's closure in June, with the loss of 83 jobs. Hoopers is in talks with other companies about taking over the space and hopefully keeping on some staff but at this time we have heard nothing else.

As someone who works in retail to walk through Carlisle's streets and see all these empty building saddens me deeply.  I would love to set up my own art/craft studio with Carlisle but the rents are high and businesses don't get much support. 

More so I want to understand, what make your business survive? Large shops and small in Carlisle are expanding and having refits, even in our climate of doom and gloom.

There's an empty shop somewhere in Carlisle with my name on it, but when I make it mine I want it to stay that way,so do you have the answers? What are you thoughts on what makes a business work? 

How do you survive on the highstreet?

Waiting with baited breath,

Amanda.x.

Country Living Christmas Show, Glasgow.

Well I've been so busy with shop job work I've not had the chance to blog about the wonderful 

Country Living Christmas Show which was held in Glasgow, they do quite a few shows all over the country.

This was extra special though as my friend Catherine Ball was having a space there and had asked if she could take some of mine and another friends stock too. This post shows that stand and gives you links were you can buy from these lovely ladies, but I'm going to do some other posts showing stands of note.

 This is Catherine unpacking stock quick as possible as it was selling out quickly, I loved her space using antique furniture, especially the letterpress tray she uses to display rings and small items in.

 You can see some of my stock here, my crocheted covered tea light holders sold well.

 The drawers attached to the wall worked really well showing off the pieces but making them very shop-able, Catherines pieces are all unique and incorporate laces relief texture or are stitched, which is beautiful.

To keep up with Catherines latest news and products click the link here, Stitched Ceramics.

 Above you can see her amazing hand stitched vessels, I love the flower design.

 I think my crocheted pieces work really well along side the textures of her ceramics, here you can see my Hurricane Lamp, I've only made the one so far, but think they could make lovely wedding centre pieces.

 Showing my pieces here, tea light holders, purses, cosy cups; it was great to hear feedback from customer at this, and other stalls. I'm thinking of going back next year but with my own stand. 

Below is a suitcase of treasure from the other seller in the stall Natalie from Flossy Teacake, she is certainly a crafter to watch out for. Her work has instant appeal styled from her childhood memories, using mixed media, she creates amazing 3D models of buildings and townscapes. 

Click the link for her facebook page, Flossy Teacake.

The atmosphere around all the stalls was amazing, and it was great to see that even in the grim economic climate we currently have people still treasure the quality and uniqueness of the handmade.

Hope to be there next year,

Amanda.x. 

Wordless Wednesday Almost

this post is was meant to be for wordless Wednesday but I couldn't wait.

Eeeeek!

Whoop Whoop.

Well I've finally gone and done it, I actually finished and published my website to the internet. Maisielu is now launched.

When I first considered selling my crafts to others I choose to use the sites of Misi & Folksy to start selling through, they gave the added benefits of having a community of other people in the same situation, and they're a great middle man or safety net between you & the buyer.
The forums on these sites are a valuable resource full of information, discussions, friendships & support but in some cases they are like the office environment-put too many people doing the same thing in one place & fights will occur, sometimes for completely childish reasons.
I'm strong enough to take criticism on the chin believing in business I'd have to develop a thick skin.  However squabbling on a certain board describing some of the sellers as just bored housewives who never get any further than selling the odd bits & pieces this made me realise that it was time to make the next step, to fly without the net & actually focus on the goals I'd set myself at the beginning of starting as a business.
My major goal was my own website, I know it's not perfect but like myself it's ever evolving & growing, hopefully into a business I can be proud of. 

I won't be abandoning Misi & Folksy just yet, they're just having a little holiday until I get my head round the world wide web of sales & marketing.


Thank you all for your support and kind wishes,
Amanda.x.