It’s mid January 2024.

My natural instinct for the period between the longest night and the Spring equinox is for contemplation, introspection and to plan for the life I want in the coming year.

The end of the year always starts with a chance to reflect on the work from the previous seasons, my highs and my lows.

There was a lot of lows last year - personally and professionally. I don’t like to dwell on negativity but I also strongly feel the creative community needs us to be honest to each other. It was tough. Seller fees have increased, raw materials prices have risen, and social media just doesn’t share your posts. The economy has tanked and inflation has risen. My sales were down 44% – a massive hit that I know is not unique to me.

However focussing energy on the positives reaps rewards. Here are my highlights of 2023:

1. My leaf babies
   Building on success from previous years their affordable price point and low posting costs mean that my online shoppers loved them!
2. Taking on a part time job at my local supermarket
   Whilst to some this may seems like a failure actually it allows me to continue my work in traditional doll making, and develop this hertitage craft for today’s generation.
3. My local face-to-face events
   You really liked to come out to events this year and purchase directly. My festive fairs and markets were far more successful that I expected, thank you!

So what next? What are my aims for 2024?

I resolve:

1. Reduce my focus on kits and patterns, and put workshops on the back burner
   I’ve focussed a lot of energy into these over the past few years and it just isn’t taking off. I’ll review it in 2025.
2. Embrace my creativity
   New dolls are on the horizon: baby snowflakes, big butterflies and animal dolls.
3. Track my finances and stretch the budget
   Keep up to date and accountable whilst ensuring that my outgoings are as cost efficient as possible.
4. Sharing my making, telling my story and posting daily
   Keeping posting of stories, post and reels regular, developing my Pinterest and sharing my deeper ideas through my blog. My account still needs to be active to hav the best chance of being seen. Not to be shy with my emails and regularly keep in touch!
5. Finally – photography
   Lots of my dolls need some up to date photos. I’ve set a week aside in early September to set up my studio and do this!

So to summarise my word for 2024 is…

It’s what I need to be to survive as a business. The need to be flexible but the need to be strong.