Wednesday Wonder
Mushroom?
In a garden in the spring (ignore the weeds, lol)
August 31, 2016
August 29, 2016
August 28, 2016
August 27, 2016
Saturday Spotlight - Kate Wilson, Shiatsu Therapist
Saturday Spotlight
Kate Wilson, Shiatsu Therapist
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you offer/sell?
My practise is geared to Therapeutic Shiatsu Massage with other Eastern Modalities (Reflexology, Chinese Fire Cupping, Moxibustion, Tuina)
2. Where are you located?
Home based business at 306 Wedgewood Drive (Huron/Adelaide Area)
or where do you travel?
I am also a travelling Therapist.
I will bring Shiatsu/other modalities to you.
House calls are a very small portion to my business, but still very important to be able to reach people who like the house call appointment or need the house call do to a disability/mobility challenges.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
My website is www.Shiatsu4life.ca
4. How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I graduated the Shiatsu Therapy program from the Shiatsu School of Canada in Toronto, in July 2011. I started building my Shiatsu Practise immediately and officially began practise on September 1 2011.
This will be year 6 of practise and growth is still taking place.
5. Who or what inspired you to get into this business?
The story behind how I got into Shiatsu is really a mystery to be honest.
Never had I ever had a treatment, or even heard of anyone talk about Shiatsu Therapy.
This is a small confession, but the truth is, I was 24 years old, unsure of what to do with myself and I was feeling sorry for myself. I had been drinking some wine, while having a self-pity party. The word Shiatsu popped into my brain and I immediately went upstairs and googled it.
I read about it, and a light bulb went off. Call it my “ah-ha” moment, but in that moment I knew that Shiatsu was my calling. I didn’t know where it came from or how it would all come to be, but it made sense to me and for the first time in a long time, I felt like my path was clear.
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
In my treatment space you will find music always on during treatment time.
I have a large selection of relaxation CD’s and I-tunes has become my friend.
Relaxation based music compliments all treatment and encourages my clients to reach a deeper state of relaxation.
7. What do you like least/most about your business?
The biggest challenge for me, business wise, is keeping on top of paper work and staying organized from an accounting standpoint. I feel like I would benefit from someone coming in and getting me organized with software, spreadsheets and assist me in administration organization. I try my best, but find I do struggle with the admin aspect of business.
There are so many amazing aspects to my Shiatsu Practise.
One, is that every person that walks through my door is happy to see me. You can sometimes even see stress and tension melt away before we even start treatment. It’s a great day when everyone is happy to see you, and you, as the therapist look so forward to seeing your clients.
8. Describe your workspace?
When you arrive at my Shiatsu location, you walk through the back yard garden oasis, and enter into a small waiting nook.
The treatment area consists of a small lobby, the worlds tiniest, but cutest bathroom and a relaxing treatment room.
Treatments take place on an oversized massage table, which is covered with soft cozy blankets, soft music is playing in the background and the lights are generally off during the day.
Natural light streams gently in through the large windows and sometimes an essential oil diffuser is running in the corner.
The gentle aroma of lavender, peppermint or lemongrass fills the room, as you enter into relaxation mode.
9. What is one of your best moments in your business so far?
Organic Growth has been a constant positive through building my Shiatsu Practise.
Patience, time, trust, strength, wisdom, knowledge, inspiration, failure, lessons learned are all part of this process.
When entering out on your own, from ground zero there is endless pressure we put on ourselves. We want to succeed and sometimes growth takes place too fast or not fast enough, but moving forward and believing in yourself keeps you going, and Organic Growth has allowed me to be present through every step of my practise.
I had very large expectations, that I had to breathe in and let go of because they were actually hurting me, and the pressure I placed on myself was not realistic.
One of the best moments this year was just two weeks ago at my Open House. 70 people showed up to celebrate this next chapter with me.
For the first time, the past 6 years blended together and I saw the beginning and truly for the first time my future with Shiatsu!
I realized I was here, roots are established and organic growth continues at a pace that is healthy and balanced. For this I am grateful.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own business?
You have to believe in what you are doing.
Comparison is the root to much suffering.
Do not compare yourself to anyone, as this only holds you back.
Be unique, grow organically, don’t lose yourself in the shuffle and you will manifest what you invest in your business.
Stay focused on goals, and surround yourself with people who are supportive, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help and guidance if you need help with any area of your business.
Look after yourself too. Your business cannot grow and succeed if you are not looking after the brains and the body behind the operation.
August 26, 2016
Feature Friday - Infinity Scarves
Feature Friday
Infinity Scarves
I fell in love with these fabrics at the fabric store!
I knew I had to bring them home with me!
I love how these infinity scarves drape!
The lighter weight of the fabrics make them suitable for all seasons and all temperatures!
Adding an infinity scarf to an outfit just "completes" it!
A variety of colours and patterns to choose from - and more to be added soon!
Available in my ennadoolf shop on Etsy!
August 25, 2016
Shop Local: PartyLite
Shop Local: PartyLite
The PartyLite tradition of making the world’s finest candles dates back more than a century to one woman and one candle in the heart of New England, where American candle-making has its roots.
Our local PartyLite representative, Terryl, would love to assist you.
Contact her HERE.
August 24, 2016
Wednesday Wonder
Wednesday Wonder
"Wow!" we thought, "look at those turtles!"
Then we realized they didn't move.
Because they aren't real.
LOL
August 23, 2016
Tutorial: Glass Etching our Street Light
Tutorial
Glass Etching our Street Light
Our street light was one of the few gas powered lights left in the city - maybe the only one.
But the gas lines appeared to be clogged and the light was not very bright anymore.
And it was hard to find the little mantles and the price of them was becoming a bit much.
So the light has been converted to electric.
And a new LED light installed.
It was quite bright so we decided to etch the glass.
We bought a little jar of etching liquid (and used a coupon to get it half price!)
And this is how it looks in the daytime.
And this is how it looks at night.
August 22, 2016
Shop Local: Enjo
Shop Local: Enjo
With ENJO it is easier to clean.
My home stays cleaner longer and I don’t need to touch or breathe harmful chemicals or buy chemicals anymore.
I am very excited about showing people how to switch from harmful chemical cleaning to using ENJO fibres and water.
Contact Debbie on Facebook or on her Enjo page.
August 21, 2016
August 20, 2016
Saturday Spotlight - Baked Bouquets
Saturday Spotlight
Baked Bouquets
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
Baked Bouquets - custom sugar cookies and cookie bouquets.
We also do ginger bread and ginger snaps at Christmas time.
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
We don't have a physical store for clients to visit. We do most of our networking through a couple large Facebook groups where local business's support each other and people can post when they are in need of something.
We have our website bakedbouquets.ca and utilize other social media tools such as Instagram and Twitter to communicate with potential clients.
Our kitchen is just South of Aylmer, On
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
Yes, we have a website: bakedbouquets.ca and a Facebook link: https://m.facebook.com/BakedBouquetsCanada/
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
I started making sugar cookies with royal icing from a very young age with my mom. We used to make them on Christmas Eve for Santa and they looked nothing like they do today. As years went on we tried Halloween and Easter themes for friends and family, but it wasn't until after University that I decided to make it a business.
It was a friends birthday and I decided to make some flower cookies for a ladies night we were having. After the flowers were done I had the idea to use icing to adhere them to sticks in order to build my friend an edible bouquet. It was a hit! Peoples comments and reactions encouraged me to move forward and give it a go. It's been a couple years since then and full time jobs had made it tough to juggle a business and personal life. Now I have moved away from working for someone else full time and have put all my focus into my business.
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
My Mom overall is a big inspiration. When our team hits a creative wall, she breaks us through. As a professor of interior design, she is a trusted adviser when is comes to creative execution.
My friends and family inspire me as well. Either with their encouragement or crazy cookie ideas; you should see what my gingerbread house challenge is this year!
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
We often have music going in the kitchen or the TV we put in for late nights. For music we listen to upbeat pop that's on the radio for the most part. Sometimes there's the odd Disney dance off. If the TV is on its tuned to a show we've seen a million times, like Friends, so there's no need to look up from our work to see what's going on.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
Least: Flour, it gets everywhere and a pain to clean up.
Most: Seeing your/your client's vision come to life and the saturation that comes with their awesome reactions.
8. Describe your workspace?
Very clean and simple. I don't like clutter and keep things clean is important. We always clean as we go because there's nothing more annoying than a sink full of dishes when you finish a job at 3 am.
We have big windows to see out into the country and have natural light and bright colours all over the kitchen.
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
For me, one of my favourite moments is when I put the finally touches on a project and it comes to life. (For example, the twinkle in a character's eyes). I also love the happy shock people have when their vision looks better than the expected. And last but not least is the kids jumping and screaming with excitement when they see them - I'm a sucker for the kiddies.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
1st - You need to be willing to invest a lot of time in order to make it something viable. There should be days we feel like you've worked dawn to dusk or you're not working hard enough.
2nd - Research what marketing would work for your product and consistently use it to stay in the eyes of your customer. With social media being a huge player in marketing, it is also important to research each platforms free marketing tools/statistical analysis. Some age groups do not use certain platforms and the times of day you post can make an impact to your engagement. What good is having an awesome product if no one knows about it.
Also do all you can to avoid paying for marketing. If is possible to grow quite large without spending a dime!
3rd - Get out there and make connections. Don't be shy to chat up other people in the crafting world. There are lots of vender shows to get involved with and most are very reasonable when it comes to renting space.
Also, use your connections and team up. For example; If you sell invitations, team up with party planners, wedding venues or anyone else that could recommend you their customers.
August 19, 2016
Feature Friday - "Blauwe Rits" Crossbody Cell Phone Purse
Feature Friday
"Blauwe Rits" Crossbody Cell Phone Purse
The purses are cell phone sized with cross body straps and available in my ennadoolf shop on etsy.
"Blauwe Rits" is Dutch for Blue Zipper.
I named these purses "Blauwe Rits" for the cute little blue zippers inside the purse on the small inside pockets!
Just the right size to grab and go.
Will hold your cell/mobile phone or small camera, or your vacation room key and lip gloss!
Perfect for hands free shopping, strolling, sight seeing, whatever!
Each purse is one of a kind and cannot be duplicated!
I used at least two unique fabric upholstery samples for each purse.
Get your favourite now at ennadoolf on etsy!
August 18, 2016
Shop Local: Scentsy and Keep Collectives
Shop Local:
Keep Collectives
From the believers who brought you STELLA & DOT comes the next generation of FLEXIBLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP for women.
We share a deep belief that living a HAPPY LIFE comes from always keeping in mind what truly matters.
Our mission at KEEP is to give every woman the means to create her ONE-OF-A-KIND LIFE.
Contact Patty about Keep Collective!
Scentsy
Close your eyes and feel the warmth of a sunny day, the ocean breeze combing your hair, a handful of freshly picked wildflowers.
Wherever you wish to go, our fragrances can take you there.
Explore the categories below to discover what’s new — then map your perfect Scentsy experience.
This is what happens when 2 products mean so much to you that you need to share them both with the world!
Shop Update: ennadoolf
Shop Update: ennadoolf
Need a new knitting project?
Try my Phable Open Cable Hat pattern - available as an instant download.
Now available in my ennadoolf shop on Etsy.
August 17, 2016
Shop Update: PatternsAndSuch
Shop Update: PatternsAndSuch
Preparing another batch of Halloween patterns to add to my Etsy shop PatternsAndSuch!
We disclose uncut vs cut pattern pieces and lightly press all cut pieces for you!
We check to see that all cut pieces are in the envelope and let you know if any are missing.
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