We are now one quarter into Operation Independence, as I have taken to calling my journey to self-employment. A lot has happened in the past three months:
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I survived the chaos that was the spring show season, working 10 weeks straight, usually 12-14 hour days, 7 days a week.
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I was able to pay off all my existing debt
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I ordered a fancy cover for my popup booth (ooooh, ahhhh, so fancy)
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I started making my own watercolor paints, and they are currently being tested by other artists.
There were a few setbacks along the way (mostly in the form of weather) that forced me to adapt my booth setup, packaging, and in some cases materials - but each setback proved to be a valuable lesson. (Have extra tarps, use waterproof totes, don’t forget a towel, and battery fans are lifesavers)
So all in all, how is it going?
Wellll…….When I came up with this plan and timeline I had estimated it would take me two years to pay off my debt, save up the safety cushion that I wanted to have in place, and build up my audience and sales to a more permanently sustainable level. All of the hard work I have put in over the past quarter of a year has more than paid off, and instead of two years, I may be able to switch to fully self employed by Christmas of this year.
Its so close now, I can almost taste it.
I am going to be taking most of the month of August off from working events and using the break to rest, regroup, and restock. During this time, I will open my commissions books, so if there is a custom piece you have been longing to have made, now is the perfect time! September will see me working events and shows again. My fall schedule is below:
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August 28th Book Signing at the Maryland Renaissance Festival
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September 3-4 Guest Vendor at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival
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September 10-11 Guest Vendor at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival
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September 17-18 Storytime at the Maryland Renaissance Festival
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September 24-25 Storytime at the Maryland Renaissance Festival
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October 9th Book Signing at the Maryland Renaissance Festival
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October 22-23 Guest Vendor at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival
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October 29-30 Guest Vendor at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival