Dudes...you made me cry.

Seriously. Thank you. I was worried about wearing my heart on my sleeve, of not being strong and confident, like I try to be. Thank you for the kind comments, thank you for the advice, thank you for believing. But it's also provided a great opening for me, and will prompt me to write more about the process of all this, and I know there are people out there that want to take this route, but don't know how or what to do.

So, here's what happened yesterday [in between crying jags]:

I took the bigger booth.

Actually, I called them first to ask about the two larger options I was given and the locations of both. One backed to Resort and the other was farther down and over a little. When I called, I was given another booth option, which was closer to the front and along the main aisle, and next to [and across from] a larger company that had three booths [good karma, I'm hoping - but also hoping for the better traffic their well known brand will bring]. So I took that one. I'm waiting for the contract.

I am not exhibiting my entire line, but only a portion. That decision was made based on logistics and what I could personally do. I've made some changes in the last couple of months to help me, and the biggest one is that I no longer make the aprons. Estella does some of the short runs (smaller bolts of fabulous fabric that I have to have), but last fall I experimented with a small scale sewing house not too far away, and I have to say, it was way easier [and they did a fantastic job].

I can't remember how I found them, but last spring, Scott & I went down there and met with them. They are family owned and operated, and literally only have a small department of sewing staff. The sewing is done start to finish by the same person, which I liked (and if you want to get technical, still counts as handmade). They did a little production run for me in the fall, and boy, did it help.

That's what all the drama was about two weeks ago with the textile show and the discontinued fabrics, and me, pulling my hair out. I finally received my sample yardage this week and we are going down there this morning to have samples made for market [the gift show]. I'll explain what that entails in a coming post - but believe me, this has been a huge education for someone who did not study fashion design and manufacturing.

I have no idea what I'm doing or what I'm talking about. They know this, and they still help me.

So, I hope you'll come along for the ensuing ride. It will either make me, or break me - emotionally, physically, mentally and financially - but as I said in replies to a few of you, I don't want to wake up in 10 years and think, "What if...?"

Oh - and I always feel weird sharing this, but if I don't, Scott will say, "Why didn't you post that picture?" and I'd be all, "Because it's so self serving" and he'd be, "What about 'putting it out there into the Universe'" using those little finger quotes. And then I'd be, "Dude. Don't push me."

So, here...this was in my PO Box yesterday, [it was pretty good timing] Malibu Times Magazine!

Comments

[kirsty thomson]

Hi - So you took the bigger booth! I am glad you have, there will more room to show off your wonderful items. I like your 3 Betty's too on your banner of your blog. Have a great weekend, I trust it is nice and sunny in California, not like the rain we have had in the UK in the last few days! My best for now.

[Little Miss Sew N Sew]

A lurker and an admirer here... Thank you for sharing your struggles and your process. This does help those of us who also want to be entrepreuners (sp?), regardless if our product is something homemade or not. I'm also thrilled to see someone succeed, and you are certainly doing that! Way to go.

[pam]

Very coool!! Being close to the front is a good thing. I have always wondered about the manufacturing end of things, I don't evenknow how to find that kind of thing out (I mean not that I'm looking but I like knowing stuff) just the whole business of fabric and sewing and making.. its all interesting. Congratulations, good luck, all that stuff.

[liz elayne]

i feel moved to say this: i am so proud of you!!
thank you for sharing your experiences...

[Jona]

Good for you getting the bigger booth! Don't feel weird about tooting your own horn, it gives us all a chance to celebrate with you! Fun ride!

[Periwinkle Vintage]

Oh, you poor, crazy woman. Don't you realize you ARE one of the big guns???
Cheryl

[Jules]

Right on!

xoxo
Jules

[Shannon]

Dude....so happy to hear about the larger booth and the location sounds awesome. I am very interested in hearing more about this whole process. Just what is a sewing house and how does one find a sewing house?

The magazine looks awesome, thanks for sharing.

[holly mccaig]

sommer, awesome stuff here! finally got over to check out your site and blog from twitter! :)

[Casey]

bravo, Carrie for taking a business-leap-of-faith! thank you so much for sharing this as you go along... wishing you the best of luck!!!

[LA Blogger Gal]

Girl, you so better be "putting it out to the Universe" or I'll personally kick your ass and let the husbands watch ;-) Never be afraid to toot your own horn. We need to trust in ourselves and to not be afraid (there's that fear again) when we succeed. It's amazing when things work out well.

*hugs*

[Kim]

Good job, Carrie!! You can do it! I hope you have loads and loads of success!!

[Rosie's Whimsy]

HewHah!! Way to go Carrie. I am so proud of you! The decision and the spot in the Malibu Times.

[Krista]

This is so exciting! I can't wait to hear all about it.

[erin]

yeah for you, carrie! it is going to be great.

[Andrea]

I admit that it is startling to me to hear you express self-doubt. I think of you as having made it and an inspiration to the rest of us. How brave you are to follow your dreams. It truly does give hope and inspiration to me.

You are always so generous with sharing the process and I can't tell you how much I appreciate that.

Yay for you! Go get 'em!!

[Jenna]

thank you for sharing your experiences with your business opportunities. there are so many of us who are interested in your ventures and love to hear how you go about doing it all. :)

[Lisa thedomesticdiva]

Go Carrie!!!I'm sure that too a bit of courage, but you did it! And I'm sure a good booth position will make the show worthwhile!

Congrats on the mag! Awesome!

With friendship,
Lisa