Advice to Help You Research and Practice your Way to a Successful Business!

"Quite simply crochet feeds the human need for balance in our lives.  Making something with our hands reflects something basic about ourselves.  We want to work hard without losing touch with our creative selves, we want to earn money without losing our souls; and we want to be a part of a larger picture of human progression while still maintaining our individuality" - Vickie Howell

In my quest to grow and develop my business and brand I have begun to research different areas of crocheting and the business side that goes along with it.  My eyes have really been opened because initially I just thought of it as a hobby.  If you think of it that way, then it will be as you think and believe.  But, when you begin to treat it as a business, then it will change and your mind, drive and actions shift.

Most mornings I wake up and listen to a motivational talk for the first 10 minutes of my day and or read my daily devotional.  This is done to get my mind ready to start my day and motivate me to think positively and to be in tune with God.  If Im running late then I read my devotional when I have a morning break.  Most important is that I take moments  in the day to read the word, pray and meditate to open myself to positive thoughts and actions.

A few months ago there was a series on "The secrets of Success".  One thing that was mentioned that really impacted me was that you must STUDY and become a student of what you are trying to do or pursue .  . . .(research, learn the facts).  It was also suggested that you watch someone you admire in the field that you desire to work in.  You should research the person or thing, learn the facts.  What avenues did he/she take to get where they are, are there any groups you can join to learn, google it, read up on it, practice it.  Don't be afraid to step out of your box.  Be diligent and NEVER give up.

I have recently begun my journey into the crochet world and started researching, studying, practicing and most importantly. . . . praying for direction.  I have found some helpful books that I would like to share with you in hopes that (if you arent aware of them) will help you develop also.  Most of these books can be purchased in the bookstore and/or ordered or downloaded onto your Kindle or Nook from Amazon.com.

Before you do anything, my first suggestion is daily PRAYER!!  Then, read the SUGGESTED BOOKS (not in order of importance)
1.  The Holy Bible
2.  The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
3.  Pricing Crochet Fairly for Maximum Profit by Sedruola Maruska
4.  Hooking for Cash by Sara Duggan
5.  Crochet for Profit by Sara Holmes
6.  Selling on Etsy (Turning your Hobby into a Profitable Business) by Megan Hutchman
7.  Pinterest Savvy by Melissa Taylor
8.  Blogging Made Simple by Michael H. Fleischner

There is a wealth of information in libraries and book stores on the shelves that will help you grow and get your creativity flowing.  Don't just look at the pictures and patterns, read the articles.  Sometimes there are jewels of information hidden inside if you don't take the time to read, learn, inform yourself.

There is also a lot of more information out there on the internet and on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Blog Sites .  Dont be afraid to ask questions, network, research, and try new things.  Also, don't be afraid to share what you know.  The saying is. . .  'the more you give, the more you receive".  Look into conventions and classes.  You will learn something new and meet someone new that will possibly impact your life in a positive way.

Social Media, (Facebook, Twitter, Blog Sites) hold a wealth of knowledge and, at times, connect you with others that are willing to share their knowledge and information.  Search on those sites to find communities or groups that you can join or follow that are in the field you are currently or endeavoring to become proficient in.  Dont be afraid to ask questions and/or give advice or share information.  Make yourself known .  Also, dont be afraid to share what you know.  The gift that you have has been given to YOU!  No one can take it away.  Everyone has their specialty and audience.  Your advice is just to help them on their journey.  By doing so you open yourself up to learn and grow!

This is something I am trying to do myself but I believe it will be beneficial to my life and business.  If you have any ideas, suggestions, books you have read that will be an inspiration or help, please feel free to share them.  You will be blessed as you become a blessing to others.  Each one, Help one.  Have a blessed day!

Blessed to be a Blessing!

I was blessed to be selected as an Emerging Designer at Oklahoma City Fashion Week on Saturday, April 20, 2013.  It was an awesome and humbling experience. 

Because of that experience I have met and developed relationships with so many wonderful people.  One of those people is Laura Robinson, owner of Mark 541 (www.fivefourtyone.blogspot.com), (www.mark541.com).  I have been in contact with her for a few days requesting copies of the pictures that she took at the event.  The two pictures posted are two of the pictures that she shot of my looks on the runway.

I am hoping and praying that I can feature her as a guest blogger in the coming days or weeks.  Stay posted so you can learn about this woman, her business and her love for the Lord.  I am blessed to know that the Lord is leading me to develop relationships with people in the industry that are led by the spirit and God fearing.  She is blessed and has been a blessing to me.  I believe God is going to enlarge her territory because of her obedience and faithfulness.

As you sow blessings to others it opens your life to be blessed by God.  So, if you are blessed, be a blessing.  Do it with a open heart with no expectations and see how God rewards you!  Smooches!

Oklahoma Fashion Week 2013

I just arrived home yesterday after experiencing the most amazing weekend ever.  I presented my crochet at the first annual Oklahoma Fashion Week 2013.  I was sooo emotional the month prior to the weekend.  I was a nervous wreck and worried about how people would perceive my looks.  The response was overwhelmingly great and now I am inspired to begin creating new designs and participating in other events that will showcase my designs and let them be seen. 

The entire experience was new, exciting and exhausting from creating the looks, making sure that I had all of the necessary items such as logo, business cards, updated website, personalized invoices, airplane tickets, linings for my
 dresses, and accessories.  Once I was there I was responsible for selecting models, fitting the garments, choosing the right accessories, and doing rehersals with and without the garments. 

Once the Runway show began, I was no longer nervous or anxious, I was calm, excited and ready for the show to begin.  The girls were beautiful and the garments looked magnificent on them.  I felt relieved and honored to be invited to showcase my looks.

I want to say that through the whole experience I felt God intotal control.  He gave me the talent and opened the door for me to participate in this experience.  This is the debut of Lovepetals Crochet.  Eyes have not seen nor ears heard what God has in store for us in the near future and years to come.  To God be the Glory!!!

Raffle-poloosa and great Crochet Knowledge!!

After months and months of watching and waiting for "likes" on my Facebook page, I received my 100th "like"!  I pledged that once I reached 100 I would do a raffle/give-away to one or two of my fans.  Well, I also began a quest to find fellow crochet-addicts on facebook.  I did a quick search and found a few pages that I began following and posted my hello and introduced myself.  Before I knew it, I got several new fans and began friendships and learning new things.

I got so excited and engrossed that I realized I was up to 125 fans and hadnt raffled for the give-away.  So, yesterday I decided what I would give and my son (who I am so glad is still alive) selected the winners for me.  One winner, Keisha Rogers, lives in Los Angeles, CA and the other, Brittaney's Crafts, lives in Oklahoma city, OK and was introduced to my by my Aunt who resides there.  They were excited to learn that they were the winners and will be receiving their prizes soon!

Well, while I was searching for crochet and yarn enthusiasts, I friended someone who later suggested that I join a group called "blogging hookers" on Facebook, I also ran across a page of a woman who is a consultant for people who have exsisting or would like to began a crochet business.  Her page is "Yarb Obsession"  She is on facebook and has a website, www.yarnobsession.com.  She recommended a book that I found on Amazon.com and downloaded to my Kindle which is her book, Pricing Crochet fairly for Maximum profit by Sedruola Maruska.  While looking for that book I also found others such as "Hooking for Cash" (10 ways to earn money with your crochet blog, by Sara Druggan; Crocheting for Profit by Sarah Holmes and The New Guide to Knitting and Crocheting by Marie Jane Cooper.  I have alot of reading to do but I so excited to turn the page and gather wisdom that others have learned while on the same journey that I am now traveling.

I run my business from home and hardly network with other crocheters.  I now realize that you must connect with like-minded people so that you can learn from eachother and encourage eachother while you are building your business or simply crocheting for recreation.  I have been praying that God open doors for my business to be successful.  I am so glad and blessed that He directed me to begin reaching out and therefore meeting new people and learning things that I did not realize were available to help me.

So, I am happy and excited to be able to share this information with you.  I hope and pray that if you were not aware of these books or pages that they are useful/helpful to you as they were for me.  Have a blessed day and Happy Hooking!!

Wonderful Wednesday!

I woke up this morning renewed and energized.  I read my favorite scripture (Psalms 37) and was ready to begin my day.  So, I made my tea, fed the dog and logged on the my facebook page.  I did something today that I havent done in a while which was . . . invite a few of my fb friends to "like" my page.

The reception was wonderful!  I got 10-12 new likes within the hour!  I also got lots of wonderful feedback and positive comments.  That boosted my ego! lol.  But, it also reminded me that no man is an island.  We cant exsist alone.  We need our friends, family, and acquaintances to bounce ideas, spread love and words of encouragement and also just to network. 

As I begin this journey to expand my crochet business and to tread into territories unknown, I know that without the Lord, and the encouragement of others it would be impossible.  So, Im feeling good, and encouraging any and everyone to keep forging ahead.  Even if the obstacles are staring you in the face, blocking you at the door, or screaming in your head. . . keep moving, you might have to cry but . .  keep moving, it may look impossible, . . . KEEP MOVING!

Any and every day that you are alive and breathing is another day to try again.  Any day, every day, is a WONDERFUL day.  It is a gift from God and we must use it to the fullest.  Today is "hump day" it is Wonderful Wedesday.  What are you going to do with your gift?  Dont hide it.  Use it and share it.  You may just bless someone without knowing it.  I love you but God loves you more.

Smooches!

Tuesday Love!

I am currently working on so many crochet projects that it is overwhelming.  I eat, sleep and play thnking about crocheting new and old projects.  I wake up with new designs in my head.  I have started so many but do not complete them because of orders or life's circumstances.

Recently I had the most life changing, mind altering circumstance happen in my life.  My son (who is 19 years old) was almost fatally wounded leaving a party.  The blessing is that he is alive!  He is walking, talking, laughing and PRAYING, thanks to the mercy of God!!!

With this act of mercy, grace and unselfish love that God has placed in my life and the life of my family I have a renewed since of power.  The scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" takes on a new meaning.

Now, I know and believe that this new calling on my life to crochet and create beautiful clothing and accessories is reachable.  There is no one who can stop me from meeting this goal but me.  Once God equips you with life and a gift it is up to you to nurture it, to believe in it and to multiply it.  God gives you a gift to be a blessing to yourself, your family and others. 

With this new profound sense of awesome power you will see beautiful crocheted and (eventually) knitted items manifesting on behalf of Lovepetals Crochet.  Im not saying that there wont be days that I wont be discouraged, Im only human, but I will say that I wont let it overwhelm me.  I will use my son's life to remind me that tomorrow isnt promised so I must push forward and make the most of today.  I hope you will follow me on this journey.  It will be a wild and bumpy ride but I believe it will be well worth it.

God is Able!

Good Morning!  I woke up with low spirits this morning.  I have alot on my mind.  So, I turned on my ipod and began listening to "God is Able" by Smokey Norful.  I put the song on repeat so that it could mentor to my spirit.  I immediately began feeling lifted up.

The key is to link into God's spirit and not let people, obstacles, your surroundings and even your thoughts to hinder you or defeat you.  "God is able to do immeasurablly more than all we ask or imagine, accordingto his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20.

Im saying these things to you as well as to myself.  I have spent alot of time worrying about what other people think or say instead of listening to God and what his word tells me that He thinks of me.  That is the only thing that is important.  He loves you more than anyone else.  Believe it and walk in it.  God Bless You!!!

GOT PICS?



peach-multi beach coverlet 



As I prepare myself to participate in my first Fashion Week  it was suggested that I have a photo shoot to send PICS and a bio for the website. So, Saturday was my first photo shoot. It was planned at the last minute but I was VERY pleased with the results. My daughter, Aysia, and her friend Lexi were my models. They made my work look beautiful!

I didn't realize the work that goes into photo shoots, garments, accessories, make- up, poses, lighting, etc.  It was exhausting but worth it! I now have more of an appreciation for designers, models and everyone else involved in the process.  This was just a glimpse of my future. ( I'm claiming the success of my line. lol!)

Once I get the finished pics I'll add a few a day and notify you when my bio and PICS are posted on the Oklahoma Fashion Week website. My daughter had a few that the photographer gave her to upload to instagram.  She shared with with me so I will share it with you!  Keep me in your prayers. Enjoy & Smooches!



My Design Frenzy!

I have been on a knit and crochet frenzy for the last few weeks.  I eat, sleep and play thinking about yarn, design and texture.  I wake up and immediately begin drawing or creating the design that was in my dreams or vision.


Side view of dress



Turquoise Pineapple Racerback Dress
www.lovepetals.etsy.com

Yesterday, the garment that began as a skirt was transformed into a dress.  Once I begin creating with the yarn the garment takes on a life of its own.  Before I knew it, my vision for the design changed.  It took a while for it to come to life.  I would spend a day crocheting and then unravel the entire thing.  This went on for a couple of days until I was satisfied.

I think this year I will reincarnate my shop so that I will also sell patterns for my clothing.  I dont write the steps down as I go but I can go back and figure it out.  This will be a new endeavor for me and will take a little time to do this for each item, but I need to do it for me as well as for other crocheters who can make the item themselves.  What do I have to lose?

The weather is cold and windy which makes for a great atmosphere to cuddle up, put on a good movie and design.  So, the new year brings about new opportunities, and a chance to transform, or reinvent yourself to be what you want.  You are the only obstacle to your dreams.  So with that in mind . . .  I will continue on my design frenzy and continue on the road to making my wildest dreams come true!  Ill take you on the journey with me and please give me your opinion along the way.  Have a blessed day!

Happy New Year!

Today is the beginning of a new year! I am excited about the possibilities that await-. I am also preparing to present my line at the first Oklahoma Fashion Week in April.

This endeavor is a dream come true and will test my faith, skills and confidence'. This is something I've wanted for a long time-. I feel it will advance me to the next level in my career.  One thing I know for sure is it will force me to make my business a priority and invest the time and money necessary to make it what I've hoped and dreamed it will be.

I believe we all have desires that can and will manifest only when we submit it to prayer and put feet to our faith. I'm praying that those things you desire will manifest in your life and ask that you do the same for me. I will definitely keep you posted.

New designs and logo will be coming soon. stay tuned. Remember: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams are realized there is life and joy! Proverbs 13:12.  Smooches.