A Glimpse of Sun Shining Through

So I probably experienced my most exciting two days yet of my whole business experience. Two gift shop customers have re-ordered glasses in the same week!  One sold half their inventory in one week, the other in two months. So why is this such good news?  Well, what I've learned from selling is that there are actually a fair amount of people out there who are willing to take a risk to try out your product for the first time in their store (and lots who won't). But you can't make customers buy the product from their store.  And the customers buying your products is what ultimately matters. I can't use my moderately persuasive and conversationally eloquent speeches to sell to the end person - ha - and to have the confirmation that people like my glasses enough to buy them is sooo reassuring.  Yep, I am like every other entrepreneur who constantly questions themselves. Are you sure this is good enough, do you think people will like them, are my glasses worth more than the others, and on and on. So being successful in even this very, very tiny way is important in my start up growth. Truth be told, I am very afraid to even say I am excited because it is such a small big deal that it doesn't really mean my business will be successful. But it is the small victories that mean the most to me and that keep me painting away (hand cramps and all), reading as much information as my eyes and brain can absorb, and staying up late to figure out how to best configure my website. After all this is what it's all about and I am loving it.

Packaging Makes a Difference

So yesterday I met with a new packaging designer. Finally someone who knows what they are doing! It only took 4 other packaging companies to find one that actually has multiple materials, great ideas, good designers and lots of connections. Exactly what I need.  We agreed that my glasses will be sold in sets of two (could be two different, could be two of the same) who knows. In fact it will probably be that the retail stores carry sets of 2 of the same designs, while my website allows you to choose whatever quantity you want of each design. So now I can't wait for the sketches of what they recommend! Plastic, cardboard, tins, buckets, clear windows, handles, so many options! Thank the lord I have someone connected who has lots of experience. They will structurally design the packaging first to make sure it will be protective enough for the glass, and then aesthetically design the package to look AWESOME (<-- I hope) :)  I'll keep you updated on how it goes!  In the meantime I am getting hand cramps painting and uploading content on my website!