LAA - The Biz
So here's what's been going on with the shop latey: I'm rockin' it. And by that I mean, I'm Rockin' It. After the realization I had in early January regarding my taxes and (lack of) organization with LAA stuff, I decided to really get my shit together. I closed the shop for a few weeks, researched and implemented a new inventory program and bookkeeping software, pulled stagnant pieces, did reshoots and revamps of current pieces and their listings, updated tax info and policies in the shop… just kind of got everything in order. I also bought a long table and remade my work room (yay!) so it no longer feels cramped and dungeony. I've also completed and listed several new pieces, including a whole stock of new malas, which I'm pretty excited about. So now I'm all organized, feeling good and kicking ass. I've already made nearly ten sales this year, which may not seem like much but is a HUGE increase in my weekly average from last year. And here's the biggest accomplishment yet: I've got my priorities straight, finally, regarding my LAA income. I have a certain percentage of each sale that goes toward my business expenses, some that goes toward paying off my LAA reserve line and some (a small percentage) that I transfer to my primary checking for personal "whatever" use. And I haven't strayed from that system at all! That's a pretty big deal to me. I discovered recently that while I made close to $2000 in sales last year (again, maybe not much but for a small, one-person handmade jewelry business in it's first year, that's significant I think), I didn't have anything to show for it except for more debt. I spent about as much on supplies (if not more) than I made in sales. Plus I wasn't keeping track at all when money came in, versus when it went out - sometimes I'd spend it on supplies, but sometimes I'd use it to pay bills, or go out to dinner, or buy myself something I didn't need. I feel like I have things under control now, at least regarding my LAA stuff. And that's something.
Here are a few new pieces that have gone up recently (but not all):
Anyway, I've been having fun. And I have a TON of new projects in mind. So... more to come. :)
Namaste, friends. \