Its nagging me...

[Former_Member]

Today, a relative of mine tells me "So how come your designs this month are not super duper great? Seems like you are on a slump!"

I thought I brought in a surge of colors finally into my store with a range of bracelets that I introduced and a color of new hoop earrings.

I felt like saying WHAT? But I just kept quiet and meandered into a different topic!

But its nagging me...

W H Y? It shouldn't right?

[Former_Member]

Hi Reshma,

Your shop is gorgeous! Your jewelry is wonderful and your photos are great - you have absolutely nothing to worry about! :)

Don't let it nag you - keep going! :)

Best wishes,

Elina

[Former_Member]

Thanks Elina for the lovely compliments! I should just forget it and move on....

[Sbb1]

Yes, I agree with Elina.

[Scarletrabbit]

One of the reasons so many of our shops do well on Etsy is their variety----I imagine there are many people who look at my shop and aren't drawn to it at all (I make primarily Victorian, Gothic and Steampunk items), yet in the circle of customers I cater to I am very successful---

It's important that you consider positive and negative comments with a grain of salt---if YOU are happy with what you are making and you are getting exposure and sales, then don't let these things bother you...

Your shop is wonderful (do listen to the comments here though!)---here's to many sales for you!

[Former_Member]

I agree too, youll always have someone with something like that to say. Just keep going :)

[Former_Member]

If your products are a reflection of you in a slump, I can't imagine how awesome they are when you aren't.

Keep on, keeping on... :-)

[Former_Member]

Oh my god, I know exactly how you feel Reshma!

Usually, I'm so hesitant introducing people to my shop, because a question they always ask is how many items have you sold!

I know I'm not doing amazingly well but people just don't understand all the hard work which goes into etsy, they want to see you become an overnight success.
It really fustrates me, BUT...you shouldn't let it affect you, your items are gorgeous and I envy your photography!
Don't give up, don't lose hope:)

[KriyaDesign]

:-) Not going there... I even said that to myself... normally I ignore myself. You're losing it gal! Who what... I am not listening to ya. So long folks like em I'll make the slump-y, lumpy, uninspired ones with gusto. Even my husband said, who would want that on a bird... you'll never know. Pointing to a big green bead

When I ask my four sisters, they always (eagerly) come with their own versions of what good or bad designs - 4 versions that are. They even tell me how to run my life... :-) so do not go there.

Love your upbeat designs.

[LeNidDeFleurs]

Remember, it's allll subjective! One man's rubbish is another man's treasure and all that....

[Arthlin]

Hello Reshma,

Don't let it nag you! An artist's creations is something very personal. We are in different moods, feel the need to do things in a way or the oher, want to try different things. We can't please everyone with a design. It happened that my husband looked at my work with wierd eyes once I was done with a design but I loved it and so did my customers. Probably your designs of the month are in a different style which your relative like less and that's all. With those new designs you opened your store to new customers that will love them. Trust me, people will love you for who you are and no one wins if you try to be someone you're not while trying to please everybody. Keep up the great work!

[Former_Member]

I think your jewelry is beautiful. The comment sounds very passive aggressive. If they were offering constructive input that would be one thing, but I think they were trying to get under your skin. Secondly not everyone is going to have the same taste thats what makes all of our shops unique and interesting, you have to create things you love.

[Former_Member]

In a case like that I would place a passive comment right back in the persons lap.

Such as "perhaps you can make a design example to show where I might be lacking? I love learning new techniques."

or
"can you elaborate so I might benefit from your observations?"

We must also examine our own reactions. Sometimes we can be "overprotective" of our creations and a bit defensive when others offer useful advice.

If it's nagging you by all means talk it out!
Good luck

[Former_Member]

Ignore it - it's hard, but people are just so thoughtless sometimes.

[Former_Member]

You said it was a relative?

I find that relatives are somewhat insensitive and create....(.Dr Phil would say this). "Subconscious sabotage"

I don't think the issue is your shop.

[Former_Member]

Oh, I like Rena's response!
Your shop is beautiful. This set of yours is one of my faves. Just waiting for en excuse and the extra $$ to purchase it. :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73574125/pisces-aqua-blue-necklace-marine-blue

[CarolaBartz]

Rena H.fromVintageJunkDrawerToo said:

You said it was a relative?

I find that relatives are somewhat insensitive and create....(.Dr Phil would say this). "Subconscious sabotage"

I don't think the issue is your shop.
_____________________________________________________________

That was my first thought exactly. I've found that relatives are the worst "critics" of our shops, and I think often it is due to some kind of jealousy.

Your shop, your items are beautiful, Reshma. Go on doing what makes YOU happy!!

[seemomster]

I have a new shop. EVERY TIME I call my mother she asks me "Did you sell anything today?"

Yeah. It's tough.

But I just smile at her through the phone and say "Not today...maybe tomorrow!"

[Former_Member]

Thank you to each and everyone who paused and replied. I smiled at each one of them. New phrase learned today...Sub conscious sabotage...

I am on a roll now and gearing up for my craft show next month! Bad vibes be damned!

[Former_Member]

That all being said, families should be more supportive. It wasn't very nice of her to say that even if she WAS thinking it!