Dealing with the haters

[Former_Member]

I also posted this on the Etsy Success Team page but I wanted to get advice and information from everyone...

I have recently been feeling 'hated upon' by very close people in my life regarding my jewelry making, basically they don't want to be a part of any conversation regarding my craft. Some pretty nasty stuff.

Does anyone feel like they are met with some resistance with their craft? How do you deal with the naysayers, whether it be friends, family, significant others, or even possibly the customers.

If so, how do you deal?

[gristmilldesigns]

Wow, that is too bad. I have only had support, luckily. Could it be these people are jealous of the time you spend making jewelry because it takes away time being with them? I also make jewelry, and ''need'' to. It is my stress reliever. The happier I am, the happier people around me are, lol!
Have you tried to have a heart to heart talk with these people?
The bottom line is, you need to do what makes YOU happy. Life is too short! I wish you luck.....
Sue :~)

[Former_Member]

My favorite little saying is " Your opinion of me is none of my business."
Be secure in yourself and what you do. Naysayers are a dime a dozen, but Craftspeople are one in a million!

[Former_Member]

If these are family and friends..then I agree with Sue...They are either jealous that you have talent or feel left out that your time is spent on doing what you love rather than with them. As for customers, everyone has their own tastes about what they like..so I try not to take it personal. I am proud of what I sell otherwise I wouldn't sell it!

[Former_Member]

CMM- it is not easy being an artist. No one understands us and no one wants to. The trick is to understand yourself and tell all to go $%)^ themselves. You are pursuing your dream, it is a hard road, but you are not alone. My family is not supportive of me as an artist or as an animal rescuer. I do both succesfully now because I had to believe in myself.
If it is an consolation, I believe in you!
:=)

[Former_Member]

Wow, I'm sorry it is sounding like you aren't as supported as you deserve to be.
I gotta echo everybody here and say: tell these people that you are doing what you are doing because you NEED to and if they love and support you, they'll understand it :)

[PepiDesigns]

That's really sad to hear!! I haven't experienced that, though sometimes I do feel like people still think that I'm just doing it as a hobby and don't want to take it seriously.
When you communicate with those people, do you ONLY talk about your jewelry business? I can see how this could get annoying and if they feel like the business is changing you and is taking you away from them, they are probably a bit disappointed.
Don't get discouraged, and don't take it too personally!! If you stop believing in yourself, no one else will!

[ChimeraCustomQuilts]

I am so sorry you are not getting support from the people around you. Starting a new business can be really hard and you need all the help you can get. I know when I started I was so excited and wanted to share that with everyone but others kinda got tired of hearing about it. Talk to them and find out why they are being negative, maybe it's not the reasons you think. In the end you need to believe in your talent and not let anyone make you feel different. As for customers there are always going to be people who like to be rude and nasty. Just don't let it get to you. There are plenty of others who love what you make and just may not voice their opinions quite so loudly.

Keep your chin up and follow your passion!

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone!

[Former_Member]

Haters gonna hate! Just ask to see their jewelry next time they bother you.

What was that? You can't make jewelry? Ohh...

[Former_Member]

lol....thanks annac!

[Former_Member]

"Art is not a real job" is what people who secretly wanted to be artists say so they don't feel like they gave up on their dreams.

Even though they know that they did.

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone, I just joined the team tonight.... I was reading this post and thought the support here was great!

CMMJewelry, my thoughts are to talk about your craft here with those who can relate and support you. Maybe in time the "haters" will be asking you about your business if you keep them guessing? Glad to be a part of the made in Ma. Team, June