As crafters, we are all about risks. We take risks when we use new materials, try new projects, mix different mediums, etc. On a warm summer afternoon in June, we crammed into a booth at Panera Bread and took a risk. We agreed to work together to carry out our first Craft Savvy Market.
Here we are almost four months after our first market day and now that we have exhaled we are sharing our top lessons. Read part one of our lessons learned here. Apply to be a part of Craft Savvy Market here.
3. The Power of Working As a Team
I learned a great deal from the first Craft Savvy Market, but one of the things that stuck out was the power of working as a team. I built my first business with tons of support from friends and loved ones, but it often gets lonely and you feel like you’re carrying most of the load. Working with my three co-founders opened me up to multiple ways of skinning the proverbial cat. We thought through potential problems (and opportunities!) as a team and that usually resulted in us coming up with a better path forward.
On the emotional front, it’s easy to get discouraged or fearful when you are doing something new or different. I loved how if I was struggling, one of my Craft Savvy Market teammates could cheer me on and offer help. We prayed together, found scriptures together and I think that shared strength and accountability helped us to finish strong.
Charlene
4. Taking the First Step Anyway
As a creative, I often struggle with the logical side of my brain. I want to be free to create, but I also need to have some control of the process and the outcome. One of my biggest take away from our first Craft Savvy Market is that I do not have to have all the answers in order to take a step. I typically want to make safe decisions that are bound to work out. And while caution is healthy, too much of it prevents us from growing and trying new things.
As we planned for the market, I quickly realized that I didn’t have all the answers and neither did the other ladies. But a great part of this process was about being available to learn and figure things out along the way. I walked away on March 10 knowing that no matter what, I need to take the step. Whether it’s a baby step or a slow drag with me holding on to someone’s leg, I need to be courageous and take steps.
Jandi
Maybe you participated in a craft market for the first time or you took a creative risk for the first time. What new understanding did you possess after the experience? We would love to hear from you.