You’re so crazy to think you can start your own clothing line
October 12th, 2007
“What planet are you on to think you could just up and start a clothing line?”
“Are you nuts??”
These aren’t quotes I hear from other people too often, these are the daily demons that I hear in my head. Sometimes, I can’t believe how utterly insane I must be to think that I could build a clothing company from the ground up, learning as I go, with no prior experience in the industy.
But I put up a daily fight against the demons, fighting them with actions and baby steps. Oh, it’s not that I don’t get plenty of disbelief from others on the outside too, but my own demons are harder to fight and are the ones I HAVE to fight to keep going.
“I could just quit” - that’s another voice that likes to creep in all the time. This one takes advantage of my exhaustion, gets me when I’m tired and weary. This one is easier to fight now than it was in the beginning, because now I have put so much work into this that there is no way in hell it’s for nothing.
On the flip side, I’m big on listening to my inner voice, seeking guidance from my heart and gut, so even though I’m fighting the demons, I try to listen too. The unrest, the unsettle, the dissatisfation comes from somewhere - how can I change that? What will make me more comfortable with the direction I’m going right now? The answer is usually simple (but not always my favorite):
more action.
I still think I’m crazy - don’t get me wrong. But I’m so incredibly thankful to be crazy enough to take these types of risk in my life. And SO incredibly thankful to have found a husband and best friend who is just as crazy as I am about doing life our way and being here to raise our own children.
Entry Filed under: About Me, Motivation to Keep Moving
11 Comments Add your own
1. Yaya | October 12th, 2007 at 8:33 am
Your post is so true! While I am only in the thinking stages of should or shouldn’t I start a children’s line. Or, more specifically, “are your crazy” and “why not me”
I found your post reassuring. I guess we all have similar thoughts when starting something new and outside of our comfort zone. I’m excited to have found your site. Thanks for sharing your journey!
2. Amber - RuffleButts | October 12th, 2007 at 10:21 am
This post is oh so true and will strike a chord with anyone trying to start or run their own business. It’s so funny, the responses that you receive when you tell someone that you are a business owner, and even more so if you tell them that you have your own clothing line! If they only knew!!
As an entrepreneur, there are up days, down days, and “what the heck was I thinking” days. I struggle with this weekly, if not daily. I absolutely love what I do, but there are so many times that I question whether or not I can really do this well. In the end, I remember that I have worked so hard to get here and am extremely blessed to be here. You have motivated me in so many ways and I appreciate your honesty! Thanks for taking the time to encourage and support so many of us!
Amber
http://www.RuffleButts.com
3. Ariane Pallend | October 12th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Hi! I stumbled upon ur blog while planning my own clothing line ( I was researching packing materials!). Your designs look fabulous btw! I love the prints you are using for baby clothing-very innovative! My line is actually geared toward cancer patients; I am a terminal brain cancer survivor of almost 3 yrs now, and am building a non-profit foundation for other young brain cancer survivors (I was diagnosed at 22). Anyhow, without the moral support of my husband/caregiver and best friends, the demons of doubt would have kept me in bed and away from entrepreneurship. Its inspiring as well as comforting to see your bravery, and know Im not the only one with voices! Keep up the good work, your designs looks awesome! Good luck!
Ariane Pallend
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5. Esther | October 13th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Thank you for sharing. I have wondered the same thing the last little while. I appreciate your persistence! (Cute designs, BTW).
6. Lisa - Sweetbeets | October 14th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Your honesty is so refreshing and this post really resonated with me. I am launching a wholesale greeting card company. With production taking so much longer than anticipated, thoughts similar to what you’ve described pop into my head sometimes too.
I came across your blog a few weeks ago via a google search on the ABC kids expo. I’ve really been enjoying your posts and have recently subscribed. We have different products but we’re both marketing to retailers of baby and children’s gear and it has been interesting to read about your experiences.
I’ve just started a blog that I hope will be a resource for independent retailers of baby and kids products. I was hoping to write about your blog in an upcoming post. Please email me if you’d prefer I not do this.
Lisa
7. Lisa NYC | October 15th, 2007 at 7:25 am
Amber…ain’t that the truth?!
So many of us have self-doubt. Thankfully we keep chugging along long enough to see some success!
Hang in there!
With friendship,
Llisa
8. Shannan | October 15th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blogs because I probably have the same strengths and weakness that you have. Meaning creativity is no problem but when it come to tracking numbers and papers I struggle. I was curious how do you get photos of products with out showing a background? Do you crop every picture or just use bright lights and totally flat backdrop? I’m dying to know the big secret! Thanks for sharing,
Shannan
9. London | October 30th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I can honestly say that after 6 years in business and even after some great success, I still have those same devils sitting on my shoulder putting doubts in my mind. Even the most secure person can have insecurities at times. You are on the right track if you are following your gut. I didn’t listen to mine a few years ago, fought the doubt hard and boy it was a bad mistake. It was a costly mistake and it tought me the best lesson I’ve ever learned. If something doesn’t feel right, sound right or smell right, then it’s most likely NOT right! or however the saying goes.
10. London | October 30th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
btw, my good friend Jamie turned me on to your blog and I’m just now taking some well deserved ME time and catching up on it. I’m envious that you gals have the time to devote to your blogs. My sad little blog I started a year ago, has two posts (I think) on it from the very first week. Maybe one day I’ll start again.
11. Jay | December 7th, 2007 at 7:10 am
I had to laugh reading this. These are the same exact feelings and emotions I go through everyday trying to run my business…
Crazy Baby Clothing Co. http://www.crazybabyclothing.com
Some days it’s easy. The sales are coming in all is wonderful in the world. Other days it’s so depressing. No sales. Nothing. It’s an incredible roller coaster ride for sure.
I don’t think I would ever change it though. It’s still exciting and so rewarding whenever you’re on a good day!
Best of luck to you!
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