I’m long overdue for a post to ‘check-in’ and tell ya’ll what is new. đ
I have seen so much growth – personal and professional – this past year and things don’t appear to be slowing down. How have I been handling it? Some days good, some days… not so much. I don’t know if you can tell, but since January I haven’t been as consistent as I have been in the past with my blog posts. I’m in a bit of a funk and I’m working my way out of it. There have been bright spots for sure and I’m not complaining at all– I’m so so grateful for opportunities and developments, but sometimes I just want to curl back into bed and do nothing all day. And there have been several days when I have done just that. I’m thankful for friends and family that believe in me and give me encouragement to keep on pushing through– to take risks even when I don’t feel like it. Or to say no, even if I really want something. The heart and the head have been getting mixed up and I’ve had to be really careful to know when to listen to one and not the other.
So I’m going to start with the excited news because I’m always the girl who wants to eat her dessert first and vegetables last. đ
So here is the creme brûlée:
I’m teaching at Haven Conference this year!
If you don’t know, Haven Conference is a 3 day blogger conference in Atlanta for DIY, home decor, and design bloggers organized by the best in the biz. You go to learn to better your craft with workshops– SEO, Google Analytics, affiliates marketing, photography, photo editing, staging and styling, social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest), video content, wood working, painting, brand relations, book writing, television and public speaking, building your brand, and more. Then you get inspired by incredible speakers and mentors, all while mingling with famous brands that want to partner with you.
What am I teaching?
Who am I teaching with?
My friend since when I first started blogging and fellow furniture artist, Danielle from Finding Silver Pennies.
If you have been reading my blog or following along for awhile, you may remember me talking about my first Haven experience HERE.
At that conference I roomed with Danielle and solidified our online friendship by staying up until 2am talking about painting and staining. We are kindred spirits. đ
No one knew who I was, but I made friendships that have become some of the strongest relationships in my life. Those friendships jump-started my desire to make my blog a priority and a valuable part of my life– both financially valuable and creatively valuable.
Last year was my second time going and I shared what I learned HERE.
The second time was so much more fun, which I didn’t even think was possible. I was less worried about finding people to hang out with and knowing where to go or where to sit, and more focused on who I wanted to give my time to, what I wanted to learn (or relearn), and I spent more time trying to get outside of ‘me’ and make real friendships with other bloggers and brand representatives that I had previously known online. Blogging can be very isolating and lonely, but Haven has made it a wonderful, supportive and mentor-filled community. Sure, there are bloggers out there who have the ‘what’s in it for me’, ‘strictly business’ mentality all the time. But there are also SO many that want to share what they have learned, be your friend, and cheer you on– and I have found Haven to be full of those types of bloggers.
That is the type of blogger I try to be and want to be.
So this year I’m going to be teaching what I know best, alongside someone who is just as passionate about paint as I am. I haven’t spoken at a conference before but I have taught classes before and I feel more excited than nervous about teaching the class. Public speaking, for the most part, doesn’t bother me. It is a step outside of my comfort zone and feels a little risky because in the back of my mind I think, what if hardly anyone shows up to the class? I also know in the past there have been a lot of super talented furniture painters who come, and I don’t claim to know 100% about everything, but I hope anyone and everyone who loves to paint will come and even if you already know everything, maybe you will just have fun along with us! đ
You can register for the conference HERE.
Now on to the broccoli…
I won’t be a vendor at Vintage Market Days this spring.
I had to make this difficult decision a little while ago when we received Bruno’s work travel schedule. Besides working as a full-time manager, he is in his second year at grad school getting his MBA. I had already paid my booth fee and was starting to buy things to fill my booth when we found out he would be traveling several times during the month of April, which meant he wouldn’t be able to help me at ALL. For those who may or may not know, April is crunch time and if I don’t have Bruno’s help, I simply cannot do it alone. I don’t have family close by so we have to be very strategic in our preparations. In previous years he hasn’t been in school and he was able to help me in the evenings, and take off some time off the week before VMD to finish everything and work the booth with me. My mom usually would fly in to watch my kids.
Support is essential in the success of having a booth in a vintage fair, as I outlined in my post about How to Sell Out. Despite my best efforts, I knew if I pushed through, followed my heart, I would actually end up stressing myself out to my family’s detriment. It was one of those times that I had to ignore my heart and follow my head. It just made logical sense to post-pone my involvement in VMD for a season. As soon as we made the decision and I let Chanda know, who was also understanding and supportive, I felt an immense sense of relief. It was a right decision, even though it was hard. I’m missing out on that creative stretch that doing a dozen or two furniture makeovers and builds gives me. My very best work has always been things I’ve made for VMD. I love the challenge of staging and styling a small space, the fulfillment of seeing my work loved and bought, connecting with readers and clients, and feeding off the energy of the buzz that only selling in a vintage fair can bring.
I know some of you might have been looking forward to seeing my creations, even buying some. So I’m trying to come up with an alternative where I make/refinish a handful of pieces and offer them with some other vintage finds (like the 4 brass and crystal chandeliers that I scored before I had to back out) and handmade items (like the painted globes) for my local people first, then on Etsy for far away clients. I have had 5-6 email requests for another whale dresser that sold the same day I posted about it, so I’m thinking another one of those is in order! This Spring Sale will probably take place toward the end of May/beginning of June, so make sure to subscribe to my newsletter to be notified first of when things start to go live!
That’s my news! What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts!
xo, Rachel
Oh! I’m soooo excited for you and all of the folks who will be attending Haven!! I also want to offer a tiny idea for you and your spring sale . Before I ever even thought about having my own space in an Antiques shop, I did two sales a year on my front patio that were quite successful. Plus, no vender fees at your own home. You also have something I do not: a GREAT back yard! I look forward to hearing about your plans!
Paige
Great idea Paige! I’ll have to seriously think about that! Thanks for your comment– it means a lot!
Hi Rachel
Wishing u well in your new path. Oddly enough I was speaking to someone about u yesterday. Most likely you don’t remember me but u hunted for the perfect Buffett for my B&B and painted it beautifully. I’m in Washington MO. I’ve since sold that B&B by chance and finally opened the second one. It was a goal I had to put on hold during some family grief with the death of my sister. The sale came as out of thin air. Hang in thier. Change can be good. We don’t always know the plan.
On a separate note. I have some armoires I want painted. Not sure from your post if you are accepting custom jobs. If u are please let me know and I will send pictures.
Best
Gail
Hey Gail! Of course I remember you! yes I do custom stuff still… less often but I am trying to squeeze it in! Email me: shadesofblueinteriors@gmail.com and we can pencil something in! đ Congrats on selling things so quickly to make it work for you family! And thanks for your words of encouragement! xo
Love you!!! Thank you for your honesty Rachel… You’re amazing. Cant wait to see what the future holds for you…. xoxo
Thanks Allie! I honestly try not to think about my future too much haha– a few months is as far as I go! đ Thanks for always being a supportive and fantastic friend! xo
Wow girl! I thought I was crazy busy! You are so inspiring though, and I’m grateful you wrote this post. Sometimes we do have to know when to let go of things and it sounds like you made the best decision. Still debating if I want to take the Haven plunge – but man – I’d love to sit in your class and listen to you teach! I’m certain you will do great!
YES! come!! I would love hug your neck and hang out! You would loooooove Haven!
Good for you for recognizing that you needed to step back. I will help you find more joy in what you’re doing versus resent. Best wishes for a beautiful spring.
Thanks Julie! You are so sweet!
AMAZING! You guys are going to be the bomb-diggity! Such talent… I wish I could be 12 places at once. Congrats, girl! #killingit
xx
Thanks Char! And I totally agree– I’m going to be missing out on classes I’m sure– I feel like all the good ones are scheduled at the same time!
looking forward to seeing you at haven of course! đ i keep having second thoughts about it so i need to be convinced that i should go. i already have my ticket, but i just feel so wishy washy lately about it and the blog. i just want to live a happy life, ya know?
oh cassie I totally feel you. I am so stressed and unhappy sometimes which is why this year has been hard. But I think, even if you are still unsure about the direction you want for your blog as you get closer, you should still come, because spending time with people that adore you (hello- me!) will energize you a bit and bring some laughter and love– I crave the real face to face connections more than you know, and I just would be so so sad if I didn’t get to see you again for another year. Haven is what you make of it– make it fun!
Rachel I’m in your boat since January. I think we are on the verge of a shift in the whole blogging arena with social media becoming every more present. It’s affecting my production as well and I’m feeling more inward than ever but still extremely busy all the same. I can’t put my finger on it yet but I’m feeling a change coming soon, hopefully only good for all of yes. I’ll be at Haven and would love to finally meet you in person!
It feels reassuring to know it is a struggle I am not alone on. Change is hard. Good but hard. And YES I’m hoping we can hang out a bit! đ
Rachel, I’m so excited to be teaching with you! I hope the other girls that are on the fence come just to hang out. I still remember staying up til 2am talking about paint. I know how much you love VMD but I think it’s good to take a step back. You’ve been so busy with so much. If you want to do something I’ve had great success doing open studios in my own home. xx So proud of you and your accomplishments, Chica! x
Awww! Thank you Danielle! You are just the best my dear! xo
Rach!!! You are amazing and always keeping busy! You will do a super fab job presenting. Love you my friend!!
Thanks Linds!! You are such a great friend! xo
Good luck Rachel! kisses ML
You and Danielle are a great combination. Your blogs are so inspirational!
I just know you will bring back and share insights into HT get it together (in a general way) and start up a painting/selling business………you will, won’t you?
I’m out here in the boondocks wondering if i have to move to a place with higher population density to do what I’d like to do. And need to learn more about using social media.
BTW, if I didn’t have blue, not much would get painted around here….you sure we’re not related? LOL
Happy travels and have a happy time, MJ
Thank you so much!! Yes absolutely! and you totally sound like my soul sister with your love of blue! đ xoxo
Rachel, great job growing with your business and taking on the new challenges! I love those painted globes… I’d like to made one! I’m so happy for you and look up to you. you’re doing amazing things!
Thank you Minta! You should totally paint a globe! You’d love it! Thanks for the sweet comment. đ
While I will miss you and your amazing booth (always my favorite booth!) at VMD, I congratulate you on teaching at Haven. What a perfect thing for you to do. I have always thought you were miles above everyone else in painting. You do such beautiful work. I hope I don’t miss your online sale. I probably won’t buy two dressers this time, but I do need some stuff!!!!
Stephanie you are just so sweet and maybe one of my favorite customers ever. Thank you. I feel a little undeserving of your praise, but so grateful that you are here to offer kind words of encouragement. đ xo
Yay! I can’t wait to see you again and hug your neck! And I’m so excited for your class! I’ll be up there, front and center, totally geeking out. You’ll be great and the class will max out! xoxo
JEN! I love you!! Thank you friend! Can’t wait to see you too!
Rachel that is so exciting about Haven and how lucky are those who get to be a part of your class!!! I am hoping to make it there next year and would love to meet you one day! xo
I saw that you and Danielle will be teaching at Haven and am so excited for you both to have this fantastic opportunity! I know you will do wonderfully. And I think you made a wise choice with stepping back from VMD. I know it’s hard when you are ambitious and you know that if you put yourself into something, you would be successful at it . . . But sometimes you just have to say no. Sounds like that is the best move for your family schedule at the moment. And time is what it is–know matter how badly we may want to, we just can’t make more of it! We have to make choices with the reality before us, and it sounds like you made a mature and wise decision. I wish you the best!!
Wow!! Congrats! I have been blogging since 2011 but just last month, switched my blog from blogger to WordPress in the hopes of going somewhere with it. I would LOVE to go to the Haven conference but it feels like so out of my league. Someday though!
Thanks Tara! Just so you know, Haven isn’t just for serious bloggers. I feel like it is for anyone who wants to learn something new and make some friendships. NO ONE knew who I was (except Danielle) at my first one a couple years ago, and I took beginner classes and had so much fun. I was still with blogger when I went too! I made small manageable changes and I feel like each year I get something different out of it based on my skill/knowledge level. Don’t feel like it is out of your league! There are even lots of spouses that come and buy a ticket and everything just to learn along with their partner. I would def encourage you to come!
Awesome!! Thanks for the insight and I will definitely look into it! Thank you, Rachel.