TWO THOUSAND TWELVE

Hello, friends and Happy New Year! I can't believe another year has passed and a new one has begun. How did you ring in the new year? I found a lot of people didn't even make it to midnight. Ha! I barely made it. I hosted a "college and career" church party at my house, which was a lot of fun. But a lot of work and I'm now very tired. Glad I don't have plans until later today.

I will admit, I'm not very good at keeping up with this blog. I try. I really do. I'll get some inspiration and sit down to blog, then something or someone gets my attention and it's gone. I guess, you can say this might be a resolution for me. Maybe, I'll try and blog more. Even once a week, would be better. LOL! It seems appropriate, that I kick off the first day of the new year, blogging on here. And guess what? I do have something to say : ) When do I not have something to say?

I'm not sure if all of you following me have followed my business venture the past two years. It's been a roller coaster ride. A fun and scary one! A quick history. I started Dainty Button as a hobby in January of 2010. My intentions were Europe. That STILL hasn't happened. My little hobby became quite a hit and turned into an accidental business. It's been a huge blessing in my life, but at the same time, a nightmare. Let me explain.

I was an elementary school teacher. I gave up my teaching job to focus on my business, when I realized I could not do both and when your own business is consistently bringing in more income than the other job, it's time to make some changes. I prayed about it and sought God about this decision. It was definitely a leap of faith and I needed that assurance. I had my family's full support and so, I made that step of faith. I gave my notice at the end of the school year in Spring '10. Since then, life has been a blur. One big blur.

Have you ever owned your own business? Do you own your own business? If "yes" is in reply to either of those questions, you'll understand where I'm coming from, with this blog. Owning a business, whether it's from your own home or a huge corporation, is no joke. Seriously. The first year of my business, I lost so much sleep. I literally killed myself. For what? To be honest, I can't even tell you. Meeting deadlines, orders, etc. It was silly. It really was. I'll be honest, there is no job worth losing sleep over or risking your health over. God did not intend, for work to be that way. Towards the end of 2010, the holidays were approaching and I knew if I didn't get help, like my family and friends were encouraging, I would be welcoming 2011 in a pysch ward or hospital bed. I hired help. It was such a breath of fresh air. 2011 was a great year. I got my own studio, had a grand opening, business was booming, BUT....life was just as crazy. Even with the hired help and studio, I just couldn't get a handle on simplicity and balance. I still kept late hours, worked my butt off, for what? I've put off trips, plans with family and friends, because of work. Step #1 is admitting you have a problem. My problem is, I take on WAY too much. I have a problem saying "no". This is one of the reasons why life has been so crazy. I take on too much, think I'm capable of it all, when in reality, I'm only human and can only do so much. I heard someone say, once, "I'd rather be good at one thing than try and multi task several things, and fail.". This is very true and unfortunately, I can relate. So, guess what 2012 is bringing?

Simplicity and Balance

Before Dainty Button, I had time for many different things. Hobbies, relaxing, trips, vacations, etc. Did you know I was going to college? Yes, I was. I was attending college and life happened. I took on a full time job at a local Christian school, teaching, which is where I was when Dainty Button was brainstormed. As I started my own business, my family was a little bummed I wasn't using the extra time to finish school, which should've been attainable, since I made my own hours. Well, it didn't happen. I attempted to this past fall, by slowly taking on a handful of units, to get my toes in the water. That didn't happen, either. Somewhere, last fall when I was about to have a meltdown because of the pressures of business, meeting deadlines, etc., I decided, "I have to make some changes. Very soon.". I'm too young, for this. I can't live life, losing sleep, missing special times with family and friends, not enjoying life. One large priority in my life that has taken a backseat, is my involvement with my local church. I'm the Kids Ministry Pastor and unfortunately, I have not given that area in my life as much focus as I need to. I love what I do. I love this business, but I'm human and I need to be enjoying life and taking care of other important priorities in my life. The other priorities in my life had taken a backseat, which was not ok. I sought God again, for direction, as my dad had wisely instructed me to and got some direction. December 3rd, I registered for classes. Last week, I paid tuition, fees and book rentals, which is ridiculously expensive! Seriously, they're robbing students. January 17th, I go back to school and December of this year, I will graduate with my degree in Journalism.

 So, what does this mean for Dainty Button?

This means, that Dainty Button, most definitely still exists and IS NOT going anywhere, but will only be taking on so much, each month. Our inventory will be limited to a certain amount, each month, as well. Our Sweet Tooth section will ONLY be offered as an "overnight shipping" option and/or local. If you find our shop temporarily closed, this means that we're focusing on our current orders and will reopen as soon as we're caught up. This is not because business is not doing well. Absolutely not! It's a means of getting back to simplicity and balancing my life out, while keeping customers happy : ). As much as I want to make each and every customer happy, I'm only human. And if I'm struggling to keep each and every customer happy, while killing myself, something is going to fall between the cracks. I can only do so much. I hope that if you are a customer, you'll understand the decision I have made and wish me luck as I get back to a simpler way of life, and as a result, Dainty Button will prosper because of this decision.

It's Dainty Button's BIRTHDAY!....

Stay tuned, later this week. We have some brand new pretties coming out and we're celebrating our 2 year BIRTHDAY, next week! Giveaways and a special sale will be taking place! I hope everybody had a wonderful holiday weekend, I pray God's many blessings upon your life and a prosperous NEW YEAR! Thank you fans and loyal customers!

Much love,

Charity M.