Yes . . . You read the title of this post correctly!
I recently had the amazing privilege of sitting down for a chat with Marian Parsons, THE Miss Mustard Seed herself!
If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you know that this really is a dream come true. I have been a HUGE Miss Mustard Seed fan for years now, in fact, her blog was what inspired me to start my blog!
And just about everything I know how to do with furniture I learned, initially, from her online tutorials.
I even convinced myself I was capable of reupholstering an old french sofa after watching her walk through the process herself–let’s say it’s easier said than done!
I did get the chance to meet her (and several other amazing bloggers) several years ago at a Haven Conference, and shared more about that on a blog post here.
While that was amazing, I couldn’t really say that I knew her, like in a “she-remembers-I-exist” sort of way.
So how did this amazing opportunity to talk one-on-one come about?
Well, I won a contest! In our Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint retailer group there is a monthly contest for us retailers, and the prize for the past few months has been a 30-minute consult with Marian herself.
And in April, I won! Yep, my name was pulled out of the hat (literally).
Ya’ll, I never win anything. Like ever. Never.
I almost fell out of my chair when I watched her unfold the little paper that had my name on it!
So, that’s how I wound up sitting in my bedroom (the one place in my house where I can shut the door and have some quiet), with my phone on a tripod, having a FaceTime chat with Marian Parsons earlier this week.
Let me say that she is as delightful as she seems. Friendly, down-to-earth, open, and kind-hearted.
She is also a super smart business lady.
I was excited to be able to pick her brain about several burning questions I have about my business, and she walked through each of them with me, offering her insights and encouragement.
Blogging
One of the things we talked about was this blog, and how over the past year or so it hasn’t been the creative outlet for me that it once was.
I shared with her how when I sit down to write a post, my head is empty.
I don’t feel like I have anything to say, and so days, and even weeks go by without posting anything new.
Social Media
We talked about social media, and about how the quest to have “shareable” and “pinnable” blog posts can easily begin to rule how and what you write about.
That has definitely been my experience–as I tried to grow this blog and utilize the amazing power of social media to help grow my audience, I somehow lost myself and my creativity in the process.
Feeling like you’re spread too thin
We also talked about how I feel spread thin–doing too many things and none of them particularly well.
She asked me to look at all the aspects of my business–the blog, the antique booths, the workshops, the paints, and my online shop–and determine which of them really stirs my heart the most.
If could pick any one of them to be the main thing I do, which would it be?
I couldn’t give her an answer!
I honestly didn’t know, and still don’t really know now several days later. That’s how tired my head is.
So it was a realization that I have been running Lost & Found for awhile on autopilot.
Adding more and more and saying “yes” to all the opportunities because, well, they were all good!
And while that can work for a little while, eventually it starts to fall apart. I don’t think anybody can truly “do it all,” at least not forever.
I walked away from our conversation feeling a little sad, but hopeful at the same time, if that makes sense at all.
I felt sad because I had allowed myself to really be honest and voice out loud what I’ve been keeping buried inside for months now–the truth that I’m exhausted.
But then also hopeful because I do believe with some strategic thinking and decisions, I can see a path forward.
I’m not saying there are any radical changes coming . . . So don’t be concerned!
But I am going to be doing some thinking and asking myself and my family some questions about what we really want Lost & Found to be.
And how can we start moving more in that direction in a way that’s healthy?
I’m so incredibly grateful
I hope this doesn’t sound like I’m complaining. Please know that’s not my heart.
This business has been our family’s lifeline for 6 months now as my husband has been out of work and now starting his own business.
I am so incredibly grateful, every single day, for all of the opportunities I’ve had and for my readers, customers, and partners that continue to work with Lost & Found.
This experience has all been good, very very good. What I’m hoping to do though is to make it even better.
And on a practical note, I walked away from my conversation with Marian realizing that I’ve been overthinking this whole blog thing way too much.
Yes–I need to be posting quality makeovers, tutorials, and how-to’s–but I also need to make sure I am connecting with my readers.
Just sharing about what’s going on in our little corner of the world.
Not everyone will be interested in that content, but I know there are some of you who are. And I’m grateful for and humbled by that.
How about you…are you feeling spread too thin?
If any of you are feeling the same thing with your own small businesses–like you’re spread too thin–I encourage you to take some time and think through what all is on your plate.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What do I love the most?
- What brings the most/least financial return?
- What is the most burdensome?
- If I could wave a magic wand and change one thing about my business right now, what would that be?
I think it’s good, from time to time, to evaluate where we are and make decisions about how to move forward.
Autopiloting is helpful, but sometimes you really need a live body in the captain’s chair to make this thing work.
Our family will be taking some time next week to step away and visit extended family.
So you will see me back again after that! I have a backload of furniture makeovers to share with you–at least three of them!
Thanks for being a part of this community–everyone have a wonderful week!
HI Melanie,
Fate or accident, either one, I am happy that I found your blog this morning. Clearly we have a connection: Marion Parsons! Amazing that you spoke with her this week- I’m pretty sure I’d recognize her voice in a crowded room anywhere. She has been my inspiration as well but not as a blogger, as a creative, all around muse. Enjoy your time off with your family and I do hope you return energized and inspired. I’m looking forward to checking back on your blog to learn more about you and your projects!
Regards,
Suzanne
Thanks so much for stopping by Suzanne!
Melanie, you rock! You and Marian are my two favorite people whom I have learned so much from. Thanks for your transparency. Enjoy your family vacation. To be continued…
Thank you Janice! I take that as quite a compliment 🙂
That is so awesome! I love her. And I totally relate to your blogging and otherwise creative struggles. I have been doing this for 8 years now and I feel like I have a blogging identity crisis every couple of years!
Lol! I’m sure blogging has changed a lot in the past 8 years too!
As always, looking forward to your furniture makeovers, Melanie !
Thanks Olivia!
GREAT list of questions to ask myself, as I too am overwhelmed in trying to get several small online businesses off the ground. Thank you for the insight! From a followers perspective, I look for education, product recommendations, how-to’s, etc. Love hearing about you and your family as that makes it more personal, more intimate, almost like we’re friends, done with full transparency. I’m taught in personal development courses to ‘just be yourself’ and that’s what you do and it’s appealing. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you Janet! I’m glad that even sharing “the personal stuff” has been helpful also. I agree that it helps to be a “real” person when you’re writing online!
I’ve been following your blog for a while now and just love it. You and Gail from My Repurposed Life have been inspirational to me. Like you, I too feel spread way too thin but that’s because I still work full time and am painting/repurposing furniture as a side business. The company I work for just declared bankruptcy three days ago so my small business is about to become my primary income. Thank goodness my husband works or I’d be panicking more than I am. But it’s a balancing act hunting for furniture, painting it, building things, making signs, etc. to bring in income while holding down a full time job. I hope it eases up when I’m no longer employed. Keep up the good work and thanks for the honesty!
Wow Lena, thank you for your comment! And yes, I can imagine it’s very busy trying to hustle a side business and keep a full time job. Thankful for your husband’s income, hope this new season helps you slow down a bit!
Melanie, I, too love your blog and your passion and generosity in sharing your many tutorials.I can so relate. I had a porcelain doll business for over 10 years starting when our fourth child was born and continuing through the birth of our fifth child 4 years later and beyond. The money was great, it allowed me to be a stay at home mom but it did force me to put all the other things I enjoyed doing, cooking, sewing, gardening, on the back burner. I tried to complete the work whenever possible before my husband got home from work so we could have the evening together with our kids. When two of my main buyers closed shop I had to get a real job. The.Worse.Ten.Years.Of.My.Life!! As a creative person I felt stifled by my job. I was finally able to quit when my husband got a secure job with a local utility. I then started an on-line Etsy shop, Enchanted Rose Designs, a romantic glow in the dark jewelry business. which was a success from day one. Again my life was taken over by deadlines, racing to get to the post office in snowstorms and ice. Dealing with items lost or damaged in the mail, working on weekends to get the deluge of orders out in the allotted time frame. The creative part was fun but the business soon became tedious and stressful. I felt guilty working on my house or in my garden when I should instead be designing and listing and growing my business. When our passions become jobs they’re no longer fun. My daughter has since taken over my business and now I have time to work in my garden, work on my house and make my dolls for ME. Life is far too short. I was asked by a friend who believes having money is the only goal “what will you do now that you no longer work?” I told him I would LIVE my life. My biggest fear is to look back on my life regretting that I didn’t take the time to enjoy my passions, to live my life to its full extent. I know it’s hard when working is a necessity, not a luxury, but you have to live your life too.
Sharon I think you have summed it up so well! Sometimes life circumstances require us to just buckle down and do the work, so we can provide for our families what is needed. Other times, we have more freedom to let go of some of that stress and pursue other things we enjoy! I’m sure we all have seasons of both, so glad you are in a season of rest and enjoying yourself right now!
Oh Melanie, I have followed you for a very long time and have enjoyed all the different seasons you and your little family has gone through. Do not feel bad about stepping back and re-evaluating your life, that is a very healthy thing to do.
How exciting you were able to video chat with Miss Mustard Seed. Now she will remember you when she see’s you.?
Enjoy this season of life with your children, they will be grown up before you know it. This is such a precious time that will fly by so quickly.
Blessings,
Jackie B
Thank you Jackie, and thanks for being such a faithful reader!
Melanie, please know that your blog has helped so many and has inspired me to work on my furniture project for my new place. I was on a budget and had to be creative but didnt know how to do it and your blog and being available to respond to emails and give clear instructions is a great help. I talk about you and your blog to my co-workers who might want to get creative and use it as a stress-reliever just like i did. Your blog is amazing but i do hope you dont exhaust yourself, find that balance and hoping you keep having the energy you need as you and your husband are a blessing as you share your expertise and time with people you dont even know. P.S. i was amazed at how your husband would respond to emails too…really appreciate it!?
Thank you so much Jo! That really means a lot! My heart has always been to offer practical help, and I’m so glad that my blog has offered that to you. And yes, my husband is a super great helper!
Wow, consensus says; “overwhelmed” and how! I won’t waste time retyping the same as the above have already done. I too, am just exhausted, empty, blank and so on.
I have chosen to slow down significantly. I have let it all go to the side and recenter myself. I needed to let God Drive my bus instead of co-piloting it. Once I get regrouped, and I’m sure I’ll know when that is, I will resume the right path and still continue to be the co-pilot. For me, I’ve got to keep God first, and the rest will work out perfectly.
Be Blessed everyone and be a blessing to everyone you meet, Hope
Yes Hope! Trying to control it all usually leaves us feeling very frazzled. Thanks for your comment!
Your post came at the perfect time! Thank you for being open about what you’re going through…as it’s evident that others are going through similar things too (like myself). I’ve been painting furniture and a wedding photographer (specifically) for 10 years now (the last 5 have been full time). I feel stretched a bit thin…and now our daughter is 4 years old (where have the last 4 years gone?!) and I’m turning the big 4-0 this year… so it’s time I re-evaluate some things. In the past 5 years I’d been running at 100mph trying to do all things and be all things to all people, but it just exhausted me. Painting has not been that way, but I know it’s added to my overwhelm at times. I’ve been passionate about photography since high school, then decided to go into weddings only as a niche and have done well. But now, I feel like I need a little break… I have decided to not do bridal shows for a year, work on referrals, re-evaluate some things as far as the business goes. And I must say, I decided to hire an editor and 2nd shooter/blogger to help me on things I’m not the best at and that don’t bring me joy. That has helped tremendously! Freed my time up to paint and do things that I enjoy. I want to focus on my 3 booths (at 2 different antique malls), custom orders, building customer relationships/repeat clients and possibly explore selling a paint line. I’m feeling pulled in this direction moreso than weddings. So I am excited to see what happens. I’m also excited to see what changes you make and please keep us posted on your progress. I love getting business tips (and painting ideas!) from you too. Enjoy your holiday and time with family. I’ve decided to do the same. 🙂
Wow Allison! That does sound like a lot! I have a friend who used to do some wedding photography and he ultimately did find it too demanding on his time. It sounds like you’re taking some good steps towards a better balance–thank you for sharing!
Such an amazimg opportunity for you!! Our Father knows your needs and He fills them!! I am in a stagnant place in my blog also. Writing is tough for me but I don’t want it to be such a chore. I really want to enjoy it! You have inspired me through reading your blog and attending the Bootcamp to really kick it in gear! I am still aiming towards that goal ?
Thank you Cindy! I’m excited to see what God has in store for your business!
Thanks so much for sharing! I’ve been in the exact same place, contemplating the path ahead, but not quite sure yet what that looks like! How fabulous for you to connect with Miss Mustardseed at just the right time!
You’re so welcome Jen, thanks for stopping by!