Friday, December 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Where's Batty?
A pic of me working earlier. I've been so busy that the studio has been my second home for the past few months.
I have to apologize for the lack of updates on the blog! I haven't had time to cook up some interesting content because I've been so busy! I thought I should update everyone as I predict that things wont slow down for me until January.
Many of you know that I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fibromyalgia. I mention this because as I get busier, my flare ups become more frequent and intense. Right now I'm on a loop of recovering, restocking, doing a show (read: provoking a flare up), and starting all over again - recovering, restocking, show.
As you can imagine that the recovery step takes more time every time the loop cycles. Right now I have an average of 3-4 shows/home parties per week plus restocking in between and managing my online shop. As the recovery process takes longer, the less stock I have at each show, and the more stressed out I become - After all, I want to make sure everyone has all the pampering goodies they are looking for!
Things are certainly a whirlwind right now and I'm so thankful that my little business is doing so well! I'm also thankful that things should slow down and get back to normal in the new year. Being super busy with orders is amazing, but not when my health suffers because of it. I've already figured out a few things to do differently in the new year to make things more balanced. I have to look after my health first and foremost otherwise not only will I burn out, but nobody will get to enjoy my batty creations!
In the new year, I'll reduce the amount of shows I do by half - yup, you read that right, I said half! I feel that since local supporters can order from my online shop (with free delivery), book a home party, or shop at Weezi's 6 days a week, this shouldn't impact regular local customers too much (at least this is my hope). I still plan to be at the Covent Garden Market once a month, so no worries there for all the wonderful people that come out every time I'm there! I've decided to reduce the number of shows I book because this decrease will give me more time to fill orders, connect with customers, and take care of my health without taking away from the needs of my business.
Please accept my apology for the lack of updates and interactions. I'm really trying to make sure everyone who wants Batty's Bath goodies for the holidays has them - thankfully, due to all your support - that's a tall order to fill :) I'm sure since your bathrooms are smelling great, your skin is smooth, and your hair is looking great you don't mind the lack of interesting blog content ;) hehe.
Thanks again for all your support everyone! The blog will get back to "normal" as I have time, and if there's anything you'd like to see here (content and subject matter wise), don't hesitate to late me know. The blog survey is still a a great way to have your voice heard!
Happy Holidays everyone!
Be well :)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Autumn & Kitties Feature! Part 1
Autumn through a cat's eyes - O Outono pelos olhos de uma gata, originally uploaded by * starrynight1.
Autumn through a cat's eyes - O Outono pelos olhos de uma gata
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Photography Tip Articles
- Feature Friendly Photos {Etsy: Shop Makeover Series}
- Are Your Photos Frontpage Worthy? {Etsy: Shop Makeover Series}
- UK Edition: Photography Tips With heidiadnum
- Photo tips for Etsy Sellers
- Jewelry Photography tips
- 3 Essential Tips for Product Photography
- Learn to be a better digital photographer
- The 5 C’s of product photography
- Changing your background
- Natural Sunlight Tips
- Tips for great product photography {design sponge}
- Present Yourself to the Press
- How To Brighten Your Photos
- Achieving Clarity and Crispness in Your Photos
- How to Style Your Photos
- Product Photography Part 1 {Making It Lovely}
- Product Photography Part 2 { Making It Lovely}
- Multiple ways to get a white background
- Product photography tips
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Blog Improvement Articles
How to show up and write {copyblogger}
Your blog as part of your SEO strategy {smallerbox}
29 no brainer tips for quick blogging success { pushingsocial}
10 tips for a successful blog {epherielldesigns}
Friday, October 22, 2010
The cat's whiskers: Meet Ugly Bat Boy, the follicly-challenged feline who has become a tourist attraction
He goes by the name of Ugly Bat Boy - no prizes for guessing why.
This follicly-challenged feline has become a tourist attraction because of his bizarre appearance.
Eight-year-old Ugly, whose breed is not known, spends most of his time keeping warm by sitting on a computer at the Exeter Veterinary Hospital in New Hampshire.
Unlucky in looks: Ugly Bat Boy is bald except for an unkempt bib of hair around his neck
Staff at the veterinary hospital have even been forced to put up fliers saying he's perfectly normal - just unattractive.
They claim he makes up for his terrible looks by having inner beauty and a nice disposition.
He's also turned into something of a tourist attraction in Exeter, New Hampshire, America.
'People come in and take pictures of him on their cell phones,' staff member Christie Hartnett said.
Unusual: Staff have been forced to put up posters saying the cat is completely normal - just ugly
'He's just great. The impression from clients that come in is he's not real because he just sits so still.
'When he does move, he scares them, but they still think he's mesmerizing.'
Ugly and his sister, who only survived a few weeks, were both born without fur.
Despite his looks, staff say he likes as much fuss as any ordinary cat
And although he may not look like an ordinary cat, staff at the hospital say he behaves exactly like every other feline they've ever known.
He loves attention and is very friendly.
WATCH VIDEO OF UGLY BAT BOY BELOW
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
10 Ways to Make the Most Out of Every Etsy Sale
Personalized Hand Stamped Key Chain | by: riskybeads
riskybeads says:
Check out the rest of the tips here in the Etsy forum.
1. Send a freebie along with each order. Make sure it’s something that people would want. Perhaps a scaled down version of another product or a sustainable marketing item like a magnet, etc. A thank you card goes a long way as well!
2. Invite customers to join your mailing list. (I’ve been using the PayPal Customer Service option, and I’ve added about 20 people since I started it. To do this, log into PayPal and go to: My Account/Profile/Selling Preferences/Custom Payment Pages/Option tab –> scroll down to see mailing list option.)
3. Send a coupon for their next purchase. You can do this by getting cheap biz cards printed as coupons or just put a label or paper coupon in the package. I often use labels because it allows me to customize my marketing materials. Most of the coupons I get from other sellers offer 5-10% off. I offer 15% off an order of $50 or more. Remember, not everyone will use their coupon, so there’s no need to stress about what you offer. Send more than 1 coupon to encourage sharing and/or offer a referral discount. I offer my customers 15% off any item of their choice if they refer a new custom to me!
4. Send a brochure with FANTASTIC pictures of other products you sell. Perhaps offer a discount or coupon as part of the brochure. Using a brochure or postcard works nicely because people can easily show your products to folks who aren’t online… co-workers in the lunch room, etc. You can keep it relative. If a person buys Lavender Body Butter from you, maybe send a brochure with pics/info on your other lavender products.
5. Invite your customer to a future secret sale–not too far in the future, say 2-3 weeks max AND/OR unveil a secret product and offer it early to your existing custom base.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Halloween Craft Ideas!
Here are a few craft ideas for Halloween!
- How-To: Halloween Bat Mobile {craftzine}
- Make a Zombie {etsy}
- Pumpkin Cozy {craftzine}
- Harry Potter and Halloween Ideas {craftster}
- Black Cat {etsy}