Starting a business during COVID-19
When I was thinking about what to write for my blog I was doing some research about the PR side of my business. It’s one of many new things I have started to learn about this year.
It made me think and reflect a bit on 2020 and what it has meant for me so far. To be honest I don’t know where to begin. So much has happened and even though I knew this year was going to be challenging I never expected it to be like this. And I’m sure I’m not the only one who has had that thought recently.
Over the past 20 years I’ve been a primary school teacher, an office manager and a consular officer and although I’ve learnt a lot of different transferable skills over time, how to run a business wasn’t one of them. Most small business owners are one person doing all the work and I think a lot of people don’t necessarily realise this. I didn’t really think about this before either. What you create and sell is the most obvious part, people know I make and sell silver jewellery. But that’s only part of it, and although I would love it if my days only existed of creating new jewellery all day every day that’s not the case.
Since the beginning of March, when I left my previous job and started KlaarSmithDesign I’ve been working hard and learning something new every day. There have been massive ups and massive downs and everything in between. Being in full lock down three weeks after I started was tough. It’s been hard for everyone and I’m sure we’ve all had times where we were wondering where this all going. We all have our challenges and I think it’s very important that we are patient, understanding and supportive of each other.
For me starting my business with this added pressure has been and still is extra challenging. So many questions were going through my head, you may have had the same ones. Is this a good idea, especially now? Will people be interested in what I make right now? Will I have customers? Shouldn’t I try and create more certainty by having a regular income again? Would I be able to find a job right now? Will I stay healthy? I worked so hard for this opportunity, can I make it work despite the current situation? I love doing what I do so surely I should give it my all and keep going?!
So many things to worry about and never enough time is how I often felt. But the most important thing is to keep your focus on why it is you wanted to do this and what it is you want to achieve. “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon” is something I’ve read a lot the past few months. Allowing yourself the time and space to grow and change your mind during all this is very important, and sometimes easier said than done.
Every day I keep learning because I’m not only a jewellery designer and maker. My other roles and tasks are photographer and editor, head of PR and social media, webmaster, customer relations, HR, head of finance, administrator, cleaner and I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few as well.
So whenever you’re looking at or buying from a small business please know we’re all very grateful for your interest and custom. We put our heart and soul into it and it can get very challenging and even lonely sometimes. But you make it all worth it, so thank you. Nothing beats loving what you do and to experience people appreciate this.
Klaar x
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