A thank you from one of the little guys...

I don't post here often now-a-days because, well, I just don't. have. time.

However, every once in a while, I feel the need to share my heart, so that is what I am going to do now...

Most of you know...I am a business woman. 

(If you didn't know, you can find my business here: www.sweetnsassystamps.com)

I am a business woman, because I own a small business. I am one of the little guys. I am a sole proprietor because I am the sole owner of the business and because I work it basically by myself (with the occasional help from a friend or family member).

But, the real reason I am a business woman is BECAUSE I am a wife and mother.  I am in business to help provide for my family.  I work the business in addition to running a home, chauffeuring the children, volunteering at church and so on...because, well, like everyone else in this cruddy economy, we are just trying to make ends meet. 

I do not say any of this for recognition.  I say this so that my priorities are clear.  I am in business because the Lord saw fit to bless me with talent AND the opportunity to help provide for my family. 

For that, I am very grateful to Him and want to do the best I can for His glory, but sometimes...

IT'S. REALLY. HARD.

It's hard not to get overwhelmed by all of the work.

It's hard to keep my priorities in the correct order. (1. God, 2. Family, 3. Business)

It's hard to just get it all done.

It's HARD, because I am only one person.

When a customer sends an email through the Contact Us page on the website, it is I who will be emailing them back.

When a customer places an order on my website, it is I who will be filling it, packing it and shipping it off to them.

When a customer calls with a question or problem, it is I who will be on the other line (or my voicemail).

I am the artist, product designer, marketing director, web designer, customer service rep, graphic designer, shipper, packer, and the list goes on...

So why do I keep doing it?

Because I believe it is what God has called me to do...

AND because I LOVE it!  I love the people, I love the industry, I love my work.

I am not complaining about it being hard, just stating that fact that it is.

So you may ask, "why don't you hire some help?"

Honestly, because the business isn't quite there yet...YET...

It IS growing...and FAST...and that is exciting and scary all at the same time. Sales have increased so much this year, sometimes I still feel like I have to pinch myself.

Don't get me wrong. I am not rolling in dough.  We still struggle to pay our bills from time to time and our home and property is in need of endless repairs, but we do the best we can. 

Despite the feeling of being overwhelmed at times, and the desire to do my best but always feeling like I am not quite there...

I. AM. THANKFUL.

I appreciate each and every one of my customers.  I don't ever want to let even one of them down and I take it very personally if I do.  No matter how small their order, my customers are a tremendous blessing because they are, in fact, supporting my family.

And THAT is something pretty special. 

Although I would love to be able to personally thank each of my customers, ship their orders with lightening speed, respond to calls and emails promptly, etc... in reality, sometimes, I simply cannot...

I may be running my boys to and from school,
or grocery shopping,
or taking my pets to the vet,
or taking my boys to the orthodontist,
or watching my son's soccer game,
or teaching the kids in kid's club at church,
or doing laundry,
or running errands,
or making dinner,
or cleaning up a mess,
or...fill in the blank...
just being a wife and mom.

So, thank you for your patience when shipping is slower than normal, or there is a delay from the manufacturer, or I goof and send you the wrong thing (which thankfully doesn't happen often).

I know there are so many other places you could be spending your crafting dollars and it truly means so much to me and my family that you choose to spend those dollars at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. You have no idea what an impact you have made on our lives.

Again, I THANK YOU!

As the business continues to grow, I will continue to do the best I can for my customers and for God's glory. 

It's God's business, and I surrender it fully to Him.

Not my will, but Thine be done.