This is part 17 of our series: 31 DAYS of Setting Up Shop! You can find the entire list of days, in order, on our Setting Up Shop Index Page. I'll add each new entry to this list as it is published.
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{enlist some help}
The days are counting down very quickly to the Gathered marketplace. The venue is still not ready, but instead of panicking, I'm just making more stuff to sell. The rest of the month,starting tomorrow, is going to pretty much fit into one of three categories: product, packaging, and display. All three of these items are on my mind CONSTANTLY right now.
I did some calculations in my head a couple days ago. And it turns out, that I could work around the clock every day from now until we open, and I would maybe, maybe see 90% of my vision for the shop become reality. But the truth is, I don't have every day, 24 hours-a-day to work, so I'm trying my hardest to prioritize.
And...I got some help.
Kathryn is part of the youth group at our church, and is also one of the most talented people I know. This girl exudes creativity. She agreed to help me out one day a week, and let me tell you, on the day that Kathryn is over, stuff. gets. done. I thought she would double my productivity, but honestly I think she triples it, or more. LOVE HER!
Here she is, making yards and yards of vintage-book-page paper chains. We are going to swath the entire shop in them. She started on these after she had finished the entire list I had made up for her. Oh yes.
Can't afford an assistant for a few hours a week? See if maybe you can barter for it. Or have someone trade babysitting days with you so you can create for a few hours without the kids around. However you get it, {enlisting help} is a good idea when setting up shop tasks start getting away from you.
p.s. Kathryn made an amazing dress out of paper for an art show last year, and she's going to let us put it in our shop window. You must come out, if only just to see this thing. It's incredible.