Happy Blogiversary and a Giveaway

365 days ago I was panicking about starting my business.  I had planned and researched.  I had worked hard for eight months.   I had spent hours preparing and slaved over my first batch of MISTIs.  I was in tears and scared out of my mind.  I felt like the life I had was about to be over.  I knew things were going to be different.  I made my first post and it was official.  Then.....nothing happened.  I felt relieved that my life was not over.

A week had pasted and nothing happened.  I started messaging other card makers on YouTube to check out my videos.  Still nothing.  My husband would ask each day if I sold a MISTI and I would say no.  I just knew that he wanted to say I told you so.  I remembered the words of my husband's uncle, "Only forty of your closest friends and relatives will buy one.  You are too close to this."    I was a little disappointed that when I showed paper crafters no one said, "I will buy one."

Eleven days had past.  Then there was a sale.  I sold one.  I sold one to Kelly Marie Alvarez from Lawn Fawn.  I thought I hit the big time.   The orders were going to roll in now.  Nothing.  The pity party started.  My mind thought, "Kelly bought one because she felt sorry for me.  What a sweet lady!  I really like her more now."   Oh well...what am I going to do with the other 59 MISTIs.

A couple days passed and I had another sale.  A couple more days passed and I had another sale.  I thought that this was a good pace.  If I can sell two or three each week I could handle it.  A steady stream is all I wanted.  I knew God would not give me more than I could handle.  Then Splitcoast Stampers happened.  Qtpy posted and then the world went crazy.

God has slowly eased me into this.  Every step I wade deeper and deeper in  He is whispering to me the whole time that everything will be okay.

Dear God,
Thanks for everything you do.
Love,
Iliana

Now there have are times that I start to splash too much and feel like I am sinking.  During these times my friends and family remind me to be still and listen for God's whisper.

Dear Friends and Family,
Thanks for everything you do.
Love,
Iliana

Splitcoast Stampers will forever have a place in my heart.  My eyes well up with tears of gratitude.  There is this unexplainable feeling of support there.  Encouraging, joyful hearts live there.   My cheerleaders have become good friends.

Dear Splitcoast,
Thanks for everything you do.
Love,
Iliana


It floors me that you are reading this, that you care what I have to say,  that you take the time watch my videos.  It overwhelms me to hear your comments.

My dear Sweet Petunias,
Thank you for your support and most importantly your time.
Thank you for everything you do,
Love,
Iliana

Giveaway:  In honor of the handmade MISTIs I used to make,  all blog subscribers will be entered in a random drawing for an original laser etched MISTI.

If you already subscribe, you don't need to do a thing.

If you aren't a subscriber, all you have to do is sign up to enter.

Winner will be posted on the anniversary of my first sale, July 29th.


Dear Uncle David,
I told you so!
Love,
Iliana