My first year

Every morning I log into time hop. I absolutely adore this app, if you don't have it, make sure you download it. It basically tells you what you posted on social media last year, 3 years ago or even 10 years ago. I love to reminisce about times gone by. Anyways, today my time hop let me know that 1 year ago today was the day I started Little Me Paper Co. I started Little Me last summer as I needed something to help keep my creativity alive between acting gigs, and whilst I was working full time. This time last year I was working in an office full time as an administrator, this was always a 'just for now, not forever' job that allowed me to follow my acting dream. However, it just wasn't enough and I was unhappy - I needed something more, something that would inspire me everyday. So I started painting again, I have always loved painting and art and have said that if I didn't go to drama school, I would have definitely ended up at art school. Basically as long as I'm being creative, I am happy. So...I started Little Me to focus my attention and it all started with Etsy and a couple of custom watercolour portraits. I remember vividly getting my first order and it was a mess, I literally stared at the computer screen for 20 mins like, OHHHHH SHIT, NOW WHAT?!?!. I remember scrambling around and asking every question I could think of in the etsy forums (Thanks you guys). But I did it, I got the orders out! I opened my shop at a good time because it was just as the organized Christmas shoppers started looking for custom portraits, and I started getting busier and busier.

I decided to apply to a local Market called Market Collective, and to my disbelief I got in. I then knew that I had to expand to some 'grab and go' items like greeting cards and prints. Market Collective was a BIG deal for me, it was the first time I got to see my customers face to face, and it was the first time I saw people react to my scribbles and it really made me so happy. Seeing a group of friends giggling at my work, or letting out a big 'awwww' is just indescribable. I strongly believe that Market Collective gave a big step up to start taking my 'business', seriously. I have since been a vendor at several MC events and have loved growing with them, and being part of the incredible community that Calgary holds.

This year I have worked at expanding my product line, and finding my style and where I sit in the etsy world and the online world. I'm getting there and have loved being able to connect with customers all around the world via social media, particularly my friend Instagram. I just love instagram so much and have met so many amazing friends through it (oh hey, follow me @littlemepaperco).

Basically, what I'm trying to say is. HOLY CRAP IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND IT'S BEEN AMAZING! and stressful and full of learning and making mistakes and picking myself up and celebrating and all the feels and you guys. Seriously. Thank you. My 'hobby' is now my biggest income and I am just giddy with excitement to write that and to imagine where my company will be 5 years from now. It's seriously indescribable. I'm so happy, thank you. Thank you so much!!!!

My first year

Every morning I log into time hop. I absolutely adore this app, if you don't have it, make sure you download it. It basically tells you what you posted on social media last year, 3 years ago or even 10 years ago. I love to reminisce about times gone by. Anyways, today my time hop let me know that 1 year ago today was the day I started Little Me Paper Co. I started Little Me last summer as I needed something to help keep my creativity alive between acting gigs, and whilst I was working full time. This time last year I was working in an office full time as an administrator, this was always a 'just for now, not forever' job that allowed me to follow my acting dream. However, it just wasn't enough and I was unhappy - I needed something more, something that would inspire me everyday. So I started painting again, I have always loved painting and art and have said that if I didn't go to drama school, I would have definitely ended up at art school. Basically as long as I'm being creative, I am happy. So...I started Little Me to focus my attention and it all started with Etsy and a couple of custom watercolour portraits. I remember vividly getting my first order and it was a mess, I literally stared at the computer screen for 20 mins like, OHHHHH SHIT, NOW WHAT?!?!. I remember scrambling around and asking every question I could think of in the etsy forums (Thanks you guys). But I did it, I got the orders out! I opened my shop at a good time because it was just as the organized Christmas shoppers started looking for custom portraits, and I started getting busier and busier.

I decided to apply to a local Market called Market Collective, and to my disbelief I got in. I then knew that I had to expand to some 'grab and go' items like greeting cards and prints. Market Collective was a BIG deal for me, it was the first time I got to see my customers face to face, and it was the first time I saw people react to my scribbles and it really made me so happy. Seeing a group of friends giggling at my work, or letting out a big 'awwww' is just indescribable. I strongly believe that Market Collective gave a big step up to start taking my 'business', seriously. I have since been a vendor at several MC events and have loved growing with them, and being part of the incredible community that Calgary holds.

This year I have worked at expanding my product line, and finding my style and where I sit in the etsy world and the online world. I'm getting there and have loved being able to connect with customers all around the world via social media, particularly my friend Instagram. I just love instagram so much and have met so many amazing friends through it (oh hey, follow me @littlemepaperco).

Basically, what I'm trying to say is. HOLY CRAP IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND IT'S BEEN AMAZING! and stressful and full of learning and making mistakes and picking myself up and celebrating and all the feels and you guys. Seriously. Thank you. My 'hobby' is now my biggest income and I am just giddy with excitement to write that and to imagine where my company will be 5 years from now. It's seriously indescribable. I'm so happy, thank you. Thank you so much!!!!