I started my Etsy shop in October. I don't think I ever would have had enough courage to start my shop if it was not for my twin. I was scared to step out of my comfort zone and put time and money into something that could likely never work out for me. Luckily that has not been the case.

Learning how to run my etsy shop has taught me so many things.

1. Follow your gut: When I first opened my shop I had to make executive decisions without really knowing much about running an etsy shop. I have always been one who needed conformation from the people closest to me before I made decisions because I am so indecisive, but that is not something I could do when making decisions regarding my shop.

2. Accept criticism: It is hard to receive criticism from someone after putting hard work into creating something. Sometimes mistakes happen and things are not executed the way they should be though.

3. Embrace your creativity: I have always been a crafty person, but I always believed that the things I made could only be appreciated by me. Seeing the sales growth and consistent item/shop favorites and views shows me that other people appreciate the things I create too.

4. Time management: From start to finish, a lot goes into every single listing. First I have to think of the item I want to create and then actually make it.  Next I take pictures and finally I upload the images, decide on a price, write a product description, and officially post it. This process can be very lengthy at times.

5. Hustle hard: People think that owning a business where you have the ability to work from home is a cake walk because you don't have to go into a traditional office. This is actually the opposite in my opinion. I start doing things from the time I wake up and continue throughout the entire day, I'm always working to make my listings sound better and to contact customers or post on social media.

6. Money isn't the only motive: Of course it is nice to make money, but I am trying to build a sustainable brand that is completely my own. Something I created on my own and poured 10000% of my heart in to. When customers leave good reviews and positive comments I literally jump for joy. I am so happy that I was able to make someone else so happy. That sounds cheesy and cliche, but it really is the truth.

7. Give it your all or give it nothing: I put 110% into my shop every single day. If you are not going to give something your total dedication, then why should you be successful? Some people genuinely believe they should only have to put half effort into something in order for them to succeed in doing something. You don't just land a promotion, good job, great relationship, amazing body, etc by putting in a percentage of your energy and effort. Give whatever you choose to do everything you've got or don't even waste your time trying.

8. Ignore haters: Some people probably think I am wasting my time and energy. Some people just don't get it though. People who say things just to hurt your feelings are likely jealous or they are just a miserable person.

9. Try something new: If there is something you really want to try, whether it is starting a business, learning how to play an instrument or cook, or even write, just do it. You will never know if you will be successful or if you will be good at something until you actually try.

 

Your dog isn’t going to tell you that it’s too busy to snuggle or that it needs to go to work or that it just plain out doesn’t want to snuggle, but your boyfriend will.

If you yell at your dog, leave for 10 minutes, and come back into the house I guarantee your dog will be excited to see you. You’ll be greeted with tail wags and kisses. If you and your boyfriend have an argument, he won't forgive you nearly as quick or as easily.

Any time I get home from work or running errands I usually tell my dogs how much I missed them and ask them how their day was. The entire time they just stare at me with a wagging tails. Boys don't even listen half the time when you speak to them, let alone get excited about it.

It's no secret that dogs love long walks. Any dog will be happy to walk by your side almost anywhere and in almost any type of weather.

Dogs love to give kisses and jump all over you, even if you just got home from working out and you're sweaty. Boys are not as affectionate or loving.

My dogs will eat anything and everything, sometimes to a fault. You'll never pick up a treat at the store and get home only to find out they don't enjoy the taste of it. Boys, however, can be very picky eaters. Sometimes you'll spend an hour making a meal from scratch, but they won't eat it because of one ingredient.

If my dogs chew up something or do anything that they are not supposed to, they are visibly sorry once I yell at them. Their eyes instantly widen and their ears go back. Boys usually have a hard time admitting they have done anything wrong, even when it is obvious they have. Surely, you will never get an apologetic look from one.

No matter how bad your day was or how stressful work is, when your dog starts acting silly, you cannot help but smile. Your heart will always feel full whenever your pup is around. Your dogs number on priority will always be you, their human. Boys have a lot more than just you in their life, which means you will not always be their number one.