I have had my Etsy shop "Event Shop Design" since 2011. This last year I haven't had much time to work on my shop due to the busy life of being a mother of a active child. Now that my son is in school most of the day, I have more time to focus on my party invitation business. Recently I spent a day in San Francisco where I focused on gathering inspiration for my shop. I made a list of independent stationery stores around the city that I found on Yelp. One of the stores that I visited for the first time is on Divisadero and Hayes called "Rare Device".
I couldn't believe that I was able to get a parking spot right across the street. When I walked into the small store, it felt very comfortable and radiated an atmosphere of creativity. The store show cases local artist's designs and their products. I spent a long time looking at all the store had to offer. I took a look at the books which were on a shelf and one caught my eye called "Art Inc." by Lisa Congdon "The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as and Artist". After leafing through this book I knew I had to get it. It covers so many things that I have already starting doing for my design business such as selling on Etsy and using other social media sites like, Pinterest and Facebook.
Before I started reading the book I researched the author Lisa Congdon a bit more. I then realized that I already knew her work. I have seen her prints on display in stores such as "Zinc Details" in the city, which is a great store. I have also seen her work on stationery and wrapping paper at "Wishbone" in the Sunset another favorite store. This got me even more excited about reading this book. I also learned that she used to own the store "Rare Device" and then sold it. I feel like all the stars are aligned to help set me up for success as an artist with an independent business. I am now on chapter 5 of the book and I can't put it down. I try to read every chance I have a quiet moment. I am now inspired to finally start my new blog "Event Shop Design". I am looking forward to sharing my journey at making my little business thrive.
