[Witty Title Here]

Capturing contradictions

November 4, 2012 by Cassie

Sometimes, when I don’t know what to blog about, I look through old pictures and think about the memories associated with them. It almost always inspires an idea, even if what I write has nothing to do with the photo itself.

But when looking through some photos today—aside from thinking I should really do a Facebook untagging session—the thought came to me that a lot of them didn’t capture how I truly felt in that fleeting moment. It would be nearly impossible to tell from one picture that, even though I’m surrounded by a dozen or so people, smiling with a drink in my hand, I’m actually feeling a little recluse. Or how, in another, I’m masking my insecurity of being in front of a camera with a silly expression.

Think about all the unseen contradictions to real life a photo might contain. Or what a photo might mean to you taken completely out of the context it was presented within. Cameras were built to capture the truth of our surroundings. But that doesn’t mean the photos always do.

This all ties in with how we choose to represent ourselves online. How many times have we all immediately uploaded a photo we looked particularly beautiful/interesting/happy in? What this really conveys is, I want you to think I’m having a good time.

And yet, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Likewise, I don’t think Instagram—with its instant gratification, soft focus, and flattering filters—is a threat to the art of photography. Just like a solemn portrait of an old man who lived through the Holocaust can tell a story a lifetime long, the photos of our everyday moments capture things we would otherwise forget. These images are given meaning when we assign it to them.

So the hidden contradictions? I think of them as reasons to linger on a picture a little longer. To consider the people in it and their relationships to one another. To imagine the person behind it—the photographer, and his or her intention.

And when there are no contradictions, no puzzling questions to be answered, but just a raw emotion or distinct memory… it can be just as meaningful.

Remember, please vote daily for Witty Title Here in the Mobbies awards! (Under the “Best Personal Blog” and “Best Photography Blog” categories.)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: photography

The “Lucky” Ones – An interview with businesswoman & empowerment guru Tara Swiger

November 1, 2012 by Cassie

Anyone who’s ever dreamed of leaving their day job, starting a business, and working from home is going to LOVE today’s interviewee. I met Tara Swiger via the glory of the Internet, and she’s here today to tell us about how she did all of the above.

After you read Tara’s awesome Q&A, please make sure you vote for Witty Title Here in the Mobbies! (Didya already vote? Thanks – you can vote again!)

Now, onto the good stuff!

Tara Swiger is the kind of gal whose brain you’d want to pick. A French major turned yarn-maker, the pink-haired professional knows a thing or two about working on your own terms—and successfully. After a series of unsatisfying office jobs, Tara took matters into her own hands, left her job, and went full-time with her business. Curious as to how she made it happen, countless aspiring and struggling entrepreneurs came to Tara for guidance. That’s when she organized the Starship—a yearlong series of classes, goal-setting, and map-making to help members’ crafty businesses take flight. It was such a hit that it led to her first book.

Though she spends most of her days talking with and encouraging creative businesspeople, Tara doesn’t work the grind. That means weekends are totally off, along with a weekday here and there. This enviable schedule keeps her energized, and it gives Tara enough time to read 100 books in one year, bake cupcakes once a week, and explore the flavors of veganism.

Read on for some thoughtful insight from Tara!

More and more, it seems women in the blogging world are becoming successful businesspeople by selling their craft or art online. What do you think of this growing trend?

I actually think this trend is the other way around: women have always been making money by selling their art and craft (long before the internet!), but now they’re adapting in the blogging world. There have been people blogging about their craftyness since the very beginnings of blogs (there were already tons of large ones when I found knitting in 2004). But as blogs change, and the way we consume information changes, we have to change the way we approach our blog, especially if you want it to be an effective business tool. As my friend Diane says, blogging started as a personal medium but when you use it as a business tool, you have to think a little differently.

In working with creative businesses, I see a lot of the two extremes: blogs so about-the-person that you don’t have any idea what they sell (or their subject matter isn’t related to what they sell, so they aren’t attracting people who would be buyers), or blogs-so-businessy that it’s a constant pitch-fest. The balance is in finding what you need people to know about your product (in order to make it easy for them to buy) and in what they actually want to read about.

Of course, there are a zillion ways to blog and to have a business, and to mix the two together, and finding the perfect blend for you takes lots of experimenting. (I could go on… I wrote a whole workbook about finding this balance!)

What are some of the success stories you’ve had as a direct result of someone reading your book or becoming part of the Starship? How does it feel knowing you helped fuel that success?

Ooh, I’ve just started collecting these and they make me so so happy. The newest one is Ana, a yarn-maker and knitter who joined the Starship three months ago and has already reached her income goal. When she joined she said the goal felt completely vague and distant, but we helped her make a map and then she stayed accountable in the weekly chats…and in September she was there, at that big, unreachable goal! Now she’s so busy with orders we’re working on scaling up, and making sure she can keep in touch with the holiday orders when the season slows down in January and February.

I can’t even express how thrilled I am to watch other people define their own success and reach it. When I hear their “yays” (we have a weekly “yay time”), I just know I’m doing the exact right thing, even if I can’t explain it to my in-laws. 🙂

Has there been any trial and error with your own business? What methods did you attempt that fell flat or didn’t work out the way you thought they would?

Everything! I am constantly trying and error-ing! I don’t know that any method or tool has fallen flat all on its own, it’s always a combination of implementation, audience and timing. Usually, things don’t work as quickly as I think they will. If I give up on something after a few weeks, I don’t see any results (this includes everything from a new product to a new marketing channel to a new supplier). Giving something time, and then course correcting in little ways, can make just about anything work. The question is: Do I want it to work? Do I enjoy it? Is it worth the error time? For some things, yes! But for the things that are meh, I try to non-guiltily let them go.

Was it empowering leaving your former job? Describe how you felt in cubicle land and the decision-making process you went through to take that step to leave it behind.

Yes, it’s so very empowering to work for myself. The actual leaving-of-my-job was much more conflicted. I was miserable at my job, and I had been working on my yarn company for three years with the express intent of working for myself. So when the time came, it was as scary as trusting that your biggest dream really can come true.

But how it actually happened is more boring than all that. I set a goal for what I’d need to earn on a regular basis (super specifically, how much each week for how many weeks?), the number of wholesale accounts, and the amount of bills I’d pay off. And then my employer was going to lay off a big percentage of the workforce and offered a buyout. I had reached all my goals, so I applied for the buyout (instead of losing my job!) and… that was that. I was thrilled, but terrified.

Unfortunately, you dealt with a negative response from your coworkers when you announced you’d be leaving. Why do you suspect they wouldn’t talk to you? Were they jealous?

I think that they took my leaving personally, as if it reflected on the value of their own jobs. My bosses were completely sweet and kind, but it was all the other women who had my same title (basically: secretary) [who] seemed to believe that if I wanted something different (and better for me), they should too. I never was suited for office life (and black slacks every day), so I was surprised that they took it so hard.

What basics do your book and classes outline to ensure stamina and growth for fledgling business owners?

There are a few basic principles underlining everything I do:

I write, talk and teach about discovering the wonders in your business. I’m not interested in finding the “right” way – only the way that’s right for you, your goals and your people. Your biz, no matter how new or old, is an entire world, filled with a culture, a people (your buyers), and adventures. Although there are some business basics that we all use, you get to use it in your own way, to build your own kind of business, exactly as you want it. Exploring your business means doing experiments to see what will work (and what won’t). There aren’t easy answers, only exciting adventures. (So everything, from the book to the classes is FILLED with apply-it-to-yourself worksheets.)
One-size-fits-all doesn’t fit anyone. Experimentation is key. The business you want is different from the business I want. And that means that we each have to find our own way. Business takes time, and you’re not going to get everything right the first time (or you won’t know if you will right away, it takes time!). So you’ve got to be willing to try again and again. The Starship and classes provide support for this experimentation (along with ideas for other things to try, and ways to measure if it worked or not).
Finding your own way can be lonely, so we do it together. Gentle accountability and realistic goal-setting (followed by do-able to-dos) are in every class, and a weekly part of the Starship.
Comparison sucks. Compassion (especially for yourself) rules. Looking at what someone else has and trying to recreate it only leads to unhappiness, and it blocks you from seeing the amazingness that you really want, and the biz you can build. This is a hard thing to remember, so we talk about what that feels like, a lot.

Is your work rewarding? What do you love about it?

LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Really! My best days are the ones where I’m connecting – whether through teaching via video, or answering a question via email or meeting someone for a cup of coffee. That said, I’m an introvert, and I need lots and lots of quiet time to think and write and synthesize what I’m learning into something useful. I love that I can get a mix of both (and that I’m responsible for getting both!).

Does it ever become hard to support yourself financially, or have you ever felt like you were running out of steam?

Yes. Honestly, it’s hard every day! There is stuff I don’t want to do (bookkeeping!) and stuff that’s discouraging (just a few months ago my steady income was cut by more than 60%, when a long-time client had a budget crisis and another client finished the project we’d be working on, much earlier than expected). But that’s the risk. And as long as I keep looking forward, and coming up with new ideas, and thinking about what my people need and want, it works out.

To keep from running out of steam, I take WAY more time off than anyone I know! I’m offline (except for Instagram, but that’s just to take my photos!) all weekend, and I take a short day on either Thursday or Friday. And sometimes I take a whole weekday off, just to go out of town and see a friend and her new baby.

But because of my experiments, I know my business is better when I do! Every Monday, and every day after a short day, I just kill my to-do list. I’m inspired to write my best stuff. I’m more helpful and friendly and, well, smart!

How do you envision your own business growing? Could you ever see yourself switching it up entirely down the road?

I dream about switching it up all the time. Sometimes I think I’ll write another book, other times I think I’ll stop talking about business-y help altogether and just make stuff and sell it in a new tiny Etsy shop.

But then I get an email from a Starship captain that just made more last month than ever before… and I know I’m doing the exact right thing for right now.

Have you made a lot of friends and connections through your work?

Absolutely! Everything from co-teachers to collaborators to students and readers. I love ’em all!

Where does your book leave off its readers? Feeling challenged, empowered, a little bit of both?

At the end of the book, you’ll have a clear idea of what you offer (and what’s unique about that), who you’re selling it to, and how to reach them. And you’ll have a marketing plan so you actually do all the long-term connecting and communication involved in building healthy relationships with your people!

What are some books (other than your own, of course) that you would recommend to blossoming business owners?

I always recommend Kari Chapin‘s books. If you don’t know anything about how you’d start selling your handmade goods, check out Handmade Marketplace. And if you’re just starting your store, check out her new book, Grow your Handmade Business. Whereas my book is for the already-selling maker who wants to reach more people, Kari’s books tell you all the technical stuff about setting up your shop for the first time.

I love Boss of You. It’s the book that helped me most when I was transitioning from selling a little to selling a lot – all the inside stuff of the business, the admin and day-to-day stuff.

Thanks so much for chatting with me, Tara! You have such an inspiring story. Have any questions for Tara, or didya just like what she had to say? Let her know in the comments!

Filed Under: Interviews, People, The "Lucky" Ones Tagged With: entrepreneurs, Starship, Tara Swiger, The "Lucky" Ones

The campaign

October 31, 2012 by Cassie

For those of you who aren’t down with modern-day acronyms, that’s Witty Title Here for the win. And this is no presidential election. It’s much less life-altering than that. It’s the friggen Mobbies. And I’m pro-awesome.

Let me explain: The Mobbies are a competition for Maryland’s best blogs hosted by The Baltimore Sun, and it’s all in the name of bragging rights. This year, Witty Title Here falls under the Best Personal Blog and Best Photography Blog categories. I nominated myself, and I’m very honored.

Last year, I ranked fairly well in my category considering I had about half as many page views and a slightly irregular posting schedule. I’m proud to look back at the archives and see how far I’ve come since then. With a much more aesthetically pleasing design and a stronger, more developed voice, I wouldn’t be mortified if a (hypothetical) prospective employer or first date told me they’d already perused my blog. (Note: I’M NOT IN THE MARKET FOR EITHER, PEOPLE. In case you were about to bang down my door, because why wouldn’t you?)

Because I really want bragging rights, fame, and the chance to give an acceptance speech, here are a few reasons why you should vote for me—daily:

– I love you.
– I’ve probably made you laugh at least once, and possibly even out loud.
– I show restraint with the poop jokes. Most of the time.
– I produce original, thoughtful, and relatable content.
– I try to write stuff even boys would like.
– I’ve introduced you to all sorts of creative types who share their passions.
– I talk with you, and not just at you. I comment on your blogs, but I also really read them. And I respond to your comments here.
– I take pretty film photos and share them with you, unedited.
– I’m not afraid to be vulnerable. I strive to portray my honest-to-goodness self.
– I make lists.

…Need I say more?

So. Instructions.
Voting is open through November 9th, and as mentioned above, you can vote daily. Before doing so, you must login using one of your various social media accounts like Facebook, or you can use your email address and create a password. (These things take mere seconds.) Once signed in, make sure you vote for Witty Title Here under both the Best Personal Blog and Best Photography Blog categories. They are conveniently listed right next to each other, so you can just scroll right on down. When you’ve selected both categories, click the giant red button that says “Cast Your Vote!”

To be fair, I encourage you to check out my competition. They’re pretty rad, too.

I’m trying to come up with ways to thank my voters. Personal, handwritten thank-you notes via snail mail on pretty paper? Simple, yes, but let’s not forget the beauty of the written word. And, I’m pretty sure ACTUAL gifts or giveaways would be considered a bribe. And even if they weren’t, I’m not rich. So take what you can get. And I do love you all a very normal, healthy amount.

Thanks in advance, and have a spooky Halloween!

Via McKenzie from Oliver and Abraham’s

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: awards, baltimore sun, film photography, the mobbies

Eye on the eye

October 29, 2012 by cassie

Is it just me, or does anyone else have “Oh Sandy” from Grease stuck in their head thanks to the giant monster hurricane headed our way? As annoying as that is, I might just have to ditch my original Halloween costume plan for the sexy number above. Think it’s waterproof? Knowing me, I’d probably squeak while I walked. WHY-iy-iy-iyyyy?

Although the weather sucks (and the power keeps flickering), I’m lucky to be in Baltimore today instead of stranded in the Nashville airport. My mom and I spent a much-needed mother-daughter weekend together while she gave a speech and presentation at a conference for Tennessee school librarians just outside of Nashville. They put us up at the beautiful hotel where the conference was, and we enjoyed room service wine and a day off from work. Her heartfelt 30-minute speech was truly inspiring, and plenty of people let her know. Librarians in general are wonderful people. Southern librarians perhaps even more so. They were so genuinely friendly and welcoming to the point where I self-consciously wondered if I came off as friendly enough. I might technically be below the Mason-Dixon line, but we Marylanders can be a bunch of Yankees. Oddly enough, I pick up a southern accent very easily.

The second half of the weekend was spent visiting family we hadn’t seen in three whole years. It’s weird that you can go so long without seeing people you’re related to. And considering how much time had passed, our visit was way too short. Much of Sunday was spent monitoring the weather and our flight status. Turns out, ours was the last flight to Baltimore that wasn’t canceled. Had we booked a later flight, we’d still be in Nashville until at least tomorrow morning. Even as we boarded the plane, I wasn’t convinced we’d make it all the way home. The connecting flight from Baltimore to Providence had already been canceled, and right before we were supposed to take off, someone apparently just up and got off the plane, and the crew had to check that out “for security reasons.” I suspect this had some people spooked, as another guy picked up his stuff and made his way off the plane, too. Everyone applauded when the plane FINALLY started moving, and again when the plane made touchdown in Baltimore after some dicey turbulence.

me and the family

Now I’m soaking up yet another day off from work thanks to Sandy. But I’m not literally soaking. Yet.

Now for an announcement:

Baltimore Sun is hosting the fourth annual Mobbies awards for bloggers, and Witty Title Here is in the running for Best Personal Blog and Best Photography Blog. I’ll post more about the Mobbies this week (which might include some incentive), but you can get in your vote early by clicking here. Vote daily, and for both categories! Stay safe and dry!

Why don't you stick around?

So much win.
The campaign
A year in photos
Writing is for free

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: baltimore sun, hurricane sandy, the mobbies

Setting goals vs. actually reaching them

October 24, 2012 by cassie

I’ve got to admit something: I am a half-assed flake when it comes to my biggest dreams. But not intentionally.

See, I have this terrible habit of setting goals without ever formulating a proper, detailed plan to reach them. I assume that once I’ve made a goal, even written it down on pretty paper (like you do), that it will somehow magically happen by sheer will. This has often led to major procrastination and last-minute rushing at best, and the intended goal completely deflating and never being realized at worst.

So clearly, I’m no expert on the subject of Getting Shit Done. And I’m not about to tell you How to Get Shit Done when I’ve got plenty of my own shit that needs Getting Done. (Next week’s blog post: “Knowing when you’ve abused the use of capitalization and/or are a bloggy asshat.”) But I am slowly understanding where the holes in my plans (or non-plans, as it were) lie, and it’s worth sharing this recent insight.

The biggest issue for me is a lack of a timeline with smaller, more specific goals to help make the ultimate goal a feasible reality. It’s one thing to create a nice little list of the things you know you need to do. It’s another thing entirely to put those events on a calendar and stick to them. It seems so simple, this idea of taking it step by step. Yet many of us–myself clearly included–are too eager to get to the real deal. We’re so blinded by the shininess of the prospect of glory that we forget that it takes more than a singular thought to suddenly get into grad school, or write a solid first draft, or run the marathon… without collapsing in a sweaty pile of despair.

If the first issue is solved by creating these more manageable goals, it in turn helps fix the second issue, which is not working toward the goal every single day. Imagine the benefits of working just a little bit– whether it’s a mile or page a day– rather than in one big chunk the night before the due date. Of not having to stop and think, “Now what comes next?” Because you already know. Because you haven’t had time to forget where you left off. And, you have your nifty little timeline of events.

These are not exactly ground-breaking revelations here. Many people before me have figured this process out, and with great success to back up its effectiveness. So why can’t I make life a little easier? Why can’t I break it up into cute, bite-sized chunks rather than just winging it and hoping for the best possible outcome?

Admitting your faults is the first step to success. Implementing ways to fix those faults is the necessary step to keep on that track. I’m going to give it a serious go in the coming weeks. If it means going to bed with a sticky note taped to my face, so be it.

What are your plan-making/time management issues? Or, better yet, what are your best practices for avoiding general wastefulness?

Why don't you stick around?

Five things you (and I) need to stop doing. Now.
A farm wedding
Interweb Finds: The power of suggestion, hell’s tornado & more
Through the Lens: photos from February

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ambition, motivation, the next step, time management

Interweb Finds: Crazy quiet, an artful home & more

October 21, 2012 by cassie

Is it just me, or is that one of the best quotes ever? When I happened across it recently, it was like a smack in the face—the good kind. I needed that perspective. And I’ll try to keep it in mind.

Now, let’s see what the interwebz have been up to lately…

Sometimes, all we want is a little peace and quiet. But apparently, the quietest place on earth will drive you crazy.

Love it or hate it, the ombre trend is still going strong. Check out these cool rooms that incorporate dip-dyed ombre wallpaper into their decor. I’ll take one in every color.

Recently, Shoko introduced her readers to the photography blog My Dad Takes Pictures. These film photos spanning 30-plus years illustrate the beauty, tragedy, and complexities of life.

Talk about coolest parents ever. Check out this insanely awesome Apartment Therapy house tour featuring kooky art and zany decor. (Click “Enter House Tour” to see all the photos!)

Think looks don’t matter? They shouldn’t, but this writer had to change her appearance at work to get ahead.

I just finished reading Patti Smith’s National Book Award winner Just Kids. Here are 25 lessons for creatives from her incredible true story.

Lena from Musings took these shots of adorable/hysterical horse faces.

And finally, a video featuring some incredible raw vocal talent.

Hope you all had a great weekend!