Love this post Hannah and also really loved our meet up and chats! So much to talk about! I don’t think it sounds like youve been lazy, it seems like you’ve been busy! And making sure you have headspace is so important for creativity! I try to think of it that way and find it helps. 😊❤️
Really interesting read Hannah. ‘I’m lazy’ is the strongest of my inner voices, particularly difficult when you look around and think everyone is way more active than you! I would think sticking to Facebook groups is a winner, as it’s already working. If you want to add another element you could consider traditional email marketing. You may already offer this but one hour/90 minute consultations are good for people who don’t have much cash but need help on a certain thing/room. Something like - getting the lighting right in a room, or how to create a beautiful gallery wall.
It’s my favourite type of marketing but I would say that as it’s what I do! It allows you to give longer form content & build stronger relationships AND sell!
The systems are that complicated and most have a really good UX, I would do a bit of research before choosing one there are loads with a freemium service
Cheer up Hannah - getting started is always tough. I've started five businesses and it's all "blood and guts" at first. Old builder's trick: If you have a portfolio, great! If you don't, get one. Make it as slick and polished as possible, and then go solicit those who have something to gain by knowing you - tile suppliers; plumbing fixture showrooms; fabric/textile suppliers; paint suppliers...well, you get the idea (more, stone suppliers granite/marble; trim suppliers, flooring, lighting fixtures, yadayada). They need to know you, and you them, BECAUSE when you start working with clients, you'll need to get way ahead of us contractors with your selections so we're not standing around waiting on you - AND, while you're selling them on how super smart, highly organized, and prompt you are, they're thinking, 'I want this girl on my team -she's smart, organized and she'll stay on top of everything,' SO, when people wander into their showroom (because everyone wants to get the cart before the horse!), they'll invariable ask them "who's your designer" and they'll shrug their shoulders, THEY can say, "have you thought about HANNAH ASHE?" Whew! That's a mouthful! But remember, the design/build/decorate business is all about EASE AND CONVENIENCE. They know they're going to be inconvenienced for a while - and probable hassled too, but less is way more! Get good at this and you'll have more business than you can handle.
I really connected with this post! I have a small business and have had lots of the same thoughts. Loved your note about leaving a stressful job for a reason - I feel exactly the same.
Sidenote, I haven't advertised in Facebook groups, but have on local Instagram pages where they'll repost for free, and that has generated sales for me! I'm in a totally different industry and live in NYC so not sure if you have similar Instagram pages that could work, but just wanted to mention! Advertising is really tough
This is a beautifully honest post. There are so many ebbs and flows in business. I have a “quiet days” and a “self doubt” list - I believe it’s different for all of us but quiet days turn into odd job or days of inspiration (gallery visits or long walks, Ted talks or reading), self doubt days are often just an hour of collecting, asking for or organising testimonials and then I’m back on it but I had an AWFUL few days in March and I just watched the telly and did nice things til I felt better. Sending sparkles. ✨🙏
I’m going to try to lean into it over the next week and see what happens. A gallery is a good idea. I might add that to the agenda. I just finished reading Still Life by Sarah Winman and I can’t stop thinking about Florence and plotting when and how I can visit to see all the wonderful art they talk about.
Oh Hannah, this all sounds and feels so familiar. Each challenge, each of the things on your list, I can relate so much. I have so many different creative things that I want to try and things that I see here that delight me, and I want to do so just for the joy and without the obligation and the ever present tug to monetise. Thank you for sharing so openly and so candidly, I am sure that many others will relate to this. And thank you so much for your kind words about my artwork and the shout out too 💛 I would LOVE to be a guest on your podcast, it would be so much fun to chat.
Always love your honest articles and reflections Hannah. I am not self employed but am playing with the idea of setting something up maybe part time one day. There are so many creative avenues to explore and working out the balance of things that bring in actual cash vs joy not having to earn anything with the endeavour, is challenging. I believe that putting yourself out there, in every way you do already adds to your overall presence and skill set and though it may not yield any direct income it all does have an effect in some way. Keep it up! 😊
Thanks Tats, your words mean so much. I know it’s important to keep showing up and I will definitely continue to do that. It helps having such lovely supportive people like you around to cheer me on!
I also want to share both the highs and the lows here as I think we often only get the curated version which isn’t real!
It is also worth saying actually, I also think that downtime is actually the time we develop creatively, mull over the past and work out next steps, even if we don't think about anything in particular. It's not being lazy at all, it's the break we actually need, more now than ever in this fast moving world around us. 💙
I relate to so much of what you are saying Hannah, I think there is always a naturally busy vs quiet time in getting clients and I have tried to “enjoy” the “break” but similarly I think I have failed in some way for it to be so quiet and feel “lazy”. It sounds like you are putting a lot of effort in to me and you have some great ideas about advertising/getting yourself out there. I had a mentor catch up with a local business mentor here in orpington and we were talking about similar things advertising wise, but also strategic networking. Is there a business you can approach who might be a similar vain to your own who might recommend you for work? Like for me I think I need to get to know web designers or printers as they may have a need for a brand/graphic designer at some point for their own clients.
That’s a very good idea and something I will definitely look into. I will also research business mentors as I think it would be very helpful to have someone like that in my sphere!
Thanks so much for this, Kylie-Ann! I appreciate your words of support and advice very much 😊
Yes I have been trying to speak to people in the area thinking that it would count as networking too! (As with kids haven’t been able to get to any networking events)
Do you have a start up business support through your local library. We are bromley council and their libraries along with greenwich and wandsworth have a start up business support thing where you get access to their events (workshops, markets, mentorships) and library space. Might be worth looking into something like that too.
I had know idea there might be business support via my library. I will look into it. I’m in Sutton borough so hopefully it’s similar. Thank you so much, I’ll keep you posted!
GREAT thinking Kylie-Ann follow your thought, "I think I need to get to know web designers or printers as they may have a need for a brand/graphic designer at some point for their own clients." and think about my advice above.
Thanks for sharing Hannah. I agree, being a multi-hyphenate means we make short term monetary sacrifices and have to be in it for the long game. But, I do believe as long as we keep going and keep our heart happy it is worth it! Small steps will get us there, and one day it’ll all pay off! 👏👏
I agree and I love what you say about keeping our hearts happy. That’s very important to me. I’ve given up creative projects in the past when they got hard and don’t want to make the same mistake again.
Thanks so much for your words and encouragement, Hannah. It means a huge amount 🧡
I’m new on your Substack but from what I’ve read so far you are certainly not lazy… I had a salon for fifteen years and spent a lot on advertising in the beginning. In those days it was the good old Yellow Pages (thankfully there are more options these days 😂) and I remember at one point getting roped into their new online advertising and before I knew it I was spending £250 per month! Anyway, learned from that, and realised that word of mouth is still one of the best ways to get clients (in my opinion, and also understand this may be different in the interior design world). But maybe doing an incentive for previous clients to advertise your work (apologies if you already do something like this) or encourage them to pass on your details in some way… 🤔😊
That is a good idea, and not something I’m already doing. I will think on some ways I could make that work, so thank you!
I’ve had a tiny bit of word of mouth business and hope that will take off more as time goes on. It’s all a huge learning curve, but mostly an enjoyable one!
I’m a bit late to this, but I think this is about the 4th or 5th piece I’ve read this week that feels like a nudge from the universe to recalibrate. I have also been feeling like I need to clarify where I’m putting my energy to ensure it aligns with my goals.
A creative practice is always shifting and evolving, isn’t it? I think the trick is to know when the current shifts and swim with, and not against, it…which I have not yet mastered.😂
Yes, you’re right. It’s important to try to follow our instincts and stick with what feels right. And also to remind ourselves that we can’t do everything.
Thank you for your generosity and vulnerability Hannah — such an interesting and most importantly non-blamey interrogation of why things are how they are!
Thanks for reading Ellie! It felt vulnerable to write it, but I think I also needed it to propel me on. Nothing has really changed since then but I feel more accepting that periods like this are normal, and also more galvanised to keep going.
I can relate to so many of your points here, Hannah! So often I find myself spread thin because I’m wanting to pursue everything in life and in my art at once. Thank you for sharing!
I suppose there are worse afflictions to have! I guess we have to try to learn to manage these creative desires when necessary, but at least it keeps life interesting!
It sounds like you’ve explored some different avenues for advertising your business and I love your reflections about how it is going. But I can also understand some of the more conflicted emotions you feel too.
Speaking of… I’m genuinely trying to embrace the word lazy. Since leaving teaching and on days when I’m not doing supply, I’ve realised that my days fall into a bit of a pattern where I am busy writing or working on other projects in the morning and also in the afternoon. Then, there’s a chunk, probably about an hour to so over lunch where I’m choose to laze about. My body and brain want to rest. Mostly, I veg out in front of the TV and eat my lunch! It’s not something I’m used to after working in education when you were lucky if you got a full lunch break.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences, and the ups and downs.
I think as teachers we get so used to not having a lunch break that it can initially seem strange to actually have a full hour or longer! What you’re describing doesn’t sound in any way lazy to me, it sounds like you need a little time to recharge before continuing with your day. But interesting how we don’t always see things that way ourselves!
Love this post Hannah and also really loved our meet up and chats! So much to talk about! I don’t think it sounds like youve been lazy, it seems like you’ve been busy! And making sure you have headspace is so important for creativity! I try to think of it that way and find it helps. 😊❤️
It was so lovely to meet you and chat and I’d have been sad if I’d been too busy to meet you, so there’s a positive right there!
You’re right that we do need headspace for creativity and I will keep trying to remind myself of that.
Thanks for your words and support, Hannah 😊
Really interesting read Hannah. ‘I’m lazy’ is the strongest of my inner voices, particularly difficult when you look around and think everyone is way more active than you! I would think sticking to Facebook groups is a winner, as it’s already working. If you want to add another element you could consider traditional email marketing. You may already offer this but one hour/90 minute consultations are good for people who don’t have much cash but need help on a certain thing/room. Something like - getting the lighting right in a room, or how to create a beautiful gallery wall.
Thanks Han!
My most popular service (when there are some clients 😂) is a one hour consultation, but I like some of your thoughts on ways to sell it. Thank you.
I have considered email marketing, but never acted on it so that is something I should look into further.
It’s my favourite type of marketing but I would say that as it’s what I do! It allows you to give longer form content & build stronger relationships AND sell!
I really do need to try it!
The systems are that complicated and most have a really good UX, I would do a bit of research before choosing one there are loads with a freemium service
P.S. Hannah, never ever suggest you're lazy again. People who read, NEVER should see you in this vain.
Cheer up Hannah - getting started is always tough. I've started five businesses and it's all "blood and guts" at first. Old builder's trick: If you have a portfolio, great! If you don't, get one. Make it as slick and polished as possible, and then go solicit those who have something to gain by knowing you - tile suppliers; plumbing fixture showrooms; fabric/textile suppliers; paint suppliers...well, you get the idea (more, stone suppliers granite/marble; trim suppliers, flooring, lighting fixtures, yadayada). They need to know you, and you them, BECAUSE when you start working with clients, you'll need to get way ahead of us contractors with your selections so we're not standing around waiting on you - AND, while you're selling them on how super smart, highly organized, and prompt you are, they're thinking, 'I want this girl on my team -she's smart, organized and she'll stay on top of everything,' SO, when people wander into their showroom (because everyone wants to get the cart before the horse!), they'll invariable ask them "who's your designer" and they'll shrug their shoulders, THEY can say, "have you thought about HANNAH ASHE?" Whew! That's a mouthful! But remember, the design/build/decorate business is all about EASE AND CONVENIENCE. They know they're going to be inconvenienced for a while - and probable hassled too, but less is way more! Get good at this and you'll have more business than you can handle.
Thanks Bob! 😊
I really connected with this post! I have a small business and have had lots of the same thoughts. Loved your note about leaving a stressful job for a reason - I feel exactly the same.
Sidenote, I haven't advertised in Facebook groups, but have on local Instagram pages where they'll repost for free, and that has generated sales for me! I'm in a totally different industry and live in NYC so not sure if you have similar Instagram pages that could work, but just wanted to mention! Advertising is really tough
Thanks so much Maria. I will definitely check out the instagram local pages to see if we have anything similar here in London.
Here’s to not returning back to burnout and embracing the challenges (and joys) of a small business ✨
This is a beautifully honest post. There are so many ebbs and flows in business. I have a “quiet days” and a “self doubt” list - I believe it’s different for all of us but quiet days turn into odd job or days of inspiration (gallery visits or long walks, Ted talks or reading), self doubt days are often just an hour of collecting, asking for or organising testimonials and then I’m back on it but I had an AWFUL few days in March and I just watched the telly and did nice things til I felt better. Sending sparkles. ✨🙏
Thanks Claire, I appreciate this very much.
I’m going to try to lean into it over the next week and see what happens. A gallery is a good idea. I might add that to the agenda. I just finished reading Still Life by Sarah Winman and I can’t stop thinking about Florence and plotting when and how I can visit to see all the wonderful art they talk about.
✨☁️ Oo will look it up. The CH4 show I was watching is called Renovation Rescue. Also great inspo and weirdly motivational!
Hang on in there! It will all come together eventually.💗
Thanks Jane! 😊
Oh Hannah, this all sounds and feels so familiar. Each challenge, each of the things on your list, I can relate so much. I have so many different creative things that I want to try and things that I see here that delight me, and I want to do so just for the joy and without the obligation and the ever present tug to monetise. Thank you for sharing so openly and so candidly, I am sure that many others will relate to this. And thank you so much for your kind words about my artwork and the shout out too 💛 I would LOVE to be a guest on your podcast, it would be so much fun to chat.
Thanks so much, Emily. It felt important to share my feelings honestly, as I don’t want to only write about the good times.
So happy that you are on board for the podcast. Thanks for your email - I will reply over the next couple of days and love your proposal too 😊
Your posts always feel so authentic and honest Hannah. I think its the authenticity and personal nature of what people share here that draws me.
Always love your honest articles and reflections Hannah. I am not self employed but am playing with the idea of setting something up maybe part time one day. There are so many creative avenues to explore and working out the balance of things that bring in actual cash vs joy not having to earn anything with the endeavour, is challenging. I believe that putting yourself out there, in every way you do already adds to your overall presence and skill set and though it may not yield any direct income it all does have an effect in some way. Keep it up! 😊
Thanks Tats, your words mean so much. I know it’s important to keep showing up and I will definitely continue to do that. It helps having such lovely supportive people like you around to cheer me on!
I also want to share both the highs and the lows here as I think we often only get the curated version which isn’t real!
I really do appreciate your comments😊 🧡
It is also worth saying actually, I also think that downtime is actually the time we develop creatively, mull over the past and work out next steps, even if we don't think about anything in particular. It's not being lazy at all, it's the break we actually need, more now than ever in this fast moving world around us. 💙
I very much agree with this. So much is about finding balance 🧡
I relate to so much of what you are saying Hannah, I think there is always a naturally busy vs quiet time in getting clients and I have tried to “enjoy” the “break” but similarly I think I have failed in some way for it to be so quiet and feel “lazy”. It sounds like you are putting a lot of effort in to me and you have some great ideas about advertising/getting yourself out there. I had a mentor catch up with a local business mentor here in orpington and we were talking about similar things advertising wise, but also strategic networking. Is there a business you can approach who might be a similar vain to your own who might recommend you for work? Like for me I think I need to get to know web designers or printers as they may have a need for a brand/graphic designer at some point for their own clients.
That’s a very good idea and something I will definitely look into. I will also research business mentors as I think it would be very helpful to have someone like that in my sphere!
Thanks so much for this, Kylie-Ann! I appreciate your words of support and advice very much 😊
Yes I have been trying to speak to people in the area thinking that it would count as networking too! (As with kids haven’t been able to get to any networking events)
Do you have a start up business support through your local library. We are bromley council and their libraries along with greenwich and wandsworth have a start up business support thing where you get access to their events (workshops, markets, mentorships) and library space. Might be worth looking into something like that too.
I’ve filled in a form on the council website about business support so hoping to be able to do a one to one session with them. Thank you! 🙏🏻
I had know idea there might be business support via my library. I will look into it. I’m in Sutton borough so hopefully it’s similar. Thank you so much, I’ll keep you posted!
GREAT thinking Kylie-Ann follow your thought, "I think I need to get to know web designers or printers as they may have a need for a brand/graphic designer at some point for their own clients." and think about my advice above.
Thanks for sharing Hannah. I agree, being a multi-hyphenate means we make short term monetary sacrifices and have to be in it for the long game. But, I do believe as long as we keep going and keep our heart happy it is worth it! Small steps will get us there, and one day it’ll all pay off! 👏👏
I agree and I love what you say about keeping our hearts happy. That’s very important to me. I’ve given up creative projects in the past when they got hard and don’t want to make the same mistake again.
Thanks so much for your words and encouragement, Hannah. It means a huge amount 🧡
I’m new on your Substack but from what I’ve read so far you are certainly not lazy… I had a salon for fifteen years and spent a lot on advertising in the beginning. In those days it was the good old Yellow Pages (thankfully there are more options these days 😂) and I remember at one point getting roped into their new online advertising and before I knew it I was spending £250 per month! Anyway, learned from that, and realised that word of mouth is still one of the best ways to get clients (in my opinion, and also understand this may be different in the interior design world). But maybe doing an incentive for previous clients to advertise your work (apologies if you already do something like this) or encourage them to pass on your details in some way… 🤔😊
That is a good idea, and not something I’m already doing. I will think on some ways I could make that work, so thank you!
I’ve had a tiny bit of word of mouth business and hope that will take off more as time goes on. It’s all a huge learning curve, but mostly an enjoyable one!
Yes, word of mouth can be a very slow way to build a business but is usually cheaper (or free) and works well long-term ☺️
I’m a bit late to this, but I think this is about the 4th or 5th piece I’ve read this week that feels like a nudge from the universe to recalibrate. I have also been feeling like I need to clarify where I’m putting my energy to ensure it aligns with my goals.
A creative practice is always shifting and evolving, isn’t it? I think the trick is to know when the current shifts and swim with, and not against, it…which I have not yet mastered.😂
Love your honest reflections, Hannah!
Yes, you’re right. It’s important to try to follow our instincts and stick with what feels right. And also to remind ourselves that we can’t do everything.
Thanks so much for reading, Maria!
Thank you for your generosity and vulnerability Hannah — such an interesting and most importantly non-blamey interrogation of why things are how they are!
Thanks for reading Ellie! It felt vulnerable to write it, but I think I also needed it to propel me on. Nothing has really changed since then but I feel more accepting that periods like this are normal, and also more galvanised to keep going.
I can relate to so many of your points here, Hannah! So often I find myself spread thin because I’m wanting to pursue everything in life and in my art at once. Thank you for sharing!
I suppose there are worse afflictions to have! I guess we have to try to learn to manage these creative desires when necessary, but at least it keeps life interesting!
Love the transparency about living this multi-hyphenate life. I can’t wait for your podcast series. 🫶
I think the honesty is very important. I still wouldn’t go back to my old life, but can’t pretend that launching a business is easy.
The podcast is coming very soon and I’m excited to share! It makes me so happy to hear that you’re looking forward to it! Thank you 🙏🏻
It sounds like you’ve explored some different avenues for advertising your business and I love your reflections about how it is going. But I can also understand some of the more conflicted emotions you feel too.
Speaking of… I’m genuinely trying to embrace the word lazy. Since leaving teaching and on days when I’m not doing supply, I’ve realised that my days fall into a bit of a pattern where I am busy writing or working on other projects in the morning and also in the afternoon. Then, there’s a chunk, probably about an hour to so over lunch where I’m choose to laze about. My body and brain want to rest. Mostly, I veg out in front of the TV and eat my lunch! It’s not something I’m used to after working in education when you were lucky if you got a full lunch break.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences, and the ups and downs.
I think as teachers we get so used to not having a lunch break that it can initially seem strange to actually have a full hour or longer! What you’re describing doesn’t sound in any way lazy to me, it sounds like you need a little time to recharge before continuing with your day. But interesting how we don’t always see things that way ourselves!