05/02/2024
Heading into my 10th year as a leather worker, I’ve been through shifts where this has felt like more of a business, and periods where it’s turned into more of a paid hobby. I think I go through these periods, because what matters most is that I’m preserving the thing I love.
If it were simply about just making money, Id be following a different strategy and likely replicating that. I’ve always found this to be a dance between pushing myself to develop further as a craftsman/creative and finding myself in business. Most of these things I’ve learned through trial and error, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t come with massive amounts of uncertainty at times.
Life can be unpredictable, but I’ve learned that the best thing to do when things slow down for me, is to focus on innovation and pushing myself creatively or to learn new things. Sometimes learning new things totally unrelated to working with leather. I think it’s important to always be learning and pushing yourself; it makes you more valuable as a person.
Through it all, I’m so grateful. Grateful for the steady work I have, even when things can get quieter. Grateful for the opportunity I’ve had over the last few years to focus on my health, which has been a journey in itself. Grateful for the chance to maintain a presence with my business and what will always remain ‘my hobby’, even when life has thrown me a few challenges.
I often take time to remind myself that the road is not always smooth, but it’s the journey that makes it all worthwhile. Embrace the ups and downs, and never lose sight of why you started in the first place.
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you taking the time to read what I have to say. Thanks for reading along! 🤘🏼
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