I love what I do. Not many people can say the same and that is very sad.
Much to my mom's disappointment I was a University drop out. I had met the man of my dreams and all I could think of was getting married. We wanted 3 kids (and had them). For many years I worked in positions that I hated. Working at Standard Bank Westmead branch was like being in Siberia. Four bank robberies did not help to make things easier.
I spent my life drawing pictures and making cards and photo collages for family. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could make a living by using my creative talents.
I was 51 years old when I started my own business, Fuzzy Feelings. I dived in and bought a mug press, heat press, printer and laptop. With Coral Draw on my laptop I was set to start making gifts. I shed lots of tears not understanding the icons.
I knew that I had to have a webpage if I wanted to sell my products online. I had spent most of my capital purchasing stock and with no idea of how I was going to generate an income, I decided to make a free website. I wish someone had warned me that it is a waste of time. I spent hours building it and sent the link to friends and family only to be told that none of them could see it. I did not get published on the web.
The lesson was learned. I paid a company to host my webpage and using their tools I build my first website. The next day my phone started ringing off the hook. Everyone wanted to chat to me about SEQ. I had offers of:- "pay R850 pm and we will help you get orders... to pay me R2000 per month and we will grow your business for you. You will get 1000's of orders" I was scared. I did not know where to find the money to pay them or if I did pay them how was I going to cope with all the orders.
Another fear that I faced was that "most small start up businesses go under within the first 2 years." I learned that I had tenacity and drive. I taught myself about printing and marketing and with hard work I got myself on google without paying anyone.
Now 6 years later I am proud of everything that I have accomplished. I have helped other people who started up their own businesses. Given advice, taught them some much needed tricks as well.
What I am most proud of is the fact that I have filled lots of households with stunning personalised gifts. I know that the artwork that I do for my clients are prettier than any of my opponents. The quality of the unique gifts made by Fuzzy Feelings is exceptional and good value for money
www.fuzzyfeelings.co.za.