I'm making some bold decisions this year and setting some boundaries. After a few years of trying out different ways of working, I've got an idea of what works well for me and what reduces my anxiety and stress levels:
1 - Being picky with markets I sell at:
Last year I pushed myself to try new markets, two new cities, several different towns, lots of evening events, markets which were part of larger events, markets in different types of venues. I really wanted to push myself and what I learnt is where I do best - low key events where the market is the only/main attraction, markets popping up in a business with a loyal customer base, markets that really push advertising/promoting that one market date (e.g. not just one in a series of dates) and markets in autumn.
2 - Restricting what months I do markets/in person shopping events
This year I'm doing some in person shopping events in spring (check out my events page), then I plan to do more in autumn but leave it there. NO MARKETS IN DECEMBER. I told myself after 2024 I wouldn't do any and then December 2025 rolls around and I'm at multiple markets. It was too much stress and pressure. December is the busiest month of the year at my work and as all parents of primary school aged children know, it requires a super-human level of parenting to manage all of the school activities and events. Bung in some Christmas shopping, seeing friends and family along with making some magical festive memories with the kids - it's just all too much. So this year I will be saying NO! Let me know of any autumn markets that I should check out.
3 - Spend summer making
You know that saying, "make hay whilst the sun shines", well I feel that it's pretty apt for pottery. The long days naturally lend themselves to lots of extra studio hours, not only is there daylight to see but your pots dry so quickly that you can throw, trim and pop a handle on a mug, all in one day. I really want to build up a big old chunk of pots for autumn markets and finally avoid those dreaded last minute rushes to get a kiln load fired for the next market.
I'm also hoping that I can build up enough stock to find some wholesale suppliers for autumn and winter, if you're interested in stocking some Wren Pottery later this year, get in touch and I can send you my wholesale pricelist.
What do you think of this plan? I'm really hoping that my boundaries stay in place. I'm not going to be super rigid, if the right thing pops up that I can accommodate, well then, why not?! But I'm hoping to spend more of the year bringing the joy of potting back and not stressing over meeting deadlines cramming in so much that I miss out on my actual life.
I'll keep you all updated on how it goes, and don't forget to follow me on Instagram to see if I'm keeping on track!
Tracey x