In My Haven: July 7
This week in my haven I was back home after spending the previous week in Indiana with my family to take Joanna to her first 4-H project judging and to spend some time at the lake. The week away was really nice, despite the weather and air quality not cooperating perfectly, but it was also good to be back home. I had missed being able to sew! This week I didn't have too much on my to-do list in the way of orders to complete or markets to prepare for, which has given me time to think about some of my other summer business goals. Specifically, I've been thinking about these two goals: increase the number of email subscribers to this journal and reach 1,000 followers on Instagram. While I know that I need to market my business, this area is definitely not my strength. I'm an introvert, so shouting about Haven Handmade from the internet’s version of the rooftop isn't something I'm naturally predisposed to doing. However, I really believe in this little business of mine and in the uniqueness and quality of what I make, so I know I'll keep trying until I find something that works. And when that thing inevitably stops working as well, I'll go searching for a new way to do things. The level of persistence one needs to be a small business owner is not to be underestimated!
Since I know you're already a supporter of Haven Handmade if you're reading this, I want to ask you to do at least one of these things for me. All of them are free, quick and will help others find out about what I make. (And if you already do all these, thank you so much!)
Follow Haven Handmade on Instagram and turn on post notifications so that you are sure to see what I'm up to. (Here's how to do that.)
Sign up to receive In My Haven, this weekly journal of mine, via email. (You'll receive a 15% off discount code when you do.)
Tell someone you know about Haven Handmade. Whether you have an actual face to face conversation or share a post of mine on social media, word-of-mouth recommendations are the best.
Haven Handmade Shop
Personalized Zip Up Pouch
Upcoming summer travel was the impetus for creating this new personalized zip up pouch. Joanna needed a larger size toiletries bag, so I naturally had to make her one with my signature appliqué style. The design is simple, but the options for personalizing this handy little guy are pretty much endless. Filled up with a few special goodies, these pouches would also make an excellent and thoughtful gift for just about anybody.
More From My Haven
Since life isn't all business, here’s a little more about what’s happening in my haven this week.
What I'm Cooking: This chicken caesar pasta salad recipe was really tasty!
What I'm Reading: I finished reading Remarkably Bright Creatures (Shelby Van Pelt) and really found myself caring about all the characters and wanting them to have their happy endings. Also, I had to delete and reload my ebook app, which caused me to lose my list of books I want to read. Please share your book recommendations with me to help me remake my list!
What Joanna is Reading: Joanna and I also finished Adventures with Waffles (Maria Parr), and we loved the combination of silly and sweet that ran through the whole story. Now we're reading The Twenty One Balloons (William Pene du Bois), which was a favorite of mine as a kid.
What I'm Listening to: I've been really enjoying the album Expert In A Dying Field by The Beths.
What’s Making Me Happy: Being back in my sewing room and getting to see fireworks shows for the 4th of July in the best two places I can think of: over Lake Wawasee and at the White Sox stadium.
Gift Card Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win a $10 gift card for the Haven Handmade shop! Here's how:
Make sure you are on the In My Haven email list.
Leave a comment on this post. (Share a book recommendation, favorite recipe or just a bit about what's happening in your haven.)
That's it! Two things. I'll choose a winner at random and notify them via email by July 21, 2023.
What's happening in your haven this week?
Warmly,
Beth
Disclosure: The links in this post are not affiliate links. I do not receive any compensation for the recommendations I make in my journal. It's just a place where I can write about what I like and think you might too.
