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Image Credit: Photo by Alicia on Flickr |
I might have lost money that day, but it was not a day full of losses. I have learned many lessons from selling at that craft fair, but I think the most important one of all is to never give up on your dreams, even if it takes 18 years.

I tried to sell my Christmas gifts to neighbors one year. Granny sent me a whole slew of toothbrushes and mini flashlights and I saw a lucrative opportunity to regift 🙂
Maybe Granny’s real present that year was fueling your first small business 😉
Such a sweet story, honestly, because I could totally feel your youthful, entrepreneurial spirit through the words! 🙂
I was definitely a dreamer back then. Even though it wasn’t as successful as I would have hoped I think I was happy a gave it a try.
Hey, at least you tried, right? Luckily, you weren’t too traumatized by the experience!
Seriously! I think I was just mostly disappointed, but I got over it pretty quickly.
Great entrepreneurial spirit! Everyone has to start somewhere!!
What a valuable lesson to learn at such a young age. Great story
Such a nice memory and a thoughtful blog. I make my own jewelry and give some away but I know I could never recoup my time or supplies selling. People wonder why I don’t sell my pieces and I know it is because I dwell so long on each piece. Best of wishes with your jewelry. Enjoy your SITS Day.
{Melinda} That’s such an awesome story … the results may not have been what you wanted, but what a fantastic learning experience. And how great were your parents to support you in that venture. You were very blessed indeed. 🙂 Hope you have a tremendous SITS Day!! 🙂
Indeed! I think when I was 12, though, I had no idea that I would ever actually be doing this for a living!
Thanks! I definitely learned a lot that day, and I’m so proud of my 12-year-old self for taking that risk.
Oh, I hear you, Sheila! Sometimes I finish a piece and it’s so hard to put it up for sale–after knowing how much time I put into it, and seeing the finished product, I often want to keep it all for myself. If you ever to decided to sell, do it because you truly want to.
Awe. How heart breaking for such a young one but it’s great that you never let it deter you from trying again! Happy SITS Day! This type of story reminds me of all the hopes and dreams I had at being a great author, actress, babysitter, personal organizer, etc. growing up. I may have to tap back into those passions a little bit. Thanks for sharing!!!
A for effort! The only thing I’ve ever sold is Girl Scout cookies and those babies sell themselves.
Well, I was a big fan of the Lemonade Stand when I was younger. And while my long term goal is not to run my own Lemonade stand I do think it showed early on (around 8-9 years old) that I had an entrepreneurial spirit. It definitely hasn’t left me and those early days in the hot sun of the driveway taught me about responsibility and marketing. You yelled “50% Off” I yelled “Lemonade 10 cents. Cool down!” at cars passing by. I have been trying to start my own business every since – I no longer yell but I do smile and wave 🙂
Yes, I think it is wonderful that you discovered your passion at that early age. What a wonderful experience (even if it did not seem like it then). Very inspiring!
I used to make beaded jewelry and sell it too. I think my mom was my best (and probably only) customer!!
Wow. I love it. 7th grade you was very wise, and I am glad that you still have her go-for-it attitude.
What a sweet story of going for your dreams! I love hearing about these “heart” tales. Congrats on keeping the dream alive and for a great SITS day!
Wouldn’t be nice sometimes if we could completely listen to the passions of our childhood selves? 🙂 (Though there are some things I thought I wanted to do then that I would in reality want to do!)
Oh, I was so bad a school fundraisers! I did decent at the Girl Scout cookies, but was no where close to the top selling in my troupe (and you’re right, they do sell themselves!)
That’s awesome! Best of luck with your business.
Yay congratulations!! I’m in the same boat as you 🙂
Thanks, Raquel!
For awhile so was my mom! She used to commission me to make pieces to match jewelry she already had.
Aw, thanks! I don’t know that I was that business-savvy back then, but I’m so glad I tried it.
Thanks, Stacey!
It seems like I still occasionally have those days where I don’t sell anything! Great
Spirit!
I still have those days as well!