Inception

My jewellery business has been up and running for six years at this moment, its going well, I’m finding my place, gaining a bit of a following and most importantly, people seem to really like my work.

I won’t say it’s been easy, it hasn’t, it isn’t, in fact it’s really hard work, I’m sure anyone who’s been a sole trader in the creative industry will testify to this, but I’m really pleased with the year so far and I’m already thinking about and planning for next years events.

It’s Autumn, we’re recently back from a crazy four weeks in Edinburgh, me selling everyday for 28 days at the West End Fair, John working remotely from a hot desk and joining me at the stand at weekends, all the while living in a tent. (Yes, a tent but thats another story for another day!) I’m already back in the workshop working hard to replenish stock ready for the madness that is the run up to Christmas.

It’s a Thursday evening so we’re at the Badminton Centre for our regular game with a couple of friends and I’m hearing bits of a conversation from the other side of the court. Mostly chat about Edinburgh, how the show went, the infamous tent life and also about John’s hot desking experience. Our friend Katherine (aka The Hoff) has a very enquiring mind and often asks the questions that most others don’t think to. The bits I mostly picked up on were:

The Hoff: “So, you can work from anywhere?”

John: “Well yeah, all I really need is my laptop.”

The Hoff: “Why are you even here?”

And with that, the seed was sown. That evening from the other side of the net she really got me thinking, even if I didn’t quite realise it at the time. It was clearly because of my business that we couldn’t just up and leave and go work wherever we fancied, but that’s just how it is, that’s the life we’ve chosen. Or is it?

Fast forward a few months and we’re enjoying the warm Spanish sun on a New Year break in Mijas Pueblo. Absolutely stunning little place, muy bonito, the food and drink was fabulous, and the people were just so nice and so friendly, and so patient and helpful when I’m practicing my Spanish. We want to spend more time here, but how do we do it? Something in the back of my mind just keeps quietly niggling at me.

We’re back home and it’s 3 degrees and sleeting. We really miss the warm Spanish sun.

Maybe we could book a holiday for our anniversary (it’s a big one this year)? No, I have a show the weekend after. Summer? No, biggest show of the year is Edinburgh. Autumn? No, too busy getting ready for Christmas shows. OK, New Year it is. Well, January is a quiet sales month for me, maybe we could extend the trip? I’m sure closing the web shop for a month would be ok.

We’ve found a nice little apartment in Mijas, we book for New Year until the beginning of February. We’ll take the first week as holiday, then John will set up his laptop and work remotely and I’ll get to work on new jewellery designs. Sooo looking forward to some creative time and space.

The Hoff: “Sounds amazing! Why aren’t you going for Christmas?”

Another badminton game and another question we have no answer for.

We tweak the apartment booking to include Christmas. We can do this.

Back in the workshop and I’m busy making stock for spring shows, they’re a few months off but I want to be well prepared. Are we really not going away for our anniversary because I have a show the next weekend? A little seed planted in the back of my head a few months ago has germinated well and is developing roots.

A couple of weeks and a lot of questions go by. I’m realising how much we could benefit from a change of lifestyle, we’ve always wanted to travel more, and working remotely as digital nomads (or slomads as I’ve come to understand is the term for us) could give us that opportunity. But how can I? I have my jewellery business.

I also have a background in graphic / web design!

Am I seriously considering closing my business and returning to graphic design? Apparently I am?

Won’t that be a waste of six years hard work? Maybe? But no, I’ve learned a lot and I’ve personally developed through the process, and change isn’t always a bad thing. Do I not just have itchy feet? Perhaps, but isn’t life all about experiences? How can I gain more doing the same thing forever? Will people think I’m giving up on it because it’s hard work? Probably, but I know this is a pull rather than push. I’m being drawn to an alternative lifestyle, not being forced to throw in the towel on a failed dream. And besides, should I really care what those people think? No.

There are many reasons I should continue with the business, all of them tumbling around my head right now. I’m part of a fabulous community of creators and makers, what I do takes skill, I’m helping keep traditional crafts alive, I create work that people cherish, and that brings me a real sense of pleasure. But now I have another direction to turn, I don’t want to miss my chance of adventure, and that tiny seed in the back of my head has now sprouted several lush green shoots, and I want the freedom to explore.

After much discussion and many glasses of wine the decision is made, I’m now a web designer, back working with John, and we’re heading out on our new slomad life.

Inception (noun): The beginning, start, or commencement of something.
For example, according to Merriam-Webster:
“An act, process, or instance of beginning.”