There are some changes (challenges?) coming up this year for my family that have forced me to evaluate what projects this year are most important and concentrate on them. I am a big believer in change & getting out of one’s comfort zone…so as much as it is not how I envisioned my year I choose to embrace it!
Change has a way of kicking my butt in gear. When I realize my timeline has been shortened, this is when my best work emerges. I tend to over think – over perfect things. In essence I work the best under pressure.
So the one thing I could not put off any longer, was programming my website. My own little piece of cyber space where you can browse my jewelry online for purchase – either limited edition or custom and to request pieces for wholesale or consignment . I needed a place of freedom where everything would be in one space and I would have total control over it. This would eliminate the need for selling on third party venues. Maintaining these shops is time consuming & I have not much control on the space itself (customizing). I find myself constantly saying, “I wish I could do…”, “I wish I could offer….”
So the software has been picked. The theme has been chosen and customized. I am now adding product for testing. Here is the test site… http://shop.heavenlyflower.com – which will soon become http://heavenlyflower.com.
(This is a test site so browse only…created accounts will not be kept once the site goes live). Once completed customers will be able to browse/buy and request jewelry, keep a wishlist & email items to friends/family, earn reward points, join a referral program & browse in 5 different currencies (more may be added later).
We still have to test the sign in/account/payment capabilities. For now I have payment set up via Paypal API, and eventually will also offer direct credit card payment.
I also have plans to add downloadable brochures & press releases to the site as well.
This will not only simplify my life but allow me to market my business & represent me the best way possible. 🙂
So that is what I am busy with. Along with moving over 100 ready to ship pieces to the site, I have over 30 pieces for my custom/engravable collection to photograph and add to the site as well. Then once that is complete I have to do it all over again for my supply shop. 🙂
To keep up to date with the site’s development & new products, check back here on the blog, or via Facebook.
Leilani, I like the look of your new shop page!
Good on you too, for accepting the challenge and getting it up and running. I wish I was more skilled in programming and could sort something out for myself. One day…
Tasha xo
Thanks Tasha it is exciting and feels like “home”…a long time coming. I am lucky that my hubby is the resident geek. I am the wannabe who has learned so much over our years together. I was lamenting, “Why oh why didn’t I do this ages ago?” but the truth is a lot of this software didn’t exist just two years ago…and we just didn’t have time to build it from scratch. F-R-E-E-D-O-M! 🙂