Being Me.

Salaam and Hello everyone! :)

I'm not going to begin this post by mentioning how long it's been since I've blogged. Hehe. There we go, I just did.... ANYWAY!

I was inspired to blog today on a little personal something, about being me. A lot of you follow me on Facebook via my personal profile, have heard things about me, or know me as THE Firefly Girl. I'm humbled and thank you for your kindness, your love and utmost respect. I above all, thank HIM for protecting my flaws and granting me the honor among his people, on several levels. Alhamdulillah!

I get friends messaging me how they're thankful to have met me, or how I've inspired their lives, or you to know... what they like about me. And I sit dumbfounded. Wondering, that's how most people are, no? It may be that to the world you're someone, but to someone you may be the world. It makes my heart melt when all these young girls message me saying Varah Baji you inspire me, or Varah Baji I look up to you... or Varah you're my role model, you're such a colorful person. Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah!

I wanted to share today that I'm a lot like everyone else. I mean, I have phases of being extremely happy and excited about things that add a sparkle to my day, and I have down days. Some days are such down days, I don't know how high of the ground I am. No joke! It's learning. A lot about life. I have a family, we have our family time, we have commitments, we have tragedies and we have happiness. I guess being imperfect is a sign of being normal. I become absent minded when I'm buried in work. I do feel bummed when the project turns out wrong the first 10 times. I don't like certain foods. And I love exploring he world.

The reason I'm sharing this here today is because in the last 6 months I discovered a whole new world for myself. I uncovered the fact that I have grown as a person through my work in the last 4 years, and a lot more through my personal life in the last year and a half. I'm definitely blessed there. I've come back to K-town. And I'm enjoying it. I love being around crafty people, I love meeting creative people and I thoroughly enjoy exploring new arenas for myself. I'm within the comfort of those I love. And I wouldn't trade it for anything else!

I'm probably the world's most impatient person. *guilty* I learned a lot about sabr over the last one year. In the last 2.5 months alone at the current work place, I've learned to be more accommodating, understanding, and have finally nailed the spot where not everything is my fault. I'm a perfectionist at some level, and when things aren't on the agenda or go off, I get upset... I believe in His decree, whole heartedly. And all along the way, I know that He's teaching me more about myself than I had ever imagined.

• I'm taking better care of myself on some levels. (no one else will come do it for me)
• I am more regular with my prayers/meditation time with Him. I've become more punctual actually in regard to Salah times. And I have this weird sad feeling when I miss one or am late. I'm not pious... I'm not Holy. I'm like everyone. Struggling and being Guided.
• I take a few minutes to doodle and write every day or every other day. Even if it's a one liner on Facebook. It keeps me sane! 
• I value my family greatly... 
• I am more attentive to my friends.
• I am generally happier
• I swore to myself that despite being unkind to, I will remain kind. Despite being bitterly treated, I would not become bitter, and despite being hurt or put down, I won't do the same to another human being, ever.
• I attempt to make at least a few people smile everyday (thank goodness for 479 people talking about this)
• I buy what I like when I shop... life's too short to think about that sale later, what if your shoe size is out of stock when you go back? I've found a lot of 'joy' in retail therapy the last few months. I dress well with what I'm comfortable in.
• There is no time to sit and ask WHY. Instead, I'm on more of a Why Not kind of spree. I've basically started over from scratch... and what they say about nothing is impossible til it's done.. It's so unbelievably true! You don't know how strong you are until that's the only choice you have. :) 

There's actually a whole lot more I wish to do and feel I need to reflect and improve on, I'm getting there. A wee bit at a time. :) Just felt like sharing this with you. I'm inspired. And it's all Him. <3

He is beautiful and loves beauty... why not spread it?

Love, V

An Entrepreneur's Nightmare Part 1

I won't even begin to feel bad about being quiet on the blog for almost 7 months. Sheesh it's been long. It's also probably why my thoughts are less profound or my personality's been a little snappy. :P I've been keeping it in. Thinking more, creatively less.

I have so much to write about naturally! But I'll keep it brief, because I began this train of thought to begin a series of topics I want to bring to light and open to discussion for my Entrepreneural seminar. It's these little posts that I hope will enlighten and bring the seminar to a fruitful discussion inshaAllah! Haven't set a date yet... but stay tuned. We'll have a good time :))

I was chatting with someone the other day and I felt it important to share this with those new to the world of entrepreneurship or having a hard time coping with breaking into the market.
It's very easy to feel disheartened or to feel like you 'failed' because you paid an x amount booth fee, invested in a y amount inventory and didn't even make z sales. It could be a number of factors that affect your productivity and return at participating in events. I've been there guys. Trust me.

No sales, barely sales, happy people but lame sales, awesome feedback, sell out inventory... bits and pieces of all of it :) Alhamdulillah! ALL to learn from!

Here are a few points to ponder upon.
How long have you been operating your brand? How many people know you?

If you just started and thought an exhibition is a fab way to introduce yourself, you're right! If 10 people come to see someone else's work, they just might come and see yours, right? No! If no one recognizes your or identifies the work you do, they might pause, glance and walk by. If you have a clientele or fan base already present, there's a bigger chance you have more visitors stopping by to visit you and your fantastic work. It's a gamble.

Apart from the marketing or publicity honored by the organizer, it is VERY important to activate your OWN market, your fanbase... even if it's just your parents, siblings or close friends. get them to come out and support YOU :) it makes a big difference.

It took me 6 months before I took part in my first exhibit for Firefly. Yes, I had a little fan base, that I actually managed to hype up to come see Firefly goodies up close. It was awesome Alhamdulillah!
Then there were hi-fi events that just didn't work for me, because I was the new girl. People didn't recognize me there from previous years... and well... the market was different. :) It was an experience for sure. I walked home with a  LOT of stuff, but hey! I exhibited there, too!

Some platforms are amazing grounds for exposure and prospect clientele. Events like this are usually larger, with larger crowds, and most often with likeminded people coming in for likeminded tastes. Personally, the Crafter's Expo is one of those kind of platforms. Your visiting cards, your display, your smile, and your energy are what lure people to remember you. You have to be confident and you need to stand proud next to your work, forget selling it, you want others to stop by, look, and get to know who you are.

I don't know how many noticed, but we put up our expo photographs recently. The turnout was huge, the exposure was definitely phenomenal. For some more than others. If you observe the photographs, there are some vendors who are smiling, interacting, enjoying and putting up a happy face. Others appear worried, upset, shy, or just uninviting. Body language and facial expressions are key to energizing people. Your vibes are what draw people to you, or put them off. No one's asking you to harass someone to come and stop by your booth, no. smile, be nice. Be welcoming! If you stand frowning, heck no one's going to want to drop by ;)

These are just a few to get you thinking and reflecting. How'd you feel when you exhibited?
You don't need to be upset or afraid if you came home with left over items, it's okay. Your rizq and naseeb are pre-written. Your efforts reap fruits eventually! :) you don't give up. Think about how many more people went home knowing about you. Think about how many new people know about you and will tell others about you. Think positive! and say Alhamdulillah!

Love. (I'm going to pause it here for now)