business series: preview
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 12:14PM 
So, things have been a little hectic around the RIFLE studio (to say the least). We have been overwhelmed with the positive response to the online store and are working incredibly hard to keep up with the pace. Because of how much has been going on and how much I've learned, I've decided to begin a weekly business series starting in January. It will be devoted to the things we've learned over the past year, stories of successes and failures, interviews with other designers & bloggers about their business tips, and helpful advice and resources. I've noticed a significant lack of helpful information and resources (though there are wonderful sources as well) as we've struggled to get everything rolling and I thought I would take a stab at filling some of that void. I'm no expert but I'm excited about sharing some things I've learned and we'll see if you find it useful as well..
To begin, I thought I would share a little preview about how hard the past two weeks have been for us. We are incredibly grateful for the positive response the store (and line) has received but I will be perfectly honest, we have been on the verge of a few nervous breakdowns because of circumstances completely out of our control which have caused delays, hiccups, and loads of frustration. Because of this, we are struggling to fulfill orders and are hoping to receive some patience and understanding as we find our footing. We are still quite a small operation and are literally working all day & night to get up to speed. I don't want to elaborate on all of the struggles right now because we're still in the midst of it but I will share more later.
All this to say, opening a store and starting a business entails an insane amount of work. But no matter how hard you prepare and plan there are often curve balls that life throws at you for (whatever reason) that you just have to deal with. We are getting through this stage and are so excited about what we're doing. We are ever so grateful for those who support our work and look forward to growing and expanding our new line throughout next year.
-Anna
behind the scenes in business series
Reader Comments (60)
Anna, I'm so inspired by what you've done these past few months. As a student getting ready to graduate and (hopefully) follow in similar footsteps, I would love to hear your advice. I can't wait for January :)
As for your busy schedule, good luck, hang in there... I'm sure it'll slow down a bit after the holidays... and in the meantime, I'll be sending good thoughts your way! Better busy than doing no business, right?
Seriously, as I was reading this post 15 minutes ago the doorbell rang and the postman dropped off my package of cards. I though it was very bizarre timing. They are even more beautiful in person and I couldn't be more excited! It sounds like the past few weeks have been insane. I hope things get better because I can't wait to order more!
I'm sure you'll eventually catch up and everything will work out! I am so grateful that you will be sharing your experiences though. I have no idea where to start with opening a little shop and any info at this point would so great! Thank you so much for sharing. I love your work, especially the little doggie cards, lol.
At the risk of completely creeping you out I wanted to let you know that I live at the corner of Denning and Fairbanks so I literally drive right by you everyday and I see you in there late into the night working away. I feel inspired everyday as I drive by knowing that creative and amazing progress is going on through that window. Can't wait to hear about all you have learned.
Oh I know the feeling! I had an online/mail-order catalog called Itsay several years ago and while it was extremely overwhelming it was also extremely rewarding. Hang in there, I'm betting on the latter for you! :)
Haydee
Great job so far Anna! How wonderful that you will share what you've learned through this process. As someone who buys from small and independent sellers and stores like you all the time, we really do understand there may be hiccups and delays and will continue to support the little guy (and girl!) Good luck moving forward!
I am so thrilled to hear that you will be writing about your experience! It has been a dream of mine to start my own little creative shop, but the process seems so overwhelming and so mind boggling it's hard to know where to begin. I so look forward to reading all of your advice. I wish you a happy and productive holiday season with many patient and understanding customers! =)
Looking forward to the series!! Good luck with all the orders!
Anna and Nathan: keep up the awesome work and don't have anymore breakdowns! We can wait for your wonderful gifts to get to us when they do. :)
hey anna,
everything WILL get better i promise! and the new series sounds so great!
joy
ps. that illo of you with the box over your head is hilarious!
sorry for all the hassle! we all love your work so much though; hopefully that boosts your spirits just a little :) the business series sounds interesting -- can't wait to read more. good luck! hang in there.
Thank you for all the sweet words! It truly means the world. :)
and to Ashley - we are laughing right now that someone sees us in here working late at night. feel free to stop in and say hi sometime! even though the storefront has yet to open we always welcome visitors. ..although lately I've been looking like one hot mess rolling out of bed and into this office for like 15 hours a day so as long as you excuse that...
Anna,
I have been following your blog for a while now and LOVE your work. It has been hugely inspiring to watch your journey over the last few months and I am really looking forward to your new series. I am more than sure all the hiccups will work themselves out and that people will be patient whilst they do.
Thanks for sharing,
Kate
anna,
thanks for sharing and for being willing to share! it would be fascinating, worthwhile, and valuable information that you would share with the rest of us so that we can get a glimpse of what it takes to open such a shop. I am so excited for you and know that with all the hard work and late hours, and blood sweat and tears, i have no doubt that you and your shop will continue to be a success.
Judy
I'm SO looking forward to this!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!
so glad to hear you'll be sharing along the way! hoping you've had a few more hours of sleep as of late ;)
Oh man, sorry to hear things have been rough, but I am super excited for this series! I opened a business only three months ago and plan to steal all of your advice! All your stuff looks great, and I am proud to be the first male commenter on this post!
Hi Anna & Nathan,
I received my order today and I honestly said things like "wooOOoow" and "oh my gosh!" when I unwrapped each set of cards. They really are even more beautiful person and were completely worth the short wait.
Just wanted to give you some good feedback during what sounds like a crazy time!
Anna & Nathan,
Just wanted to tell you to hang in there! :) I received my order yesterday and the cards were even more beautiful in person! I actually gasped when I pulled them out of the box, haha. Thanks for the sweet little discount card - a rare, wonderful touch that did not go unnoticed!