Introducing – Beautiful Button handmade Children’s Fashion

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Today we are excited to introduce you to the very talented Rachel from Beautiful button as she shares her very honest journey into the kids fashion business. It’s such a pleasure to get to know and work alongside such talented and passionate women. Grab a cuppa and enjoy the read.
Welcome Rachael,
Starting anything new is hard. Whether it be something small such as the little choices we make on a daily basis. Or conversely, a decision that could ultimately change the course of your life. Anything new is hard.
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Almost a year ago I made a decision that has changed my life. I didn’t set out with an end goal, it just naturally progressed and although my life is a little more chaotic now, I wouldn’t change it at all.
I am a mum of two, a wife and a high school teacher. Anybody would think that, that would be enough for one person. But I have had it in my heart for quite a few years now that I thought I was capable of more. Capable of seeing myself in a different role but I just didn’t know what. As a natural progression of finding out what I love, which are my family and being creative, my small online business for children’s clothing and accessories, Beautiful Button, was born.
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I am on a journey as I’ve never run a small business before and I have had no training. I have made a lot of mistakes but I have also learnt so much along the way; about my business and about myself. So I thought I’d share a few thoughts on what I’ve learnt when trying something new and things I had to constantly remind myself of along the way.
‘Suck it up princess’
Be open to criticism and advice.
When I first started the business, I could see that what I was doing was not working. So, I chose 5 other business’ that I respected and emailed them and said something along the lines of ‘I love what you do, I’m new at this, do you have any suggestions for how I can improve?’ What I got back was interesting. For the most part it was helpful advice. There was one however that was really blunt. Initially I was angry and hurt. But eventually I saw the criticism for what it was; a stepping stone to getting better. Anybody can ask for help, but it takes a bigger person to take the suggestions, not as criticism but as advice.
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 ‘Why is not an annoying question’ Learn from others.
For me, as I’d never run a small business, let alone used social media as a platform I needed to watch and learn from others around me in order to learn what to do and what not to do. Simple things like how to take a good picture, what my Insta feed should look like, getting my name out there by commenting and liking other business’ and mums images, when to post, what to post and how often to post are all things I’ve learnt from others. You are not alone and the support and guidance from others, particularly those who have gone before you, is vital to getting through any new season.
‘Selective hearing can be a good thing’
Know who to listen to.
 Today in the world of faceless, instant, online media, it seems everyone has an opinion. But the question is who do we listen to. In the beginning it seems everyone is open to giving their two cents. But the trick is knowing which sense to take. Take advice but don’t do anything that is going to hurt you, your brand, your clients or your network contacts. Don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing or saying. You are your own person and you can make your own decisions.
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‘Keep the important things; important’
Why are you doing what you do?
For me, starting a business was primarily to keep me at home with my kids for longer. Additionally it was a creative outlet and also obviously to make some more income. Over time as I got busier it seemed that I was spending less time with my kids, the creativity was becoming a chore rather than a pleasure but, I was making more money. It has only been recently that I have stepped back and started to look at ‘why’ I’m doing this. You can so easily get caught up in the momentum of life that you forget to reflect on what is important. ‘Why’ do you do what you do.
‘People matter’
Remember the people who got you there.
Your family, your friends, your network contacts, your customers. These are the people who love and support you. Make sure your time goes into thanking and loving them for who they are and who they have made you.
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These are just a few thoughts on my journey. As I said, starting anything new is hard. Take the step to see yourself, your life with more. Constantly challenge yourself. New is hard, but it is the hard things in life that shape and define us into who we are.
Thank You Rachael, such inspiring words thankyou so much for sharing with our readers.
Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo