Every year before Blue Tickings birthday I always get feelings of disbelief that this little dream of ours is still going. The business John and I concocted in those heady baby/toddlers years is still here and that's amazing. This year feels a little different though; I feel more emotional about reaching this milestone.
The world has changed considerably for all of us over the last three years and running a small business during these times has been both challenging and inspiring. There have been some highs and some lows and whilst even in easier times you often ponder the advantages of employed work, this thought definitely popped into my head a lot more in 2022. As a business we did well during covid, but it was utterly exhausting and a scary time. 2022 appeared and we hoped for a more settled and 'normal' year, but what we got was quite the opposite! Many factors were out of our control (rising costs, the knock on effects of Brexit, the war in Ukraine etc) and it all just felt a lot harder.
It was also the year I lost a parent and whilst some days work provided a welcome distraction, on others I didn't want to have to think about it. I'll be honest, last year was hard and I was grateful to press the reset button on the 1st Jan!
However, it's now May 2023 and things are settling and I want to focus on the positives and celebrate what we have achieved in the last year. So here are my nine top moments/highs from the last 12 months.
Moving to a better email provider
This may not sound very exciting but it has been a big step for us. We now have a provider which is much more intuitive and insightful and allows us to really tailor how we speak to our customers and potential customers. We also have four distinct layouts for the different type of emails we send and we hope they are much more engaging and eye catching. Do let us know what you think!
Introducing a new range of pictures from India
With the cost of living crisis really kicking in last year we tried to introduce goods with a smaller price point. At one of the fairs we go to, we saw these amazing pictures from India that came already framed. The pictures are painted onto the reverse of the glass and we just loved the look and feel of them. We got a couple for our own house and then asked our customers if they liked them. It was a resounding yes and so we went for it and sourced quite a few. They have been a brilliant new addition and one we hope to keep selling.
Believing in our products and staying positive
When it's all a bit of a rollercoaster it can be easy to focus on the negatives and not see the brilliantness that's in front of you. I spent many a day last year reminding myself that what we do and the goods we sell are loved by many. We are salvaging amazing pieces of furniture and giving our customers something unique and full of character and charm. Each desk, cupboard or chair has a history and story and we love that.
Knowing that this will pass and things will get easier became an important focal point and one I told myself weekly, if not daily!
Getting John in front of the camera more
It was only a matter of time before I convinced John to show up more on Instagram! He's not on social media, but realises its importance for Blue Ticking so is happy to appear every now and again! Whenever he does, I get loads of comments which always amazes him! Hopefully 2023 will see more appearances and funny videos!
The return of The Edith!
Our much loved birch ply boxes on castors made a very welcome return in March. We had to stop making them last year due to the cost of the wood reaching silly prices. They are now firmly back and gracing your homes once more. We have three different ones to go for; plain, customised or upholstered. To see the different options head online.
Support from our lovely customers
When things are a bit more up and down it's of great comfort to know that people have your back. Last year I really felt the love and our customers were amazing. You sent many messages of support and even though the world was in turmoil, continued to buy our goods and shout about Blue Ticking. Thank you, thank you for all that you do.
Buying, buying, buying!
Through all the madness we continued to buy and source goods on a weekly basis. We have never stopped looking for brilliant pieces of furniture or something new to excite our customers about. It's also been the year that John has taken on a lot of the buying and most weeks he is scouring fairs finding new stock.
Adding a new top to our Maggie range
Our brilliant Maggie stool and storage combo has had a bit of an update. You can now choose a birch ply lid for the top. A great option if you want to use it as more of a side table. Or you can buy both options and change them over depending on your use! Head online to see what we have in stock.
We still have a business after the last year!
An important one to end on! Blue Ticking is still here even after the most challenging year yet. We are ploughing forward and making things happen. Prices are beginning to come down and consumer confidence is gradually growing and I feel good about the year ahead. Lets make it a wonderful one!
