From Teaching to Entrepreneurship: My Journey on Etsy
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Inspiration Behind Starting an Etsy Shop
- Pivoting from Online Teaching to Entrepreneurship
- Discovering Lydia Shanks and The Dream Session
- Crafting a Business Vision and Mission Statement
- The Teach, Connect, Shine Philosophy
- Embracing Calligraphy and Hand-Lettering
- Exploring the World of Greeting Cards
- The Birth of Teachers Greetings
- The Importance of Encouraging Teachers
- Navigating the Challenges and Overcoming Fear
- Seeking Guidance from Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneur
- Collaborating with Camille Daly and Finding Divine Flow
- Prayers and Faith in the Success of Teachers Greetings
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this article, I want to share with you my exciting journey of starting an Etsy shop called Teachers Greetings. The idea behind this venture is to create greeting cards that remind teachers of their value in the community. I will take you through the inspiration behind starting this shop, the process of pivoting from online teaching to entrepreneurship, and the resources that have helped shape my business vision. Additionally, I will discuss how my passion for calligraphy and hand-lettering played a role in the creation of Teachers Greetings. Join me as I embark on this new adventure and explore the world of greeting cards dedicated to uplifting teachers.
The Inspiration Behind Starting an Etsy Shop
Last year, many teachers, including myself, had to pivot their careers due to changes in the online teaching industry. This sparked a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship among educators. As I witnessed fellow teachers opening Etsy shops and launching teacher training academies, I felt inspired to join them on this journey. The idea of creating a business that could encourage and support teachers resonated deeply with me. Through my own experiences as a classroom teacher, online teacher, and parent, I understood the challenges and undervaluation that teachers often face. This propelled me to take the leap and start Teachers Greetings, a greeting card company dedicated to reminding teachers of their worth in the community.
Pivoting from Online Teaching to Entrepreneurship
The decision to transition from online teaching to entrepreneurship was not an easy one. However, it was necessary for me to explore new avenues and pursue my passion for supporting teachers. I enrolled in several courses that provided guidance and coaching from experienced entrepreneurs in the education industry. These courses, such as Angela Silva's Teacher Career Academy and Dana Johnson's Ecom Boutique Academy, equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to start my own business. They taught me how to identify a viable business idea, create a brand, and utilize platforms like Etsy to launch my shop. Through these courses, I gained valuable insights into the world of e-commerce and discovered the potential of selling handmade products.
Discovering Lydia Shanks and The Dream Session
As I delved deeper into the process of starting my Etsy shop, I realized the importance of developing a clear business vision and mission. This led me to seek the guidance of a business consultant, Lydia Shanks. Through a dream session with Lydia, I was able to pour out all my ideas and receive expert advice on refining my vision. Lydia's expertise and thought-provoking questions helped me distill my goals and values into a cohesive mission statement. With her assistance, I gained clarity about the purpose of Teachers Greetings and how it could positively impact the teaching community. Lydia's support was instrumental in shaping the direction of my business and instilling confidence in my entrepreneurial journey.
Crafting a Business Vision and Mission Statement
At the core of Teachers Greetings is the philosophy of "Teach, Connect, Shine." This philosophy embodies my deep passion for teaching, my desire to foster connections within the teaching community, and my belief in the transformative power of encouragement. Through Teachers Greetings, I aim to inspire and uplift teachers by creating beautiful and meaningful greeting cards. These cards serve as reminders of their incredible value and the positive impact they have on the lives of their students. With each card, I hope to foster a sense of support and appreciation among teachers and help them shine in their important role as educators.
Embracing Calligraphy and Hand-Lettering
One of my lifelong passions is calligraphy and hand-lettering. I have been practicing this art form since 2017 and have found great joy in creating beautiful lettering compositions. Calligraphy allows me to unleash my creativity and express myself artistically. It also serves as a therapeutic activity that helps me unwind and find peace. With the launch of Teachers Greetings, I have the opportunity to merge my passion for calligraphy with my mission to uplift teachers. The handmade touch of hand-lettered greetings imparts a personal and heartfelt sentiment that resonates with both teachers and recipients.
Exploring the World of Greeting Cards
Greeting cards hold a special place in our hearts. They have the power to convey emotions, celebrate milestones, and bring joy to both the sender and the recipient. With Teachers Greetings, I aim to bring teachers a unique collection of cards designed specifically for them. These cards will feature thoughtful messages and beautiful artwork that honor the dedication and hard work of educators. From birthdays to holidays, these greeting cards will serve as tokens of appreciation and encouragement for teachers, reminding them that they are valued and cherished by their communities.
The Birth of Teachers Greetings
Teachers Greetings is the culmination of a divine journey guided by faith and passion. Every step of the process, from discovering the idea to crafting the mission statement, has been God-ordained. This business venture is a testament to the alignment of my values, skills, and vision. Through Teachers Greetings, I hope to make a positive impact by uplifting and supporting teachers, who play an invaluable role in shaping the future generation. This journey is just beginning, and I am filled with anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead.
The Importance of Encouraging Teachers
Teaching is both a rewarding and challenging profession. Teachers pour their hearts and souls into their work, often facing numerous obstacles and demands. Unfortunately, teachers can sometimes feel undervalued and underappreciated, especially during times of uncertainty like the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why it is crucial to remind teachers of their worth and the profound impact they have on students' lives. Through Teachers Greetings, I aim to provide a source of encouragement and support for teachers, reminding them that their hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.
Navigating the Challenges and Overcoming Fear
Embarking on a new business venture can be daunting and filled with uncertainties. As I started my journey with Teachers Greetings, I encountered moments of fear and self-doubt. Questions about cardstock, card sizes, and other technical aspects overwhelmed me. However, I quickly realized that I did not need to have all the answers from the start. I sought guidance from experts, learned from online resources, and embraced the mindset of continuous learning. Through perseverance and determination, I overcame my fears and gained the confidence to move forward. The challenges I faced only served to strengthen my resolve and deepen my passion for supporting teachers.
Seeking Guidance from Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneur
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I discovered the Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneur Fire Starter Course. This course, with its faith-based approach to business, resonated with me deeply. The Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneur community, founded by Shae Bynes, provided valuable insights and encouragement for running a business with a Kingdom mindset. The course emphasized the importance of seeking God's guidance and aligning my business practices with His principles. Through the Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneur community, I found support and inspiration to bring a Kingdom perspective to every aspect of my business journey.
Collaborating with Camille Daly and Finding Divine Flow
In my pursuit of inspiration and knowledge, I encountered the work of Camille Daly, a fashion designer and author of the book "Finding Divine Flow." Camille's message of embracing God's guidance in business resonated with me, and her journaling session served as a catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey. Her prayers and words of encouragement uplifted me and affirmed that Teachers Greetings was part of a greater plan. This collaboration helped solidify my faith and continue to fuel my passion for supporting teachers through meaningful greeting cards.
Prayers and Faith in the Success of Teachers Greetings
Above all, I believe that the success of Teachers Greetings relies on the power of prayer and faith. As I embark on this journey, I humbly ask for your prayers and support. Pray that Teachers Greetings will touch the hearts of teachers and bring comfort, encouragement, and appreciation to their lives. Pray for wisdom and discernment as I navigate the intricacies of running a business. With faith as my foundation, I trust that Teachers Greetings will flourish and fulfill its purpose of uplifting teachers around the world.
Conclusion
The birth of Teachers Greetings marks a significant milestone in my life. This venture combines my passion for teaching, my love for calligraphy, and my mission to support and uplift teachers. I am excited to see how Teachers Greetings will evolve and positively impact the lives of educators. Through the power of greeting cards, I intend to remind teachers of their incredible value in the community and provide a source of encouragement in their journey. As I embark on this entrepreneurial adventure, I invite you to join me in celebrating the hard work and dedication of teachers and acknowledge the immeasurable impact they have on shaping the future generation.
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