Part of me feels like it's a little weak to post about it, but I started this business being totally open, so I figure I may as well continue on that path. The truth is, it takes a lot to run a business. If you own your own business, you get it. You are everything from the CEO to the Janitor. You handle making all the decisions, the customer service, the creative and marketing, the sales, the fulfillment, you name it. It's a lot of work. Then add in the rules, regulations and accounting. And because I own the business with my husband, it infiltrated every aspect of our lives. I just needed to breathe and not have every minute of my life be about the business. I needed a break. But I couldn't let it go, I couldn't walk away. And as much as I wanted to just take a much needed break, the world doesn't work that way. Even when on "vacation", we still had to work. I know a lot of people work this way every day, but it is not something I can effectively do. I really need time to just shut it all off, for even just a few days, to keep my sanity, and here I was 4 years in and no break and I felt like I was losing my sanity.
So we came up with a plan. I would go back to work while John looked for a job after his retirement. He would handle the business side of the house and I would continue with the social media side of the house. We wouldn't put out a collection for a month and just breathe. Well it was a nice thought in theory. Turned out John found a job right away and we found ourselves in a situation of both of us with full time jobs and a business to run. There was just no way we could put a collection out while we adjusted. I suppose I could have quit my job now that John found a job, but I found, I really like this job, and I gave my word that I would stay the duration of the contract, and it's important to me to keep my word. So I am still working and running Cult Nails. Then add some lab delays to the mix, some major Cult Nails set backs and limited hours in which to work, one month without a collection led to 2 which then led to 3. During this time, I have gone back and forth. With all this frustration, my thoughts are all over the place on what I wanted to do. With each lab setback, it just made me want to give it up. I wanted to make the polish myself like so many others, but there are so many restrictions in FL just to bottle polish, I can't imagine what they would be if I wanted to make it!
Now that I am working again, I find myself missing so many things about the business. It's the classic grass is greener scenario. I have written so many pros and cons lists, I could fill a book. So here is what we have come up with. We will give this until the end of the year. I have a few more collections up my sleeve and I even have some ideas for next year. But in all honesty, there may not be a next year. I just haven't been able to get that far in my thought process. I think things will hinge on a few different factors, as I continue to weigh my options. But for now, I am just enjoying the excitement of a new collection, the burrito rolling and the craziness of interacting with so many of you. I think I might actually miss the interaction the most. I feel like I don't know what anyone is up to anymore. So Wednesday, I'll be posting the swatches of the new collection and announcing all the pre-sale details, and we'll see what happens. Just playing with the new colors and mixing potentials if we continue has me super excited to be back! Somehow I lost that mojo, and need to find it again. If not, then it just may be time to start a new chapter...
While it will be sad to see Cult Nails go if that is decided, your family and your home comes first. I can't wait to see all the swatches for the new collection! The time flew by so fast that I hadn't realized it had been that long since a new collection was released. I hope you guys are enjoying John's retirement and your new jobs as well as having the time with your family. I wish you all the best and hopefully you'll still keep up the blog because I really enjoy reading what you have to say, I really enjoy the posts you do on the clothing collections and different reviews! Cult Nails is just a part of who you are and we love YOU!!!
ReplyThank you for your open and honest post. I can't imagine what it is like to run a business, especially with one as dynamic (and sometimes ruthless) as nail polish. I think you've centered on what's most important, and that is your family and your sanity. I am looking forward to seeing the new collection, and while I hope it doesn't turn out to be the last one from you, I would understand your decision and your reasoning. And I agree with Kari, please keep posting on your blog because I love your sense of fashion and style!
ReplyAs a huge fan of Cult Nails, I would definitely be sad if you decided not to keep putting out collections, but I totally understand the need to put your family first-- it's ok to need (and take) a break. I can't imagine running my own business, let alone running it with my husband-- you can never escape "work", no matter how much you love it! One of things I love most about your business is how you've opened it up to all of us and given us a peek into how things work on the other side. I hope you find a good balance now that your life has changed and really hope you continue to blog-- I love all your posts, not just the nail related ones! And I'm really excited about the new collection!
ReplyI have a big sad but boy do I totally know what you mean! As SweetBaby gains more and more steam and I'm still working full time while raising my two young children, it's super hard and very stressful to juggle it all! I'm so glad you guys stepped back and thought things through and found the solution that is best for you guys. Brian and I are doing the very same at the moment, but we are in the place you were 4 yrs ago. I may be reaching out to you 4 yrs from now for advice again ;) Love you and hope you at least still stick around with personal posts. If not then you better be prepared for some catchup texts from me ♥
ReplyI will be sad if Cult Nails goes away!! :'( Love your polishes, love the time you take to research that their isn't any polish like yours before creating!! I understand if you don't continue your business! It will be greatly missed & thanks for all the AWESOME collections if so! I don't know where I'll find anything like Cult Nails!!:(
ReplyOh, my. Even if you give up new collections you MUST keep selling Wicked Fast. You could just keep that as a way to make money, perhaps shipping it to Llarowe or w/e for fulfillment. You know you have a unique, valuable, and popular moneymaker in that! Also, for me personally, Scandalous! ;)
ReplyI'm thinking the same thing myself. My son is finally becoming an adult and I need a new path. Things need to change. You are getting older (nothing wrong with that) but your energy level will change. Sometimes it's best to let things roll on to a new direction.
ReplyI saw this on someone's post recently. Started out a small at home business and just started selling in Nordstrom. But she posted this.. "Stick to your task till it sticks to you; Beginners are many, but enders are few". Something to think about.
ReplyI have missed you so much but knew that you would not be silent if there wasn't a struggle. I know you love the polish world from the creating part to the customers but you have to follow your heart. I know you have given up a lot of your personal and family life while running Cult Nails and probably missed a lot. I will forever be grateful for my Cult Nail polishes but more thankful for having a chance to meet someone who no matter how big or popular they got they treated every single customer like a friend. I'm more grateful to have a company that is run by honesty and integrity and it shows. You could have just pushed collection after collection while all this turmoil was going on but you are better than that. Do what makes you and your family happy. If it means no more Cult Nails then that is okay maybe some time away or just playing and making polish for fun will be just what you need. More than anything because you are so down to earth, have had many conversations with you where you made me feel like a friend not just a customer I want you and your family to be happy and stress free. Thank you for all you have given up to bring us Cult Nails, thank you for being an amazing person. Let your heart lead you and be happy <3
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