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Have you ever wondered how Steve Jobs or Oprah Winfrey lives on a day to day basis? I mean really. Sure they have loads of money and probably 1000 assistants each but they weren’t born like that right? High achieving, wildly rich, self made people have just as many hours in the day as you and me. How are they living their lives day to day and what can we learn from them? We all know people that are awesome with great ideas but they are still just getting by and not really close to living in their true potential. That person may even be you! I know I’m not living to my full potential- but I am getting closer to it every day. The key is finding out what works best for YOU, and then DOING IT. Repeatedly. Like, as in EVERY DAY.
Rhythm is practical
Finding your rhythm is finding what works for you on a really basic level. How much sleep do you need? What kinds of foods work best in your body type? What kinds of exercise do you actually enjoy (so you will therefore do)? This stuff is so basic I feel kind of silly even writing it….and it’s funny because I remember my dad repeatedly talking to me about creating healthy habits when I was growing up…Even so- I can’t be the only one who is not in my twenties anymore and still just figuring out the basics! I’m not saying you need to be Mr. Healthy and live like a saint but the bottom line is this: High achieving people have a routine that works for them and they know what that is and they do it. Period. Find out what your ideal routine is then do it every day for a week. See what happens. If you like what you see then the results are fuel to keep going. If not- adjust and keep exploring. If you keep experimenting – you’ll keep refining and your life will begin to look more like what you’ve always dreamed for yourself.
Rhythm is alignment
You are a vibrating mass of energy. The whole entire universe is a vibrating mass of energy. You are both a part of and seperate from the universe. This fact is the dual nature of living on this planet, in a human body, with free will. Free will means you are the creator of your life. (THUS- EVERYONE LIVING AS A HUMAN IS VERY DEEPLY CREATIVE) All this new age talk is to say - because you and the universe are both vibrating masses of energy- you can really get a lot more done in a day with a lot more enjoyment if you align your energy to the universal pulse of creation. Pretty fancy?! No, SIMPLE. The key is to find a practice that works for you. Some people run. Some people knit. Some people surf. Some people do yoga. Some people do Kundalini yoga. My point is- find out what activities make you feel aligned- in tune- happy. and then do them! You’ll know you have got it when you notice life lining up for you. Synchronicity- When you sync up your rhythm with the RHYTHM.
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I write all this because I’ve been really exploring what my rhythm is for the past 5 months especially. Ever since my brilliant yoga teacher Harijiwan told me that finding my rhythm was the key to all my dreams coming true. It was refreshing to hear that the key is so simple- but it’s been a surprising challenge to really live and explore. I’ve had to look at all my habits and then try new routines and it’s not always easy or fun but it’s always worth it. I realized that my habit was to avoid routine- which is probably part of why I always wanted to work for myself and no one else! Because of this exploration however I can say that I’m closer than ever to living the life I have always known was possible and it’s totally because I am learning to tune into my own inner knowing- which is totally intertwined with the rhythm thing. And it’s extra especially important if you are an entrepreneur or anyone who sets their own schedule or has ambitions beyond the norm…I am convinced the key is rhythm and finding what that means for YOU! I wish you much success on your journey and remember- it’s all about enjoying the process….not just the end result!
Here is an honest list of the best of the best and also the ok and unknown- in my humble opinion. Remember to stay on top of the application due dates! A lot of the best shows take applications way in advance- So sign up for mailing lists and make yourself apply as soon as you know you want to do the show- don’t wait and then be sorry that you forgot! It’s happened to me too many times! Also I’d love suggestions for shows I may have left out- also let us know which ones you like+ don’t like and why..
Los Angeles area shows and events:
The Annex LA- A monthly downtown show accepting vendors and artists- haven’t tried yet but comes highly recommended
Downtown Art Park – Also monthy- they seem organized- I haven’t tried it because the load in and out times seem really strict and annoying- but I bet its a pretty good scene- If you try it let me know!
Unique Los Angeles – Happens twice a year- really great, possibly worth traveling a long distance for- I’ve done 3 of these shows and they are done very professionally with great turn outs. Apps due soon for the April show so get on it!
Felt Club- This is a Los Angeles show but its worth traveling to do it. They haven’t done one in a while but I hear they are planning one for holiday 2010 so sign up the mailing list and stay tuned. I have done many of their shows over the years and they have been amazing.
Also- join the LA Craft Mafia- they send out weekly lists of new shows in the area to apply for- a great resource.
Hey and there is also always selling on the Venice Beach Boardwalk + Farmers Markets!
National Indie Craft Shows:
Renegade Craft Fairs- These shows are the cream of the crop of indie craft shows. They happen all over the country and this year the line up is Austin, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, San Francisco + Chicago. I’ve done them in all locations except Austin ( the first ever Austin Renegade happens in May) and with the exception of the weather ruining things- they’ve all been awesome. If you want to sell tons and meet great people – do this show. Worth travelling to, but be warned that when the show is outside there are no rain checks and you do not get your money back! The applications are online for Austin and Brooklyn now so hurry up and apply.
Bazaar Bizarre- This show happens in Boston, Cleveland + San Francisco. I’ve done a Baz Biz in LA which was amazing one year and then also in San Francisco- also totally rad. Then I did one in Austin when it was part of a Maker Faire, and that one blew so hard I don’t even want to talk about it. It wasn’t anyones fault exactly – its just that no one was there for the crafts- they are there for the amazing spectacle that is a Maker Faire!! anyhow- This is a pretty top notch operation overall- check it out- get on the mailing list and apply!
Felt Club- This is a Los Angeles show but its worth travelling to do it. They haven’t done one n a while but I hear they are planning one for holiday 2010 so sign up the mailing list and stay tuned. I have done many of their shows over the years and they have been amazing.
Crafty Wonderland- This is a Portland only show but I hear it is really great–I missed the deadline for the Spring show but hope to do the holiday one for sure!
Urban Craft Uprising- This is a Seattle show - I have not done this one yet but plan to. Applications are up now for the summer show- and it looks like its worth traveling to.
Bust Craftacular- These shows are put on by the awesome ladies over at Bust magazine but I can’t say my one experience at the Bust Craftacular in LA in December 2008 was very good. It was poorly lit and the crowd was more into partying than shopping..They do shows in NY and London too though so maybe check those out!
Thread show- This is a San Diego based show but they also do events in Orange County and San Francisco. I used to do Thread shows pretty regularly but stopped after it started to get stale for me a few years ago. However they really seem to keep refining their shows – and they were always pretty cool to begin with- so this may be worth checking out again. They are well run and usually draw pretty good numbers- especially in San Diego. They also offer whats called a Robot booth where they do the selling for you- so you don’t even have to be there! Check them out.
There seems to be a real lack of info on the internet about this topic because I get a few emails a month asking for advice about it. Apparently when you Google the words Venice + Beach + Selling a thread from this amazing site called The Switchboards comes up in which I asked folks for advice about selling there..I ended up going and getting a permit and trying it a few times last spring + summer. It was an interesting experience but I wouldnt say it was super profitable for me. There fore I don’t do it at all anymore. Be aware that a lot of the stuff sold there these days is mass produced cheap crap and/or totally unoriginal and that brings down the perceived value of everything else sold around it. It just wasn’t the right place for what we do- but maybe it will work for you. It’s certainly nice to work on your own terms and right next to the beach- so it may be worth a try. Read on and decide for yourself.
1. First you have to get a permit from the Venice Beach Recreation Office, which is located behind the main police station right on the beach/ boardwalk at 1800 Ocean Front Walk. The cross street is Windward and the phone number is (310) 396-6764. Here is a downloadable PDF which explains in a complicated way what I am trying to explain here ..its the official scoop but it was definitely written by a lawyer and therefore pretty unreadable. This also a good link with instruction on applying.
2. When we went there the first time the lady at the office was not so nice and actually totally discouraging..she gave us the paper work though and we decided to come back the next day with examples of our work. The deal is that they want your items that you’ll be selling to have a message of some kind – which would be cool if they enforced that at all. They seem to give you a hard time about what you will be selling but then you look around and mainly what you see is imported crap and henna tattoo stands. So- be prepared to show them something handmade or with a message of some kind- have an angle prepared already so when you go you don’t have to come back twice, or get turned away.
3. We did get the permit – it’s officially called the “Venice Beach Boardwalk Public Expression Permit” - it costs 25 bucks and is valid for one year. The deal is that you have to get your permit into the lottery which is held once a week right in front of the Police station on Tuesday morning. I think at 9 am. Double check that when you go..but the basic idea is that you go and put your permit card ( with your picture on it) and then wait around to see if they call your name. Its totally normal to go for weeks every Tuesday and not even get picked. Keep this in mind if you live far away. I talked to alot of people that had this happen to them, but still they tried because if you do get it, and you have a good day selling it can be very worth it (that’s what I’ve been told anyway)… oh ya- there are 2 drawings that happen on Tuesday- first the weekend drawing- then the week day drawing, both good for the upcoming and following weekend and week. Keep that in mind.
4. If you do get picked then you get to pick out your spot on the boardwalk. Some spots are way better than others. If you have the time it would be good to walk the boardwalk and look at the space numbers painted on the cement. Then you will know what to request when you get picked. Have a few in mind because unless your one of the first you may not get your first choices. Also be aware that if you are selling stuff that you will be getting a I zone permit which is good for only I zone spots. There is also an P zone which is specifially for entertainment acts and donation based ventures. That’s a seperate lottery held on the same day.
5.I was kind of intimidated by the scene at first but I found everyone selling down there to be really friendly and helpful. Don’t be shy when you are down there to ask for help and advice from the old timers. Be aware of the cop situation however. They seem to stroll the scene pretty often looking for reasons to give tickets. Always have your permit on you and be sure to set up within the assigned area. I’ve heard of people getting bothered for not having “messages” on their products but I never had a problem with that.
6. If you don’t win the lottery one week you can still go and set up in a I zoned spot- as long as its after 12 noon. If the person shows up with the ticket for the spot though you have to move immediately though…so if you have a big set up that could be really annoying. Also- if you are going to do that- go at 11 am at least and scope out the empty spot you want and sit just next to it- but not on it at all- or you could get a ticket. There are many more vendors than spots, especially in the warmer months, so there is definatly competition. So if you are going to squat- get there early for sure.
7. Some things to think about-I strongly suggest investing in a cart of some kind with wheels. Chances are you are going to be having to walk a ways to your car and wheeling your set up is way easier than carrying it. You can also figure out the cross street nearest your spot and drop off your stuff – then go park your car. Still though- get a cart. And remember to bring a tent or umbrella- and sunscreen! Also the food situtation on the boardwalk is pretty lame, and unless you have a friend helping you wont be able to go very far from your booth to get food- so bring good snacks and lots of water to hydrate!
Well, that’s about all I can tell you. I think it could be a pretty good situation for certain folks and certain products. There certainly is a huge crowd down there on the weekends when it’s warm out. Only you can know if it would possibly be a good match for you. If you think it might be then give it a try! I wish you luck.
Been thinking lots about the direction of this little business and am thinking: I REALLY WANT A STOREFRONT. It doesnt have to be big or even in a great high traffic area ( like 3rd St, LA- hear that wish Gods and landlords?) but it does need to be ground level with some kind of front window, good parking, and good light. I am really seeing this and I went on Craigslist tonight and am seeing its actually realistic.. I found a 500 sq foot space on Venice pretty near where we live for $850 !! It has skylights and everything!
I am seeing a partnership of sorts even, where we set up the front part with one or 2 other brilliantly visual friends and just chock a block SATURATE the space with amazing finds from near and far. Make it like breathtaking in its scope and intensity! It doesn’t have to be big, just inspiring and full of awesomeness. Then the rest of the space would be for 11:11 production, inventory and shipping.. We currently do pretty much all this ( minus production) , in a spare bedroom so surely we could share the space with a rad little store in front! Ideally this store venture could expand into a Cafe/ Retail situation , as food is a real PASSION around here..My husband is seriously a genius with food of all kinds, but he really shines in the Baking and Tea Arts, so we could start by just offering a smattering of delectable treats to be consumed while relaxing and shopping….Its not a new concept but I think its a pretty successful one overall..here in LA we have the Rose Cafe in Venice and the Casbah Cafe in Silverlake, and I’m sure more… But I would be happy to start with just a retail space done really well and the freedom and organization of a real office in the back…The space could even be pretty open, kind of like when you go into a restaurant and you can see the kitchen… So thats what I’m thinking, dreaming, visualizing today. What about you???!!!! Lets make it happen!!!!!!!!!!
it could be kind of like a mix between this and this
and this!
hahahahahahahah!!!!!!!
photo credits from top: Texas Escapes + TheBrooklynKitchen + ThomasNet:IMT thank you!!
Above is a picture of the birthplace of 11:11 enterprises – the corner of Bedford Ave and N 7th St in Williamsburg Brooklyn. I was walking by there the other day as I went to catch the L train on my way to the Javits center (pictured below) for the NY International Gift Fair. I was there all week and it was AMAZING. I learned so much, met so many lovely people and wrote some really great orders….
Anyhow, being here in NYC has got me walking down memory lane a whole lot and reflecting on the past 6 years of this business adventure. I started this business with the grandest sweeping visions and plans but as you can see I started it in a rather humble way.. I was beyond broke, a month late on the rent and so felt like the universe was forcing me out of my shell and into the world with my little creations. I literally wheeled my folding table down the street in my granny shopping cart and set up shop right there outside the subway station. Before that day I had been focusing on insanely detailed and bizarre handbags that were so beyond what 99.99 % of what people would buy that there was really little hope of starting my accessory empire that way…the success of that fateful day opened up a new world of possibility for me. Without that beginning and then holding on (and not ever giving up)… I would not be selling here now———————>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The whole Gift Show experience was so amazing for me.. I feel like finally I made it into a real sphere of infinite possibilities…This place the Javits center is MASSIVE and walking the aisles of this show is like walking through worlds of entrepreneurial dreams (and nightmares..). SERIOUSLY some amazing stuff… we were around the corner from Johnathan Adler and a million other gorgeous booths..the first day I went through some serious self doubts just because what was surrounding me was so much bigger than the little business I’ve got going on….The feedback and orders that came in over the course of the week quieted those voices a bit though and and mainly I am just excited to learn and grow into the potential I always felt was possible… I know now for sure that whatever you can dream, you can do….if you just start, keep going, refine, adjust, keep up, open up , let go and repeat……
Through a series of small miracles we found a great new rep recently that invited us to show our line at the upcoming NYIGF this coming weekend starting 1/30/10 !! In December we started hearing from people that we should really try to get into this show- and it being a just month away we filed it under the heading Awesome+ Incredible Long Shots and didn’t think too much about it. I did keep the option open in my mind that some how that could manifest and put out an email request to a few store owners I have done business with for a long time, asking for recommendations for great Sales Reps. Good representation is so important and not so easy to find sometimes..I’ve been lucky over the years and my reps have always come through recommendations.. Anyway- just 2 weeks ago I was connected with this new rep and now here I am going to the show next week! I just spent all this week getting the samples and swatches ready. This was a huge and pretty stressful job that feels sooo good to have done! Anyway- If you are a buyer come check us out at Javits Jan 30 – Feb 4 (noon) booth 2802 + 2804.
This whole unfolding dream-come-true is basically proof that anything is possible- but only if you keep your mind open to it, and make the connections– ask for what you want from the “universe”. I am learning this over and over and its becoming more and more true. If you want it- Ask for it! Do it! and put this quote in your brain , right up front-
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it”
-Goethe
Venice beach, CA, 75 degrees, New Years Day 2010
Well Happy January 8th! or 9th! or whatever day you read this! I hope its really going well for you!! And if its not I hope you can find your shit kicking boots, put them on and go make some changes!!! Thats pretty much exactly whats been going on over here. We had a well deserved staycation ( no airports!) and then this past week have been accelerating into the new year…mapping out all kinds of plans for the year, and beyond. We actually sat down and wrote out our one year goals in detail and then also our 5 and 10 year goals. This kind of thing is so easy to avoid but once you just make yourself do it — well its been amazing the clarity of focus we now have and how the universe is just responding to our intentions left and right!!! But I’ve also had to make some real changes in my daily routine, hit the refresh button- which I will get into later but it involves quiting my over indulgent sleep habits (10-12 hours easy) and beginning a 40 day- 4 am meditation schedule ( this may sound crazy to some of you but I swear its the most amazing thing ever)…I’m just 2 days in but already its been kind of miraculous..
So part of the new plan involves getting this blog into a whole new shape- and creating a new blog/website for more of my personal ramblings and art work. This here blog is now titled ” Artist Heart: Business Brain” which you may have noticed, because I want to focus here on sharing how I have learned to combine the two (after MUCH struggle and failure!) , as well as writing about independent small business tips, issues, inspirations and more. We are growing this business from nothing right on up to the stars and we want you to come along for the ride– and hopefully inspire you to take your own dream to heights you have yet to even realize!! Lets go!!!! Lets make it happen- after all it is 2010!!! Waiting is so last decade.
My adorable husband Patrick and new 11:11 Chief Operating Officer manning the Renegade Holiday SF booth this past weekend!
 Some favorite 11:11 condom cases, checkbook covers+ large and small notebooks-
My new friend and 11:11 worker bee Rachel Gold is an AMAZING collage artist and agreed to let us sell some of her art at the show- I look fwd to working with her and a lot more artists in 2010 for our Artist Series collections.
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In 2009 I finally learned about merchandizing and display! It only took me 6 years! To my credit, when the economy was humming it was a lot easier to run this business in a more basic way- Having the market take a downturn was really the best thing that could have happened because it made the game have to go to a whole other level- It’s become MAKE IT TIGHT - or go home time. Sure it’s been challenging (to say the least) but on a good day I can clearly see what a blessing the economy and all the challenges have been, especially this year.
San Francisco was really amazing this past weekend- the show had a buzz and we stayed at the coolest place ever that we found on AirBnB.com. Patrick found this site where you can rent out other peoples apts while they are out of town- and so we stayed in this great Victorian place with a beautiful kitchen- IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER THAN ANY HOTEL, because it felt like we were at a friends house, so much more comforting when you are on a work trip…In any case we managed to have alot of fun in between all the commerce–
    
It’s almost here, the last big sales hurrah of the season!! I am making sooo much new one of a kind stuff for this show- as well as introducing a new large artist series notebook and some other fun surprises… If you are anywhere near the Bay Area this weekend- don’t miss it!! hope to see you there – xox
I bought this gem last night and now instead of doing any work I am interlocking Nelson’s hair dos together. Its a great way to spend an afternoon let me tell you. Actually, I’m getting alot done and its true what they say- the more you do, the more you CAN do. Its been an action packed few weeks and now its time to prepare for the mother of all Christmas craft shows- Renegade Craft in San Francisco next weekend!! SO EXCITED. I know I say that alot but for real this is the big kahuna folks. I’ve got plans to transform my 8×8 booth space into a 11:11 WONDERLAND OF SHOPPING EUPHORIA. ooh maybe thats what we should name our new brick and mortar store. Because now is a GREAT time to open a brick and mortar – I’m hearing that from EVERYONE. 
In other news, Its still raining in LA and we all treat it like its raining loch ness monsters or something. Its THAT exciting.. I’m off to go have my tenth cup of yogi tea and pop some more beans in our super fantastic Soy milk maker we got as a wedding gift– We’ve been drinking it freshly made and steaming hot ( w/ some maple syrup and cinnamon too! ) and its out of this world delicious yummy amazing fantastic. Cheers to the good life. XOX
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| Hi! My name is Jamila.
I'm an artist who's been learning how to be an entrepreneur for the past 6 years (I'm a slow learner!). My mission now is to help inform, inspire and expand your view of whats possible for your own business adventure. |
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