This is a rather lengthy post, but I wanted to share what has been happening in the world of HIPPOFROG Designs since social distancing began, and also some news on my future plans.
Since the Government restrictions for the pandemic started, I, like many small business owners, have been looking at ways to keep things running where possible, and/or how to re-start after abruptly having to push pause. It’s been a case of PLAY, PAUSE or STOP.
As you know, HIPPOFROG Designs has a few strands, with my 10 years in business as an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, and more recently the Mobile Nail Technician side.
For the Stampin’ Up! side of the business, I’ve been lucky enough to keep things going by moving classes from face-to-face to online.
There has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes to put everything together so quickly, and it’s safe to say I’m on a VERY steep learning curve. However, I’m taking these learnings and making little adjustments all the time.
It’s been strange having to be so organised so far in advance. As I’m posting out class packs, I can’t all of a sudden decide that I’m going to change a project an hour before class begins, or quickly dash home for an item I’ve forgotten!
For my nail business, things aren’t quite so good. Everything is rightly at PAUSE.
It’s physically impossible for me and clients to socially distance during a manicure or pedicure treatment. Throw in the added complexity of being a mobile technician going into multiple homes a day, and you can start to imagine the ‘after the lockdown’ scenarios I’ve been thinking about.
Whilst there isn’t any information yet on what the rules for beauty will be, there is likely to be a need for additional PPE for everyone, along with extra time at appointments, and new processes to follow between clients.
Realistically, it’s going to be a long time before my nail business is open again, and I need to prepare myself for the possibility that it may not re-open at all, with the pause turning into a hard STOP.
This would be a shame, as it’s something I enjoy, especially after wanting to do it for so long, but I need to do what is right for the health of me and my clients, both physically and mentally.
It is, after all, a business, and although safety is obviously always the prime concern, it also needs to be financially viable.
So, with this current gap, I’ve been looking to the future for something I can do from the comfort of my own home, by myself.
Coming soon…
I’m pressing PLAY on a new venture and ‘Stitched, by Karen’ is joining the HIPPOFROG Designs portfolio.
I dusted off my clunky sewing machine, researched LOTS of different patterns and styles, made several prototypes, finalised my design and started making face coverings, to comply with current Government advice.
A nice new shiny sewing machine with lots of complicated bells and whistles has arrived at HIPPOFROG Designs HQ to make creating items more efficient. This means I’ll be offering my handmade face coverings for sale very soon. I mentioned in conversation that I had been making face coverings and was asked if I was going to be selling them… and here we are!
To avoid wasting fabric, these face coverings will be made to order. You’ll be able to pick your own colours/fabrics from the choices I have available.
I’m sew excited (sorry!) and can’t wait to share my creations with you. More handmade items (such as tote bags etc) will follow. Watch this space.
So, instead of Papercraft & Pampering, it’s Stamping and Stitching for the time being.
Thank you for being part of my journey so far.
