Play, Pause or Stop

May 24, 2020May 24, 2020 ~ Karen Young

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.

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

3 years…

July 17, 2018July 17, 2018 ~ Karen Young

It’s now three years since I took my voluntary severance package and I have no regrets (year 1 reflection, year 2 reflection). All I see is huge positives. These past three years have flown by and I’m loving life.

I’m still achieving my goal of not working for anyone else and am still enjoying being my own boss.

My craft business is continuing to give me lots of joy and I love teaching my regular weekly and monthly classes.

I’ve also just fulfilled an ambition I’ve had for a number of years and completed courses in manicure and pedicure, so a new chapter in my life is beginning.

3 years on. New chapter in life. Exciting times ahead. HIPPOFROG Designs with Karen Young

My second business as a mobile nail technician will be launching tomorrow (nicely manicured fingers crossed) and I’m filled with excitement about it. Two businesses where I get to unleash my creative side, what’s not to love?

Even thought I’m now running two businesses, stress levels are a thing of the past. Yes, it can still be stressful at times, but I deal with things in a very different way to when I was in a an environment contending with office politics, unnecessary meetings, egos and more.

I have much more mental energy to positively deal with what I can control, and also try not to worry about things that I can’t. Just a small part of the important ‘taking care of me’ process – something we woefully neglect until we are in a situation where it is desperately needed, rather than little and often.

Another part of the very important ‘taking care of me’ process is that this year I’ve also finally been diagnosed with migraines. I’ve always experienced bad headaches, that I assumed were migraines, but never been officially diagnosed. Every month a migraine was wiping me out for 36-48 hours, plus the fuzzy ‘hangover’ feeling once the pain has gone. Thankfully, the Doctor agreed and prescribed me a Triptan for when they strike.

I can honestly say that this little 2.5mg drug has changed my life. My migraine goes within a few hours of taking it and I can get back to ‘normal’.

No more having to postpone or not attend events, or attend and not be firing on all cylinders. I’ve no idea how I used to carry on working at my desk without taking numerous sick days when I was in an office.

So, now that several things are under control, I’m ready to make this chapter really exciting and smash a few more goals.

Thanks for helping me nail it!

June 9, 2018June 8, 2018 ~ Karen Young

This ‘Thank you’ card is for some very lovely ladies who have helped me to ‘nail it’ and add another skill string to my creative bow.

I’ve recently been taking courses in something that has interested me for a number of years. I can now happily announce that I am able to perform manicures and pedicures using both gel and regular nail polish.

I’ll explain a bit more at the end of this post, but first, the card I made for the fabulous tutors.

Thank you card using Touches of Texture Stamp Set from Stampin' Up! Project designed by Karen Young at HIPPOFROG Designs

The card uses a mixture of old and new. Touches of Texture Stamp Set is combined with Pool Party, returning Blackberry Bliss and new Highland Heather. I’m really liking this classy colour combination.

Firstly I created the soft background of texture and flowers. I then stamped the stem of flowers and fill-in pieces before die cutting the image and layer.

The sentiment is from Thoughtful Banners and punched using the 1″ Circle Punch.

Thank you card using Touches of Texture Stamp Set from Stampin' Up! Project designed by Karen Young at HIPPOFROG Designs

In the picture below you can see the Rhinestones in the centre of the flowers as a finishing touch. There is also Wink of Stella on the background flowers, but it doesn’t show up here.

Thank you card using Touches of Texture Stamp Set from Stampin' Up! Project designed by Karen Young at HIPPOFROG Designs