What Is It They Say About A Closed Hand?

At some point in my life I heard or read a quote

basically saying that if your hand is closed, it can not receive.

Makes sense right?

I started my own business in 2004!

Initially I wanted to make all kinds of handcrafted goods to sell on my own website.

I got greedy and started selling mass produced goods instead.

I spent A LOT of money on buying wholesale items.

I lost sight of my goal.

I had wanted to be an artist since I was a child.

I had quickly given my life long dream over

for the idea of more money in my bank.

And I only sank into a deep dark hole of debt.

After I was first married, I started my 2nd business venture,

"Belle Paperie" - a custom stationery store.

It did really awesome while I lived in AZ.

I had tons of clients and lots of money coming in.

But I still didn't get the importance of budgets and

the reality of credit debt.

After we moved to UT and that business dissolved,

I somehow morphed into my current

All Things Belle.

And I love what I do

I love making photography props for babies and toddlers.

I love seeing how adorable they look in pictures

and I take pride in knowing I made it with my own hands.

But honestly I still have been motivated by money.

I have needed money to pay debt

and I needed a way to make money & still be home with my girls.

So every time I came up with some great crafty idea,

my first instinct was to find a way to make it and SELL IT!

I knew lots of blogs with tutorials and freebies,

but I held on to my knowledge.

I felt like I had to make money off anything and everything.

I haven't been happy.

Today for the first time in over a decade..and maybe more

I have no credit debt.

Granted I have money I need to pay back.

But not to a creditor.

Can I tell you how amazing that feels?

And that is why starting this past year

you have seen more tutorials and freebies on my blog.

I no longer feel chained by the neck to my debt

and I WANT to give away everything I know.

I am keeping the store open,

like I said.. I still have bills and loans to pay back.

But you will see a move towards one of a kind items and art,

less photography props & accessories.

Because people, it's been my dream to be an artist.

And thanks to those that love me - I now have that chance.

I hope that you will welcome me on my new path

because it feels like for the first time I am on the right path.

I hope you will find my blog to be generous in ideas, freebies, and more.

Thank you to my readers.

And above all, thank you to my family for helping me find my way.

My hand and heart are open..