dream vs. reality

I have always loved giving gifts to people. I guess it's in my nature. There is something so satisfying about finding or creating the perfect item that matches someone’s personality, interests, or needs. That’s why I decided to open up my own gift shop, Little Pepper Gift Co., where I could sell crafts, personalized accessories, made by other Canadian makers. I don't have much patience for creating products myself, so I decided that supporting other small businesses by opening a small shop carrying products I loved (and knew other people would, too!) would be a great way to accomplish this. I was so excited to launch my shop online and share it with the world. I had a vision of being an overnight success, or at least a steady source of income and joy. I thought I had what it takes to run a successful business, just like my husband, who owns Labrosse Consulting, a thriving survey equipment supplier combined with Civil Engineering Technology consulting. Something he was passionate about and good at. I thought people would love my products and appreciate the care and creativity that went into them. But reality soon hit me hard. Running a gift shop is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot of time and effort to create, market, and ship the products. It takes a lot of work to set up shop at craft shows, if you're lucky enough to score a spot. It also takes a lot of patience and resilience to deal with the competition, the customer feedback, and the sales fluctuations. Mostly, it takes a toll on your mental and physical health, especially if you struggle like I do. I started to feel disappointed and discouraged when I saw my friends and family buying similar items from big chain stores instead of supporting my shop. I felt like they didn’t value my work or understand how much it meant to me. I felt like they were choosing convenience over quality and connection. I also started to feel like shit when I went days or weeks without a sale. I felt like no one wanted what I had to offer. I felt like I was wasting my time and energy on something that nobody cared about. I felt like a failure, with another business adventure that didn’t pan out because of my bright ADHD ideas.

I started to lose motivation and interest in my shop. I stopped pursuing new products, updating my website, and posting on social media. I stopped checking my email and responding to inquiries. I stopped caring about my shop and myself. But then I realized something. I realized that I was not alone in this journey. There are many other small business owners out there who face the same challenges and frustrations as me. There are also many customers out there who appreciate and support small businesses like mine. There are also many resources and communities out there that can help me grow and improve my shop. I realized that I still have a passion and a purpose for my shop. I still have a dream and a vision for my shop. And I still have a chance and an opportunity to make it happen.

Now I'm fighting with the idea of selling off the business to some other eager entrepreneur. Or do I stop feeling so fucking sorry for myself, pick back up and not give up on my shop or myself? I know success isn't created overnight. I'd love to rekindle my excitement and determination for my shop. I decided to do something that I love and share it with the world. And you know what? It felt good at first. But here I sit, stuck between a rock and a hard place. My family poured so many hours and so much money into this endeavor that I don't want to let them down and have them feel like this was another stupid idea. Because, when I have the next idea (we all know I will), I don't want them to think that supporting me is a bad idea. That's why I didn't tell anyone about writing these blog entries... I can do without the comments about mistakes I've made in the past.

This is Life Along Estero de Gallina in Pasay City Philippines | Waking Tours PH [4K] 🌃 ⏰ https://newsinfitness.com/this-is-life-along-estero-de-gallina-in-pasay-city-philippines-waking-tours-ph-4k/

4 more runs to finish this is soon, #snowboarding #spring #winter #winterexercise #winterwonderland #motivation #exercise #exercisemotivation #workoutmotivation #mountainlife #mountainlifestyle #mountainliving #thisisliving #thisislife #lifeisbetterontheslopes #goodvibesonly #keepcalm #originalartwork #originalartworkchanged https://www.instagram.com/p/CqbqV7avI2dJ3EHRbOIZIVrfsOc0aaFOPCltMc0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It is a gift and an honor to watch powerful, inspiring, heartbreaking, and heartwarming life experiences and conversations unfold through the lens of a camera. Over the last 13 years, @lisalingstagram has brought so many of us along on these incredible journeys on This is Life (and its predecessor Our America) In the stories I’ve had the privilege to work on, I marvel that what shines through the lens is how much she cares about the people she encounters and how thoughtful and curious she is about the lives, cultures, concerns, struggles, and passions of others. Lisa truly loves to listen and is possibly the best people-person on earth. Her utter magic, combined with the insight, sensitivity, and talent of all the directors, producers, editors, other cinematographers, sound mixers, and behind-the-scenes @part2pictures geniuses, made This is Life so great. This week’s New York wrap party for This is Life with Lisa Ling was so fun & bittersweet. I’m beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to join this creative & brilliant family and contribute to my favorite series ever. #thisislife https://www.instagram.com/p/CogCH-gOyux/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Working on the beach #ThisIsLife #working #programming (at Olon, Santa Elena, Ecuador) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoVqnxHOvnc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I know that I don't post a whole lot anymore but felt like it tonight 😂.. had I expected that I was going to get called in to work tonight I would have taken a long power nap 😁 #thisislife #healthcareprofessional #nursingassistant (at Elizabethton, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkHf8lTMgT9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Life lately. #thrills #blackandwhite #blackandwhitephotography #photography #oceanphotography #beachphotography #california #californiavibes #surf #momlife #halloweenedit #spookyseason #wicked #life #thisisliving #thisislife https://www.instagram.com/p/CkFCBO9LeIL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#outandabout #neduno #thisislife Isis's big day! 💯 (at Luxe Salon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkBx9q_pDjD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Perfect way to end off the day.... Paradise and peace... Follow @inquisitiveexplorers for more! Don't forget to check out our YouTube channel, link in bio 👆🏻, for fun-filled content! #sunsetporn #goa #goavibes #southgoalove #goaind #natgeoyourshot #goaislife #thisislife #beautiful #sunsetphotography #photographylovers #photography #beauty #reelsinsta #reelkarofeelkaro #youtubeindia #youtube #youtubecreatorsindia #youtubeshorts (at Goa, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj2leanDzNi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Mmmmmm yesssssssss #thisislife #thisisliving #openingmore #lovingmore #mypleasure #nonegativebeliefs https://www.instagram.com/p/CjCAqoqvhGY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

{🎶Amy MacDonald live in der Freilichtbühne Junge Garde Dresden🎶} Natürlich habe ich auch noch ein paar Bilder von Amy MacDonald von gestern Abend für euch und ich muss schon sagen, je mehr ich zu ausländischen Künstlern gehe, desto mehr fällt mir auf, dass sie sich viel mehr Gedanken über Licht / Ton und die allgemeine Showgestaltung machen. Das ist wirklich sehr auffällig in meinen Augen. Auf jeden Fall ein toller Abend, klasse Auftritt und sicher nicht mein letztes Konzert von Amy MacDonald. ❤🎶🎵 #amymacdonald #music #Musik #musicismylife #konzertliebe #Konzert #konzert2022 #live #live2022 #jungegardedresden #jungegarde #freilichtbühnejungegarde #openair #Licht #Show #thisislife #misterrockandroll (hier: Freilichtbühne Junge Garde) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChajkzTLRT0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

OB Team Work-Tambayan 😎👌 #rto #onboardingteam #nightshift #worklifebalance #thisislife #officedump #herewego (at Ecoprime Bldg. Bgc Taguig) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChVfkBNPLb_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Wine night 🥂 #thisislife https://www.instagram.com/p/ChQBi4dvBaG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

4 more runs to finish this is soon, #snowboarding #spring #winter #winterexercise #winterwonderland #motivation #exercise #exercisemotivation #workoutmotivation #mountainlife #mountainlifestyle #mountainliving #thisisliving #thisislife #lifeisbetterontheslopes #goodvibesonly #keepcalm #originalartwork https://www.instagram.com/p/CqbqDHXvKkwynmhcfdKS133dli1hjC5IGZCRjs0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=