Happy Anniversary, Daydream Believers! A look at our future!

July 1st has become a special day for me.
It was on July 1st, 2010 that I published my first blog post and started this unbelievable adventure!
Coincidentally, my most popular post ever {THIS little tutorial} was written on July 1st, 2011!

One year later, here we are, Lucky July 1, 2012! When I look back at those first projects and early posts, it’s exciting to see how far my little blog has come! It’s a great reflection of how much I’ve grown as a designer, and how Daydream Believers has grown into SO much more than I ever imagined it would be!

When I started Daydream Believers, I didn’t really have a plan.
I knew that I enjoyed designing and creating for my girls.
I loved the idea of giving other moms the opportunity to have special outfits handcrafted for their little ones.
I never knew it would come so far, SO quickly; or that it would change my life.
I never planned for this hobby-that-I-love to transform into a full fledged career.

I am grateful EVERY DAY that I let God make the plans for my life! I just try my best to follow his lead.

I LOVE what I do!
I LOVE spending my days designing and creating for your special kids, while staying at home, taking care of mine.
While I never imagined that this would be my career; I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Thankfully, God continues to lead me on a path of growing this little dream of mine.

Over the last few months, my blog posts have been less frequent as I have been actively contemplating the future of Daydream Believers. You see, late last year I was approached by a very well known online marketplace about partnering with them and selling Daydream Believers’ lovelies on a large scale level.
We’re talking thousands of pieces, being sold internationally, though a prominent store.
Seriously!
It’s amazingly cool! I know!

Once I got over the shock of the offer, I was overcome with emotions/thoughts/questions/fears/ideas…
It was the first time since I started Daydream Believers that it really hit me; I have something special here, I need to figure out what in the world I’m going to do with it! :)

So, I’ve spent the last few months seriously contemplating my options. Praying constantly for the knowledge, clarity and faith necessary to make the best decision. Thinking not only about myself and my family, but for the hundreds of fabulous friends that have supported Daydream Believers and made this “job” SO WONDERFUL!

Do I? Should I? What if?  Do I want to take Daydream Believers to the mainstream level?
Am I ready to hire manufacturers to produce my designs in large quantities?
Do I want turn D.B.Designs into a FULL TIME business – and if I do, should I keep it online?
Do I want to open a brick and mortar store? Do I want to offer trunk shows?
Do I? Should I? What if?

These are just a few of the MANY questions that I have contemplated over the last six months.
The idea of growing my little dream into something SO major is overwhelming, excited, humbling.
I knew that I needed to make some decisions, So back in April, I set a deadline for myself, July 1st;
by Lucky July 1st, I needed to make a decision about the future of Daydream Believers.

Let me tell ya, July 1st came quickly!  ;)

So...
As of today, I am still unsure of the future. I still don’t have a long term business plan.
I really don’t know where Daydream Believers will go or what path I will take.
I know for certain that I LOVE designing children’s clothing.
I feel like God gives us all a natural talent and when we are lucky enough to recognize our gift, it is our responsibility to use it. Thankfully, this is my gift. I love it. I treasure it. I will happily continue to grow it.

For the time being, I have declined the partnership. I’m not saying never, just not right now.

I will continue to explore my options for expanding my company, but for right now,
I want to focus on what makes Daydream Believers so special; unique, handcrafted pieces.

One (big) change I am implementing is, instead of releasing big collections twice a year, I will focus on creating more OOAKs to be released each month (YAY for more uploads!) I will continue to offer custom design spots and have some plans for future sale opportunities that I think y’all will LOVE!

It has been a whirlwind two years and I am SO excited about the future of D.B.D!

Happy Lucky July 1st, my friends!
THANK YOU for being awesome!
xx M.

PS – This may be the longest post ever - I'm Sorry! THANKS for reading! Check back on Tuesday for a SWEET deal and some deets about the upcoming SALE! :)