This giveaway is now closed. The winner is comment #120, Denise — YAY Denise! Please check your email :)
Seems like just yesterday we were celebrating one year of indie biz, and now two years have gone by? Amazing.
Really, this is a celebration of YOU! Because YOU support Gussy Sews we have something to celebrate today. Because YOU share, tweet, email, purchase, share some more, comment, and share once again, we have something to celebrate.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Oh, it means so much :)
HOW DID GUSSY SEWS START? Zack and I were married almost four years ago, and just a couple months later I found myself on Etsy’s website. It didn’t take long for me to find myself wishing I knew how to sew like all the other Etsy sellers I had found, and honestly that was sole my motivation for learning how to sew. I had never taken a sewing class prior so I relied heavily on the Public Library and YouTube videos for instruction. It only took a few months, but many fat quarters and late-nights. I started with zipped pouches because those seemed the simplest to learn, but also something I was interested in. When starting something new, I’ve always found it’s easier to learn it when you are genuinely intrigued. While learning how to sew I was also learning how to blog… And now that almost four years have passed I STILL feel like I’m learning something about blogging + sewing. I love learning and so it’s been a wonderful adventure :)
When I started sewing I was accepting custom orders ~ because of this I learned how to make a variety of items I wouldn’t have normally learned how to make. Since I’m self-taught at all of it — sewing, pattern-making, pairing fabrics, perfecting our signature ruffle, I had a lot to learn. But accepting custom orders did more than just broaden my inventory, it gave me a foundation of how I wanted to run my business long-term, in terms of product and behind-the-scenes. These unique orders also gave me fresh content to share on my blog, and they helped me to form an online community early-on ~ which includes friendships I still have today :) A constant mix of learning something new and then practicing applying it long-term is what helped my business to grow. It is almost like a snow-ball effect, the longer I did it the easier it was for Zack + I to see it was growing into something tangible + trustworthy.
After about 18 months passed {since first learning how to sew} and I had attended my first blog conference {Blissdom}, Zack + I started working towards the possibility of me leaving my day job to pursue Gussy Sews full-time. About three months later we had succeeded in saving three months of my salary as an emergency fund, and May 17, 2010 was my first say working full-time on my business exclusively.
And ever since we first celebrated this huge milestone we have both learned so much about working from home + indie biz life. I think having a constant need to learn has been really key to the growth of Gussy Sews. It’s not just that I want to learn, it’s that I need to learn.
And another thing — we don’t measure growth purely by the number of sales we’ve had or the number of states/countries we’ve shipped to, but more so what type of progress are we making in terms of encouraging others to follow their dreams, too.
It’s been a truly lovely adventure…
* * *
To celebrate these last two years of Gussy Sews-ness I’ve put together a super fun + inspiring gift package that ONE READER will win, including some of my favorite things –
1. Gussy Sews tote/diaper bag // 2. Gussy Sews camera strap slipcover // 3. Sarah Jane Studios $50 shop credit // 4. Red Letter Words custom 12″x12″ canvas // 5. Riley Blake Designs fat quarter bundle // 6. Gussy Sews 60-minute mentorship session // {over $450 in prizes!}
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER:
Required: leave one (1) comment below sharing something encouraging! It can something you saw, heard, read…
Optional: share this giveaway with your friends. Leave one (1) comment below letting us know how you did this, through social media, email, a link on your blog, etc.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be selected at random on Monday, May 21, 2012 and will be announced at the top of this post.
GOOD LUCK + thank you for all of your support! xo
Viva la Violette
I tweeted about it! https://twitter.com/#!/KassieRew/status/203551657349492736
I am a teacher, and this week has been Teacher Appreciation Week at my school. Every day parents have brought me breakfast and lunch, and students have brought me flowers. Talk about feeling loved! I am so grateful to have a job in this district!
My family is currently in a season of HUGE transition and things have not been easy- I have two little boys, due with a little girl in July and we are currently living in a 5th wheel trailer while we renovate the house we just bought. But this last week at our homeschool co-op I was offered all kinds of encouragement and assurance that people are there for us and will even help us organize the house once we are finally able to move in! Female friendships can be so darn encouraging and I’m so blessed to have them!
We live in a time where conventional wisdom is changing every day, people are connecting to one another in profound and enlightening ways and hope and creation are positively everywhere. We are so lucky to be here to witness it all.
I tweeted about the giveaway. So know I’m just crossing my fingers and wishing and hoping.
I love your guts, girl! Your tweets made my week.
I shared the giveaway through FB. Love ya!
“…So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”-Isaiah 55:11
I’m involved in children’s ministry, and it’s so incredibly encouraging for me to know that His word won’t return to Him void, even when it feels like no one’s listening! :)
It’s Friday!!! Hallelujah!
I live by this …. If at first you dont succeed try try again. It reminds me to not get bogged down by failure.
i am about to graduate high school and in making my decision, there was a major money gap between my top 2 schools. i went with the more expensive one because in every respect besides $$ it felt right… and now i have received enough extra money in scholarships etc that should make up the difference. very lucky and blessed :) and congrats on two whole years — look how far you’ve come!! thank you for the giveaway!
Wow, two years – I totally thought Gussy Sews had been around for longer than that! My first online venture was about two years ago, but it took me a ton of trial and error to find my right niche – and that happened just a few months back! But I am now enjoying my own little piece of online real estate … I feel very blessed to be able to run my online business and still stay at home and take care of my family. :)
I saw a quote on Pinterest that I’ve reminded myself of often on days when I’m feeling like I don’t measure up. It’s super encouraging to me. Basically it said “The grass is greener on the otherside because it’s fertilized with BS.” It reminds me to stop comparing the whole me to little pieces of what other people share…especially after they’ve edited their life.
Congratulations to you! You are such an inspiration.
found on pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/208995238927617080/
emailed my friends :)
I love your story and your courage!! How awesome that you get to spend your days doing something you love!!
I shared this link on facebook!!
shared on my personal FB page!! xoxo
Every morning, I wake up and say “Today, I choose HAPPY!”. It really does help me start my day out with a smile on my face :} I even have my {almost} 5 year old son saying it!! It’s a good day to have a good day!
You only get one life, live everyday to the fullest and don’t look back!!!
Congrats Gussy!
Hi! I feel like if we lived in the same town we’d be great friends. :) After coming home from college 3 years ago, I was in a pretty lonely place. All of my friends were still at college, so I really had no friends at home. I clung so closely to the Lord and His Word, which was my lifeline, but still prayed so fervently for one true friend. My mom said one thing that really stuck with me, “Sometimes God puts us in places where we’re not meant to be happy, we’re here to encourage others. And by being an encouragement to others, we find joy in Him.” “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
If you’ve got love in your heart and a smile on your face the chances are high that you will brighten someone’s day. It could be the only positive thing that happens to them that day. So smile.
Fingers crossed, wishin’ & hopin’.
I shared on my Facebook! =)
Shared on twitter! https://twitter.com/#!/SalinasRachel/status/203594760185839616
2 years already?? That has flown by. Congratulations!
Today read a quote on Pinterest that had absolute perfect timing:
“No matter how long the rain lasts, there will be a rainbow in the end. No matter how sad you may be, believe that happiness is waiting.”
{http://pinterest.com/pin/251146116690453120/}
Love, love, love your story! It’s inspiring & encouraging!!
And, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” is always encouraging!
”Pay attention to what moves you, what you love, what makes you angry, what makes you exhausted. There are no right answers to those kinds of questions, but if you don’t pay attention, you may find yourself several years down the road, living a life that looks good on paper, but doesn’t ring true to the deepest parts of you. That’s a terrible place to be. Become a student of what you love, because what you love flows out of the way God made you.”
Praising God for who he made ME to be!
Wow two years, amazing! I would say you are a good example of not living by fear. Fear can stop you in your tracks.
I just came across your site when you did the Purse Post thing on The Small Things Blog. I loooovvvve that you live in Minnesota, because I do too. I recently have thought about starting my own blog, and thanks to you, I think I will! :)
Tonight at my Mom’s Social Work pinning ceremony {yay! that is right my mama is graduating! i’m so proud!} one of the speakers said…don’t treat anything like a stepping stone. I found those few words so encouraging…to remind myself to live in the moment and not to always be waiting for that bigger and better thing {whether it be a job, house, season in your relationship} but to live here and now! I love it & needed to hear it!
Sometimes YOU JUST have to BREATHE
In…OUT…..IN …OUT…IN …OUT
Wow! I can’t believe that you learned to sew and then started this lovely biz. Just encouraged by your spunk and perseverance. Congratulations on two years!
“delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart”! {ps. 37:4}
Congratulations on 2 years! My favorite encouraging quote, especially when it comes to change is this:
“Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.” Michael Jordan
I like the fat quarter bundles.
Reading your blog has inspired me to start sewing and not to be afraid of trying something new. Thank you :]
-Dulce
ruelasjacobo90@gmail.com
Great giveaway Gussy!! Congrats on 2 years!! Wishing you many more!
Something encouraging I read was a post by LittleBlueBoo called Keep Up The Good Work http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/05/keep-up-the-good-work.html It was basically saying that no matter your parenting style, or the parenting choices you make that you are doing a good job & to keep it up. With so many people out there having opinions about what is right, it is nice to hear someone say what Ashley said!
I shared on my Facebook page (jessicaNdesigns)
OOh. Wow. I got encouragement in the form of a little bird this week. You could not ignore its beautiful and honest song. Made me somehow know that my voice is being heard more than I realise.
congrats gussy!
Fav inspiring quote: “People don’t care how much you KNOW, until they KNOW how much you CARE! (Wise words from a fav prof in college!)
I pinned this! http://pinterest.com/pin/121245414938502927/
Let your faith be BIGGER than your fears
i twittered thissite and i shared on facebook and emails with friends and family
http://tweetmeme.com/popup/tweet?url_id=10001835726
Life is short- don’t let time get away. Enjoy all your little blessings, no matter the circumstances. And always be thankful.
shanna.u at gmail dot com
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/shannau/status/203871433682714628
shanna.u at gmail dot com
Maggie, it’s been awesome seeing you step out of your comfort zone lately and get Streeeeeeeeetttched! I see God at work, and it’s marvelous.
I saw this incredibly inspiring quote on pinterest: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” -Neale Donald Walsch
I retweeted your tweet about the giveaway. @katiedidpro
So excited for you! Your blog has been inspiring to me–to make time to be creative and to stop out in faith and do things that are scary if God is in them :). Congratulations on 2 years!!
Shared it on facebook!
Hooray for you!
Something encouraging for me lately…summer is coming! school is almost over!
A quote that always motivates me is “Its never too late in fiction or in life, to revise”. This always reminds me that I can fix what isn’t working. That I can always start fresh and make changes.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us Gussy. Very inspiring for those of us taking that leap of faith!
my fave quote is “its never to late to live happily ever after…” Sounds like you’re making your happily ever after, Gussy! : )
A friend flew all the way from Minnesota to San Diego to help me launch my new business this weekend! I learned so much from her and feel blessed to have such a positive mentor.
Philippeans 4:13 :0)
Etta Reply:
May 20th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Oops. Philppians
Etta Reply:
May 20th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Oops Oops. Philippians.
Congratulations on two years! I love the honesty and positivity you share on your blog. It’s so refreshing!
Loving this quote by Elizabeth Elliott as we’ve just had our 4th child via adoption. Thankful for this beautiful and crazy life of pointing my kids to the Cross!
“I can’t think of another career more challenging and satisfying than to pour my energies into the daily task of making order out of chaos, music out of noise, communication out of babble, purposefulness out of purposelessness, pointing chubby little wayward feet gently toward the Path, lighting ignorance with knowledge and confusion with understanding.”
I just read a quote the other day that I love: “You’ll have time for the things you do first.” So true.
I was encouraged by all the friends that came to help us move! Those are true friends!
I attended a Minnesota Orchestra concert last night, and among other (inspiring) pieces, they played Sibelius Symphony No. 1. It was exceptional – the clarinet solo in the first 30 seconds alone nearly moved me to tears (I think I was literally holding my breath.) For me, nothing serves as a better source of inspiration and encouragement than music. It’s a source of great beauty in the world! :-)
tiff(dot)r(dot)brand(at)gmail(dot)com
I emailed this giveaway to a friend of mine who needed a pick-me-up. She said that all of the encouraging posts actually helped lift her spirits! :-) Thanks!
tiff(dot)r(dot)brand(at)gmail(dot)com
I just had a refreshing time with friends in prayer…great way to start the week!
Congratulations on your two-year anniversary. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog.
My children behaved better in church today than they have in a LONG time! It was nice to actually be able to participate a little more! I’m also encouraged by friends willing/wanting to purchase clothing that I’ve made for little ones!!
One of my pastors used this quote in his sermon today. It’s from the packaging of some glow-in-the-dark toys: “Leave me in the light, so I shine in the night.” I don’t think I need to add my own words… :)
xo
Alanna
I tweeted it!
https://twitter.com/#!/charlieandlu/status/204433275794620418
I didn’t make it to church this morning so I watched Joel Osteen, it was such an amazing message. he talked about destiny. When something good happens it isn’t a coincidence, it is God moving your towards your devine destiny. he can make things happen that we never thought possible. It was just the the message I needed to hear.
My favorite inspirational quote I try to live by is to do something each day that ‘scares’ you. Is it putting in that new job application, inviting a new friend out for coffee, signing up for a new class… It could be anything that makes your heart flutter just a little. :)
dear gussy,
you are my inspiration.
love,
barbie
i shared this with my coworker. I told her since she sits next to me.
You are super cool! Amazing story of a dream coming true, I hope that you continue to have great success!! Its such a encouragement to see someone put their dreams to flight and really take off. I am a small time sewer with big dreams, but I am also a very busy mom of two little girls. I am mostly self-taught also, finding videos on youtube to help me out! My mom taught me some basics on the machine when I was about 12, I am grateful that she planted that seed. =) I look forward to exploring your site and following your blog!
<3 Miranda
My inspiration/encouragement currently comes from my almost one year old. He is entering that phase where he is learning to do things and finding immense pleasure in showing off his skills. Whether it be pointing or clapping, it makes him so happy, especially when he receives praise from us for it. This is reminding me to find joy in the small things. There are so many wonders around us that we just take for granted. Honestly, my kiddos are teaching me how to truly live again!!
Congrats on your 2 yr anniversary!!! I feel encouraged every day while I play with my son….his sweet outlook on life and freeness reminds me to not take things so seriously all the time and enjoy all the small, little moments life brings.
I find encouragement in my community {friend, family, my home team, my peeps}. I can’t imagine journeying though life alone! If you have a community, invest deeply in them. If you feel alone, keep looking! Life is too hard to go it alone.
I just read this article LITERALLY a minute ago, and I loved it– it’s called “the world doesn’t need more stuff– it needs YOUR stuff.” I thought it was gonna be a handmade environmental bashing about how we consume too much, but it was quite the opposite and I was pleasantly surprised about their take on handmade and the environment. Very encouraged!
The link is: http://designinganmba.com/2012/04/30/not-more-stuff-your-stuff/
I tweeted about this giveaway on twitter!
I was encouraged by time spent in the wilderness this weekend camping. Amazing how nature can revive you!
Pinned this giveaway to pinterest!
Tomorrow is another day! Always helps me!
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford
I can’t believe it has been two years! That means I’ve been reading your blog for over a year. Where does the time go?
Matthew 11:28-30 has been encouraging me a RIDICULOUS amount lately… our souls find rest in Jesus!
“28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”