Mini July Rewind

I feel like I've been just so forgetful lately.  First off let me be the first to admit that I haven't been keeping up with the blog as much as I truly wanted to.  I originally planned on writing here every day and having these awesome, and amazing pictures to use, but sadly this is not the case.  As much as I love to fool around with my camera, I feel like I never have the chance or the wit to think, "hey, I should wipe out my camera right now."  I've just always been someone who lives in the moment, that meaning I'd rather just enjoy a good moment for what it is, rather than trying to make a photo opp out of it.  That being said though, I promise to try to whip out that camera of mine on a more frequent basis.

But seeing as how July is already on its way out (I can't believe it), and August is on its way in, I thought I'd share some of best moments/days, through the few picture I do have, of the month of July.

 

Went to Zoo earlier this month a realized Orana is basically my spirit animal.  I mean our birthdays are only off by a day.  Coincidence? I think not.

XO,
Ensley

Anniversary Goal

So I've been thinking a lot about what my next goal should be for Fanciful Faron. My first goal was pretty small, and it was to make 10-15 sales by Christmas- I've met that goal, then some.  Thank you to everyone has purchased one of my cards and kept my dream a live.  Now its time to come up with new goal, cause without one, what am I really working towards?   But I don't think I want to make this next goal something that can be simply checked off the list, I want it to really symbolize the growth and expansion of dream.  For some reason, in my head, it donned on me, my goal should mark my shop's first one year anniversary.  Don't know why I choose one year, but it just feels right to me.  I'm both happy and terrified to announce that in one year I will aim to do my first Craft Fair!

I'm super nervous already but it seems so fitting!  A couple weeks ago I came across a particular show I'm interested in participating in next year called the Renegade Craft Fair.  It seems like a lot of people and good vibes I would love to be around.  Whether or not I'm able to get into this particular craft fair or craft fair at all next year, the purpose of this goal is to get my business in a place where I am proud to display it in front of thousands of people.  This means I continue to work on my brand, connecting through social media, and of course- most important- creating cards and product that I am genuinely proud of.

The timing of this goal is perfect, it'll be around the one year anniversary of my shop, but since it's in the mid-late summer, it gives me plenty of time to really work and focus on getting when I get home from school.  In between now and a year from now I have so much I feel needs to get done, which means plenty of mini goals.  Just to name a couple:

1. Grow social media following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

2. Design business cards

3. Keep blog alive and well

4. Start getting people signed up for newsletter

5. Continue to grow in sales... DUH

6. Work on continuing to develop a killer brand

7. Continue to design and love what I'm doing

This is just a couple things that I see myself needing to work on and develop.  For me a year seems like such a long way away.  But I know that year will be on me before I know it and when it is, I'll be ready when it is.  I hope a lot of you who reading this and buying my cards will be along with me in the journey.  As much as I try, I know I can't do everything myself :)

XO,
Ensley

First Sales Goal Met!!!

Literally just minutes ago I received a notification the I sold my 15th sale since my shops opening day just over a month ago!  This is just so exciting!  When I first opened I told myself that my first goal would be to make 10-15 sales by Christmas, and today, just a little over 6 weeks later, I've met it!  I've been working so hard at this shop for the past couple weeks and I really hope it is something that can stick with me for a very long time.  By luck 15th sale was made on purchase for nine of Thank You Bridesmaid cards.   

 

Nine of these little babies are on their way to Colorado to make someone very happy. :)

I'm so happy that people are wanting to use my cards to celebrate what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of their life.  Gives me all kind of warm fuzzy feelings.  I'm not really sure what my next goal is, whether it will be another sale milestone, or something more internal like making a solid brand for my bitty card shop, but whatever I choose, believe you all will find out!  If I hadn't said it a hundred times, thank you to everyone who has been supporting me and this business I've grown to love so much. 

xo 

Ensley

Awesome Weekend For the Win

This last weekend was pretty good, I call it a success.   Two friends from school came down to visit a me and another friend of mine here in California.  They spent Wednesday and Thursday over at my other friends house up in Los Angeles, and I joined them on Thursday to go to Disneyland (second trip this summer).  It was so much fun!  Of course I started to get tired about midday, but once I put on some Minnie Mouse ears I was ready to take on the rest of the day.

In my opinion, Disneyland is infinitely better when you go with people who have never been there before.  It's like all their child-like wonder rubs off on you and you immediately feel like your 5 years old again visiting for the first time.  We finished off our day of merriment, by watching the firework show while standing on the famous Main street.  Talk about magical! 

The next day we got breakfast over near the cutest market place area near Chapman University, and the guys and I hit the road and made the hour and half drive back to San Diego.  We mostly hung around the house for a little and then decided to make a late trip to the beach.  The next day worlds collided and Stephanie spent the day with us at La Jolla Shores.  But not before heading to to Original Pancake House for a breakfast sized for royalty.  

 

It was a pretty successful weekend and it was a ton of fun!  Now I'm back to my everyday grind, or hanging out, Netflix, and card making :) 

xo Ensley

New Newsletter!

The time is here!  And just after having a successful first month it just seems oh-so fitting.  I'm happy to say that Fanciful Faron Newsletter has finally arrived!  Starting a newsletter has been something I've been thinking about almost since the beginning, ever since I decided to really put my full effort into making my Etsy shop into something I'm really proud of.  So here it is!  First letter get sent out

August 1st, and consecutively the 1st of every month after.  The newsletter will keep you up to date on things you may have missed that month, as well as a sneak preview into new card designs, and the maker's process, not to mention exclusive discounts and giveaways only available to newsletter subscribers.  I know we all don't like to pine over and read through paragraphs of information, so I promise the newsletters will always be quick and to the point- pinky promise.  Go ahead and sign up!  I have a badge available to click right beneath the Instagram feed; it'll bring you straight to the sign up form.  There's also a sign up form available on our Facebook page where you can sign up via your Facebook email.  So Many Options!  Signing up would mean the world to me, so thank you a head of time :)

xo Ensley

Happy One Month

Fanciful Faron is officially is one month old today and I think her first month has been terrific!  As of today she has had over 3,200 views, 150 favorites, and over 5 orders, not to mentions having a tiny following on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram; and I a lot of it I have to thank my family and friends for supporting me, but also all of you who continue to be interested in what I'm putting out.  This is way more than I could have every imagine :)  Even today we had our first "first".  For the first time we got multiple orders in a single day which made today even better.  I know it's not much but it's definitely something.  Can't help but smile when I think about little shop and everything I wanna do for it!  Clearly there is still a long way to go as far as getting everything right and perfect but for the first month, this was far from shabby.  Just wanna say thank you to all of those who have taken a genuine interest in our little operation this early on.  It really means a lot!

xo Ensley

Shop Face Lift + New Camera

As many of you know, I'm always talking about messing with my shop and trying to bring it to its full potential, whether its trying multiple idea for a single card concept, or reworking my storefront to make sure it's buyer friendly.  So in the latest news of my shop's face lift, I'm happy to say that I finally have a quality camera that I will be putting to great use.  I'll be retaking photos in an effort to really enhance them and help my cards look their best.  The camera got is a Cannon Rebel T3 (to be specific), and I love it so far!  If your following my Instagram and Facebook page, you'd also know that I recently bought some colorful and corky stage props to use in these new product photos.  The new camera + staging props should really give my shop a more of whimsical vibe I've really been aiming for.  It'll take some time, probably a 2 weeks, to reshoot all the products in the store, but I think it's well worth it.   

I'm kinda anxious to just get them all up at once, but with everything else I have planned this week and my own gold-fish-like attention span, there's no way I could get everything done in, say, two days.  But, I give you my word that everything will be Cinderella-transformed by July 22nd- girl scouts honor.  

Plus with the new face lift of the store will come the release of the first round of holiday cards! YAY! You're gonna wanna stick around :) 

I'm realizing that getting things just right takes time, and the slower I take things the, better my overall outcome will be.  I care about this itty bitty shop too much to try to rush things and not be 100% happy with what I'm putting out in the world.  

Here's to giving 200%, 100% of the time. 

xo Ensley

::: Quick Announcement :::

Fanciful Faron is now on Bloglovin!

Seeing as how Blogger doesn't allow for much community-like forum space, I decided to add my blog to Bloglovin.  Now you can follow Fanciful Faron and other blogs you may love.  Click the link to start following us now :) Follow my blog with Bloglovin

xo Ensley

Chia Seed Pudding

Okay, before you get all judge-y on your side of the screen PLEASE believe me when I say you NEED to try this chia seed pudding.  I know. I KNOW! I know it looks a little.... *questionable* but trust me, this shit IS good!  Now, if your still with me I have the recipe right here for you to follow.  If your feeling a little brave I promise you won't be sorry.  So let's get started.

:::: Prep ::::

Let's go ahead and gather our ingredients.  Your gonna need:

Chia seeds (mine came from Trader Joe's but you should be able to find them in any store)

Almond milk in vanilla (I used normal whole milk because my body shuts down if nuts enter my precious system... so yeah)

Vanilla Extract (because I'm using normal milk)

Honey

Biscoff Cookie Spread 

Fruit (Berries or Bananas)

:::: Step 1 ::::

First your gonna add 2/3 cup of milk and your 1/4 cup of chia seeds into a bowl.  Make sure to stir well so nothing settles at the bottom. 

:::: Step 2 ::::

Chia seeds themselves don't have much flavor so this is where everything gets really yummy.  This is where your going to add your honey, vanilla extract, and cookie spread.  I'd say I probably added a tablespoon of honey and cookie spread, and probably, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, but I didn't really measure it out. I think it's best to add according to your own sweet tooth ;)  

Side Note: I also decided last minute to add a sprinkle of cinnamon in between the vanilla extract and cookie spread... choice well made!

:::: Step 3 ::::

Make sure to stir thoroughly, the cookie spread takes a little work, to mix out any little chucks.  When your done all the extra ingredients should be mixed so well you can barely tell they were added.  Should look similar to when you initially mixed the milk and seeds in the first step.  Then your gonna put your bowl in the fridge.  I let it sit over night.

Side Note: At this point if you have bananas or berries, I would suggest adding them now if you want them to sit over night. 

:::: Step 4 ::::

In the morning add any fruit you didn't the night before, top off with more cinnamon, and enjoy your snack!

 

:::: Step 5 ::::

ENJOY! 

xo Ensley

Retro Patriotic Nails

Today in the 4th of July spirit, I decided to make a nail tutorial starring that red, white and blue.  I don't think it came out half bad so I thought I'd post a tutorial on how to create this patriotic look.

:::: Prep ::::

First your gonna wanna gather materials.  Look around and see if you can find: 

White nail polish 

Blue nail polish 

Red nail polish 

Clear top coat polish

2 bobby/hair pins (make are the needs are rounded)  

& 

Clean trimmed nails

 

:::: Step 1::::

Go ahead and paint all your nails in the white polish, all except your ring finger on both hands.  Make sure to apply two coats for nice opaque look.  Next grab you blue nail polish and paint in your ring fingers on both sides.  Allow your fingers to semi dry before moving onto the next step.  I allowed about 10 minutes before moving on. 

:::: Step 2 ::::

Next grab your two hair pins and dip them into your white and red nail polish.  Use the hair pins with nail polish on the ends to add dots to the base of nails.  Put red dots on your white nails and white dots on your two blue nails.  It's okay to let the dots vary in shape, it adds more character :)

 

:::: Step 4 ::::

Once your done, your nails should be done.  Wait 5 minutes and then add your top coat.  Now your ready to rock your look! 

xo Ensley

Ramblings Of The Brain

I've been so over obsessive lately it's driving me lonely! When it comes to Fanciful Faron there are so many things I wanna do, and seems like I just want it to take off over night. I don't know if it's cause its in the formative stages but I just can't stop messing with it and trying to make it as perfect as possible. Take this blog layout for example. I think I easily pined over, and thoroughly examined 100 blog layouts before deciding one this one. That's Crazy! Or maybe it's just a growing love for what I'm doing, and wanting to see it succeed. Either way, I feel like continuing to obsess can't be healthy,... can it? I feel like I won't be happy until I achieve some unrealistic standard of perfection. I know this seem like the most random, and out of the blue post, but I just looked at the time and realized, I've spent easily more than 12 hours today doing just about anything for my shop (yeah this is THAT real). Today I've written a blog post (two if you count this one cause I haven't slept yet), researched new photography techniques, looked into buying new materials, and started brainstorming holiday cards.

Don't get me wrong, I loved every moment of it, but I feel like if I step away from it, I'll start to get withdrawals. Maybe it's just the summer heat getting the best of me and this is just how I've decided to spend my summer boredom. All I know is, things have been going great for my little shop so far. Its been less than a month and we've already had over 2,000 views, 100 favorites, and 6 sales. I don't think I could ask for things to go much better than have so far. And the idea of something I created being able to grow and reach people I never would have been able to before just gives me those warm fuzzies on the inside.

I'm not really sure how I want to end this... whatever it is, but I guess I'll just say- If your reading this, I truly appreciate you taking the time to support this new obsession of mine. And I hope the fact your here, reading this ill communicated blog post, means you have genuine interest in what I'm trying to accomplish.

 So, Thank you :)

 xo Ensley

If At First You Don't Succeed, Try Again on Monday

This afternoon, Kjia and I put on our running shoes, filled our backpacks with water bottles, and decided to head over to the Lake Poway/ Mount Woodson Trail.  I've never done it before, and thought it would be a great challenge.  I hear that the hike really kicks your butt, Kjia did it on her birthday last year and said it was definitely nothing to laugh at.

Chalk it up to our summertime laziness, but this hike just did not go as planned.  First mistake was decided to get up at 10:30am and not leaving the house until 11.  By the time we got there it was already 84 degrees outside, and in Poway that might as well by 90.  Kjia had left out the fact that the last time she did the hike she was forced to wake up at 8 in morning by her friends, so by the time it started to get really hot like it was today, they were already on their way down the mountain.  We only last on the trail for about an hour or hour and a half, and Kjia so keenly forgotten to eat breakfast, leaving her nauseous and dizzy with still another hour and half to go.  The view from atop Mount Woodson at Potato Chip Rock is supposed to be really amazing, but we were still able to take in some good sights.  We're gonna try again on Monday, and this time get up bright n' early before the heat catches us.


xo Ensley