When I started The Quiet Sagittarius, I had no idea what to expect. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, and while I’m still learning, I’ve picked up a few lessons along the way that have helped me grow. Here are some of the key takeaways from my experience so far:
1. Patience is Key
One of the biggest lessons I’ve embraced is that success doesn’t come overnight—nor did I expect it to. I’ve always known that hard work is essential in whatever I do, and I didn’t think sales would just come rolling in once I listed my products. That said, it can still feel slow at times, and I’ve learned to be patient with the process.
But patience has been especially difficult for me because I’m the type who wants everything to be perfect before posting. My OCD drives me to ensure that every detail is in place, and I can’t truly relax until things are finished exactly how I envisioned. I want things to be done quickly but also perfectly, which is not always a healthy balance. This mindset has caused health issues for me over time, and I’m learning that while striving for quality is important, it’s equally important to pace myself and let go of perfectionism. Growth takes time, especially with digital products, which may seem like an easier path compared to physical items but still require consistent effort and dedication.
2. You Can’t Please Everyone
Not every customer will love what you create, and that’s okay. I’ve had my fair share of less-than-perfect reviews. When I got my first low-star rating on one of my projects, I was a little upset, especially since the same item had received good reviews from others. That low rating even brought down the overall rating of my store (though not by much), which was concerning at first. But I realized there wasn’t much I could do except continue working on my store and improving where I could. Over time, I’ve learned that constructive criticism helps me grow, and sometimes, there’s just no pleasing everyone—and that’s part of the business.
3. Consistency is Hard but Necessary
Staying consistent with listing new products, engaging on social media, and keeping up with customer inquiries is tough—especially while balancing a full-time job and family life. I’ve struggled with this, and I still do. It’s difficult to maintain a side hustle, not only for parents but also for those studying, working full-time, or juggling other responsibilities. There have been times when I had to stop for weeks because I was so busy with work, family, and simply feeling overwhelmed. Life happens. It took me a while to acknowledge this, especially since, as I mentioned earlier, I want things done perfectly (or my version of perfect). I’ve had to remind myself that it’s okay to take a break and focus on other priorities when necessary.
I’ve heard countless times online that consistency is key and we need to post often, but I’ve learned that I can only do so much. This is where the third-party app has been a lifesaver, helping me schedule posts when things get too busy. We can only do our best, and it’s important not to beat ourselves up when we can’t be as consistent as we’d like.
4. Adapt and Evolve
What worked when I first started doesn’t necessarily work now. Trends change, platforms evolve, and I’ve had to adapt my strategies accordingly. For instance, when I first opened my Etsy store back in 2017, I sold physical products. While I did make some sales, most of them came through word of mouth or Facebook, where I was more active at the time. My Etsy shop didn’t gain much traction, but to be fair, I didn’t keep it running for long before other commitments took priority, and I put it on hold.
Fast forward to 2023, and I decided to shift from physical products to digital items. This change made more sense for my lifestyle and interests, especially since many of my original physical pieces were sold elsewhere over the years. Adapting to new strategies has been crucial for my journey, allowing me to realign my focus as life evolves.
A contemporary representation of a woman on her learning journey
5. It’s a Learning Journey
I’m still learning new things every day. Whether it’s figuring out pricing (which is still tricky!), improving the design of my digital products, or understanding how to use social media effectively, there’s always something new to tackle. I rely on apps and programs like Canva to create my listings, which I’ve learned to use through YouTube tutorials and a lot of trial and error. And that’s okay! This is all part of the process, and I’ve grown so much along the way.
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Running The Quiet Sagittarius has been quite the adventure, full of lessons, challenges, and personal growth. From balancing work and family to discovering cool tools like Canva, I’ve realized there’s always something new to learn, no matter how prepared I think I am. What really stands out to me is that progress isn’t about being perfect—it’s about sticking with it, being flexible, and enjoying the process. Whether you’re just starting or have been at it for a while, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
We're all in this together, and every step forward matters. That's all for this post—wishing you all the best on your journey!
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