Welcome to the chaotic world of small business where the only thing more unpredictable than the stock market is your morning coffee spill. I will be sharing my top three pearls of wisdom that have helped me manage the challenges of entrepreneurship.
1. The Art of Pivoting in Your Business: Because We Can’t All Be Fortune Tellers
So, you started your brilliant career in furniture refinishing, thinking you were the next Michelangelo of coffee tables. Not really but wouldn’t that be fun?! Fast forward a few paint spills later, and you realize the local market needs all things furniture paint and décor. Well, fear not, my friend, because the first lesson in this three-ring circus is the Art of Pivoting.
Remember that time you thought your calling was sitting at a desk 40 hours a week? Staring at a screen with numbers you didn’t care anything about, but the universe had other plans? Instead, you embrace the pivot! Turn your passion into a furniture refinishing studio with a trendy retail boutique. Who cares if it’s a complete 180? It’s not like you were emotionally attached to your office job. Especially the “ office Karen” that was like tiptoeing through a minefield of relentless pessimism and unsolicited know-it-all corrections. Not to mention, the credit pilfering, and a perpetual penchant for sucking the fun out of every workplace interaction.
Keep pivoting like a breakdancer on roller skates until you find your sweet spot. Cabinet refinishing, interior redesign, underwater basket weaving – whatever floats your boat!

2. Always Be Learning: Because Google Knows More Than You Do
Lesson number two in this sideshow of success is to Always Be Learning.
Take a cue from the eternal student, me! Enroll in every course, workshop, and seminar you can find. Sure, you might end up with a collection of participation certificates that are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine, but who cares? You’re learning! Knowledge is power, or so they say. And in this case, power means the ability to impress your husband with fancy industry jargon about interior design.
Remember, in the age of the Internet, ignorance is a choice. So, grab that virtual learning ticket and dive headfirst into the vast world of online wisdom. You never know, the next YouTube tutorial might just turn you into the Elon Musk of furniture flipping.

3. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Because Who Needs Debbie Downers?
In the circus of entrepreneurship, you’ll encounter more naysayers than you can count – I like to call them the Negative Nancies. These are the folks who, instead of applauding your daring business acrobatics, insist on raining on your parade with their pessimistic drizzle. Lesson number three is simple: Surround Yourself with Positive Influences.
Bid farewell to the party poopers and seek out the cheerleaders of your entrepreneurial journey. Join local business groups, organizations, and networking events where people understand the value of a good laugh and a supportive pat on the back. Who needs negativity when you can bask in the warm glow of like-minded, optimistic colleagues? After all, you left Office Karen behind remember?!

Peering into the Crystal Ball: The Future of Jewels and Jems Furniture and Interior Redesigns
As the curtains rise on the future of Jewels and Jems Furniture and Interior Redesigns, the retail space, is taking a backseat. We are making a bold pivot towards a more focused approach. We will continue to offer all things Fusion Mineral Paint and refinishing products both in the shop and online. Retail was never the dream; instead, my true passion lies in the artistry of furniture refinishing.
In the upcoming chapter of our business story, we will be altering our approach to workshops. While we have always cherished offering DIY workshops, we are now refining our performance. The generic classes will no longer be available as we move towards creating a more exclusive experience. Picture in your mind, select group classes that are perfect for birthday parties and private events, crafted to add a touch of uniqueness to your every gathering. Although, hold your applause for now, because there is an exciting partnership in the works. We will be introducing classes with a new twist, and we will reveal more details very soon.

The Best is Yet to Come
I will assure you that we will continue to offer furniture refinishing and kitchen cabinet transformations. However, we have decided to curate and limit our services to ensure the highest quality of work. We are not just making changes, we are embracing the digital realm. In the future, we will offer a variety of online experiences where the art of refinishing will meet the digital canvas. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new venture.
As the story of Jewels and Jems unfolds, the chapters may change, but the essence remains true – a commitment to craftsmanship, a passion for innovation, and a dedication to providing an experience that transcends the ordinary. The future is full of possibilities, and I invite you to join me on this exhilarating journey as I continue to redefine the art of furniture and interior redesign.
