Finding Balance: Why I'm Stepping Back from Markets This Year
Burnout is real, and last year it caught up with me. Between the relentless pace of creating inventory, the pressure to show up at market after market, and watching the price of silver skyrocket, I hit a wall. I knew something had to change, not just for my business, but for my mental health and my love of metalsmithing.
I was pouring your heart into jewelry, and started to feel as if I was always going. That's exactly where I found myself, and I made the difficult decision to reassess my priorities and restructure how I run my business.
Why I'm Doing Fewer Markets
The honest truth? I'm uncertain about the profitability of markets right now. With silver prices climbing and my costs reflecting that reality, I've had to adjust my pricing accordingly. At the same time, I'm watching customers stretch their budgets thinner than ever. It felt irresponsible to commit to expensive booth fees when the market conditions are so unpredictable.
Instead, I'm channeling my energy into what's been consistently reliable: my website and stores I sell at. This allow me to maintain steady income without the weekend grind, and they give me the creative freedom I've been craving.
Building a Sustainable Business Model
This year, I made an intentional shift. I took on a part-time role as a lead teacher at a Forest School and started teaching jewelry making at the community college. This wasn't a step away from my passion, it was a strategic move to ensure my silversmithing business isn't my sole source of income. That pressure was suffocating my creativity.
By diversifying my income, I've given myself permission to slow down and actually enjoy the work. My weekends are now dedicated to teaching private metalsmithing workshops, and the difference is night and day. There's joy in mentoring others and sharing my craft in a way that doesn't feel extractive.
Protecting the Passion
I could feel the joy being drained from something I love. That was the wake-up call I needed. Running a business for the long haul means knowing when to adapt, when to say no, and when to protect what matters most.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love markets. The energy, the community, the direct connection with customers, it's special. But this season of my business calls for a different approach. This summer, you'll find me at the Salt Lake City Farmers Market once a month, and I'm genuinely excited about that rhythm.
If you've been feeling the squeeze in your own creative business, I hope my story reminds you that it's okay to pivot. Sustainability beats burnout every single time.