Monday, August 3, 2015

Full Disclosure...


I absolutely believe this quote to be true.

Many of you know that I recently quit my full time job to work for myself. I wanted to branch out on my own and try my hand making money at what I love best - scrapbooking! As I pursue this new endeavor, I want my followers to know where I'm coming from and what my plans are and how I'm making money.

I know people are sometimes wary of people promoting products for themselves and/or other companies, so...

Full disclosure...I quit my job. But, it wasn't something I had planned on and I still need a salary.

Full disclosure...I use ads at the beginning of my YouTube videos to make a little extra money. This is a very, VERY minor source of income, but every little bit helps. :)

Full disclosure...I am an affiliate for Amazon.com and Scrapbook.com. When I post links to products that I've used, I link to one of those websites wherever possible. Each time someone clicks on one of those links and goes shopping, I get a small commission of whatever is purchased. Again, this is a somewhat small source of income, but I'm very appreciative every time someone uses one of my links to buy something.

Full disclosure...Although I'm an affiliate, I only link to/use products that I love. I will not compromise on that. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love.

Full disclosure...I have been providing what I believe to be high quality, free content on my YouTube channel. I most definitely plan to continue that. I love the YouTube community and wouldn't be where I am without the people I've "met" through YouTube. I am forever grateful.

Full disclosure...I am developing a class. It is close to being finished. I will sell it right here on my website. I plan for classes to be a large part of my money making. I'm working really hard to make my classes content rich and totally worth the money. I'd like to keep them somewhat inexpensive because I know how hard it is to pay for something that is not physical product. That said, I believe that my many years of scrapbooking combined with my years working in this industry have given me a lot of insight on a variety of topics. I'm excited to share it all!

Full disclosure...I may also end up selling other things (like cut files or printables) as well, but we will see how things go.

Full disclosure...I am having a hard time adjusting to working from home. I definitely work more now than I did before because whenever I'm home I feel like I could/should be working. I have never been busier, but I am grateful that I get to choose what I'm working on and I am loving it!

Again, I share these things with you because I know that some might be curious and also because I want to be open and honest. I think transparency is undervalued and not enough people are willing to share what they are doing and what is working for them. I hope to be able to do a "full disclosure" post several times a year to keep you updated on how things are going for me!

I also wanted to let you know that absolutely realize that I took a huge risk. I don't know if people will like what I'm creating enough to want to pay for it. But I was willing to take that risk because I have a passion for memory keeping and I feel like this is my calling in life.

Thanks so much for your support and feel free to comment with your questions!






PS - I am pretty much obsessed with brush lettering right now. The photo above + my Instagram feed are evidence of that. :)

33 comments:

  1. Can I just copy and paste this as a blog post for myself? haha!!!!! Just kidding. This is perfect!! You are so talented and I know people are going to love your classes and support you. I can't wait to see the first one! Great post! -Signed, Your Biggest Fan who also happens to be your friend

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  2. Gosh, well done you for writing this. Honesty rocks! Here's some facts right back atcha: 1. You are very well loved and respected in this little world, 2. You have a very genuine talent and gifting for this, and 3. God's hand is all over this and He won't see his kids fall on their faces. Also just to add from a personal perspective that I totally get the challenges of being at home all day - it's much harder than it looks! Love to you, sweet friend xxx

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    1. Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement!

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  3. (Okay, I am going to try this again...I don't know where my comment went!)

    Jen!!!!!! I think that this is wonderful! You have to step out on faith and know that everything is going to be alright. Fear can drive us to do great things. Take a risk and reap the rewards my friend. You have a wonderful community of supporters! You are extremely talented and I cannot wait to see where this takes you!!!!

    Hugs by friend!

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  4. This is awesome! I love that you are so open and honest. I agree with the others, your a talented and i know that me and my daughters love watching you!! I cant wait to see what you creat for your classes!! Big hugs and good luck!!

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  5. Love your YouTube videos, (I learn so much),so I will be excitedly waiting for your class!

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  6. I have huge admiration for your courage and wish you every success in your new endeavour. You are one very talented lady and it's so brilliant that you're investing these talents so well. I, for one, am very excited to hear about your new class! You've proven your worth time and again by the high quality material you've already freely shared over YouTube. There is something very special about paid-for classes too, and I can only imagine the sheer effort you'll have put into creating those. Exciting times ahead!
    ~ iliana

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  7. I'm excited to see what your class will be on! I love your you tube channel and I will use the links whenever possible! Good luck to you! I hope you are very successful in your new career!!

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  8. Awesome!!! Best of luck with it! I wish all the success in the world 😘

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  10. Full disclosure...I love your videos!
    Full disclosure...I love them so much that I pledge to sign up for your class if for no other reason than to keep those videos coming!
    Full disclosure...I wish you great success.

    One question...If I use your affiliate link to a product and purchase other items at the same time do you get a commission on my whole purchase? (I certainly hope so, 'cause if that's the case I'll always enter those sites through your link!)

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    1. Bless you for asking that question! Yes, if you use my affiliate link I get a commission on the entire purchase. Thanks for your support!

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  11. Love your honesty. I am totally a fan. Good luck!

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  12. Ann - yes, if you click through to one of her links, anything you order on Amazon will be credited toward her!! I made a commission on someone's groceries! LOL

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  13. Good Luck in everything you do. I haven't had it in me to quit my job yet and the year that I was home not working I had an infant at home so for now it's working full time and my business, which makes me extra busy. Just know that it can be done!

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    1. You are superwoman! Thanks for your kind words!

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  14. So, so very happy for you! I can imagine it must be a wee bit scary to quit "your day job" to pursue your God Given Dreams! Proud of you and know that God has His hand in this! Hugs and much love to you!

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  15. Kudos to you Jen for going after your dreams, for living your passion and deciding to make a living from your passions ;)... I love your videos, I will sign up for your class as soon as it is available.

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  16. Jen, this was right on time! When I read this the light bulb just went on! I told myself the other day that I was going to believe God for big things. I'm very passionate about scrapbooking, so much so that I want to share my love with others. You really inspired me to step out and faith. Thanks so much!!! I love your work by the way.

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  17. I wish you the very best Jen & sincerely hope it all works out just as you wish. I look forward to seeing what's to come. Clair. www.clairmatthews.com

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  18. You're extremely talented and I really enjoy your videos! I'm not surprised you took this route...no doubt it will pay off big time for you!

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  19. This is all good! Good that you're being up front about affiliate links (which helps those who want to know how to help you). Good that you're being up front about how much or little you get from each of the types of ads. Good that you're giving others the courage to do the same. Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to hearing more about your journey through self-employment. Take care!

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  20. Great blog post Jen. I admire your courage but know you have the talent to rock the scrapbooking world. Continue to be your awesome self!!!

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  21. Love your Youtube channel and watch it all the time. Love that you get a commission and make sure to use the links through you so you will get the commission. I buy from both of those places and will make sure to do it through you. Love your work can't wait to see your class.

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  22. Good for you for taking the leap of faith to do what you love. I believe that will be rewarded - because of your talent, your hard work and also because the Universe loves to supply wings to those willing to leap. I love your work, and just signed up for your first awesome course!

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