Frustrations of a Shop Owner

I had a shop announcement, which is a few lines of newsworthy news that can be found under the decorative "header" in most Etsy shops, saying I had my fingers crossed for new "Yardwork exclusive" indigo prints for Spring 2015. Well, the fingers are uncrossed now because it's not happening. Several months ago, I double-checked with my source in India - the one I worked so hard to find because I wanted a group that was clearly working with community, environment and hand-crafters in mind - to be sure they would be willing and able to print 4-6 new prints for me by April or May. They gave me the go-ahead, and so I proceeded to put the time into creating some new designs. They were not complicated designs, as I feel that is best when using the dabu (batik-like) process AND working from the other side of the planet! Even so, sometimes the most simple design can take the most time since the simple shapes and/or spacing has to "say it all". Anyway, with fingers crossed and breath held, I emailed the finished designs to India. To make a long story of exchanged emails short, I have now been told they are too busy to produce my designs. I am basically too small of a "fish". I can't tell you how disappointed I am. The whole direction I have been pointing my shop in for the past few years has crumbled. Bubbles burst, parade rained out, hopes vanishing in a puff of smoke. Perhaps this was an unrealistic dream: to try to make reliable connections from this far away and with a small budget.

I am sure all is not lost. I am actually working on a commercial design portfolio and those designs might find a place in there. But, for these reasons, I hope my readers won't mind if I take a more official hiatus (more official than the one I've already been taking!) as I regroup with my thoughts, redirect my energies, and plan new goals.