"How It's Done" with Emma Dear - Part 2

We're wrapping up our time with Becky from Emma Dear. Yesterday, we learned about Becky's background and love for all things vintage and handmade.

Today, we get to learn a bit more about how she maintains a successful Etsy vintage shop while maintaining a successful family at the same time! All of the lovely photos in today's post are vintage finds from Becky's Etsy shop, Emma Dear.

~When people ask you what you “Do” how do you respond? Usually I say I’m a work at home Mom with an online business.

~How old are your kids? Teddy is 3.

~What are your top goals for your business? I would like to have a steady flow of business of both my vintage and handmade items. I have so many personal responsibilities that I have to keep my goals small.

~What are your top goals for your family and marriage? I would love to go on vacation at least twice per year. My husband and I really enjoy the beach so taking a couple of weeks each year to relax in the sun by the sea is very important. Also I want to be prepared financially for when my son gets older and goes to college. Since we have our dream house already my goal is to get everything super organized and finish up all the small, lingering projects that we have. Life runs smoother when you’re organized!

~What are the top 1 or 2 things you do to keep your life in “balance” while you work toward these goals? Exercise and taking time to relax. When I exercise regularly I feel better, sleep better and things just go smoother in general. Also listening to music and singing…it causes such a release!

~What is the greatest obstacle or challenge you face in reaching these goals? Don’t laugh, but my consumption of sugar. I am convinced that a sugar addict suffers with health and exhaustion issues that a non-addict would not have. I am a sugar addict and it’s terrible to realize that sometimes I am shooting myself in the foot! I am working on the problem though, but just yesterday I had two doughnuts! I know I'd get more done if I didn't eat sugar because it often robs me of energy!

~What resources do you use (books, blogs, websites, people) to help encourage and educate you? I love browsing Etsy to look at what other artists are doing. I find it inspiring to see success on Etsy because if someone else can do it, so can I! I love reading self help books because there is so much knowledge and education one can obtain by reading! I’ve been able to change so many of my old, stagnant attitudes with these sorts of books.

~What do you feel is your most important characteristic in helping you live your life well and keeping things in balance? Not doing too much of one thing. A little exercise, a little pc work, a little housework, a little time with Teddy. It’s hard sometimes to jump to another thing when you’re on a roll (and sometimes I don’t) but if I switch off to another thing during the day the house stays clean, my business runs smooth, my son is happy, etc.

~What advice would you give to another working/blogging mom if they asked you for it? I am convinced that if you work very hard you can achieve your goals. Sometimes you feel like you’re going in circles but make some goals, keep your eye on what you want and just keep working hard. When you’ve reached your goals you will be even happier because you know it’s because of your OWN hard work and no one else’s.

And that's "How It's Done!" Thank you so much, Becky. It's been fun sharing your story this holiday weekend.