Master Delegator

         Both my grandmothers and my mother sewed their whole lives, but for whatever reason, I never learned how. My Grandma Millie taught me how to crochet rugs, but that's the closest I ever came. Even though I ended up teaching myself how to sew, I always knew in the back of my mind, it was in my blood. Unfortunately, or fortunately- depending on how you look at it- there is a lot more to the bikini business than sewing. 
         The more I get into this business, the more learning there is to do. It started with learning how to make A (as in one) bikini, then it was how to make 50 at a time...then 100. Building inventory to open an online store and learning how to use and manage it. I did photo shoots for the inventory I wanted to sell, wrote descriptions for each one, figured out shipping rates and got a system in place for orders, refunds and exchanges.
         Then there's the photo shoots. You can't have a bikini company without the photo shoots. These I really enjoy. Lately, photo shoots are the only reason I get to go to the beach, so I'm quite happy to have a reason to get out of the sewing room. I'm learning, by doing, about how to be photographer, and what lighting works best and when, getting the models ready: making sure the suits fit, getting the right sizes. I do their make-up, and use earrings and bracelets and necklaces from my own collection to accessorize. After that, there's the photo editing. Seeing as I'm still in the process of learning how to get the shot I need, I end up taking a shit ton of pictures. So needless to say, there's a lot to go thru. It's a lot of work and there's a lot of time involved but the end product is totally worth it.
        We can't forget the little shows on the side: I've got the runway show coming up in a few weeks- I know it's going to be fun, but it's my first one, so I know there will be some challenges too. I've also got a show for my photography starting January 1st at the Java Kai in Kapaa. I need to blow up prints and fill the space for the whole month and possibly into February. I'm pretty excited about it. 
       I also drive around island to all 6 of my retail stores, checking inventory and dropping off more. I get along well with all of the shop owners so this is usually pretty fun too.
      The problem I'm having with all this, is that I love it. I really truly like each part of it. There's parts I like more than others, but for the most part, I really like it all. BUT- I can't do it all. Right now Im able to, but I know that if I want my business to grow, I'm going to have to train someone and delegate out some of my favorite things. What I need to do first is train people to do the bulk of the sewing. (My inner voice just screamed out: "but no one can do it like I do! It won't be the same!") Will they still be MY suits if someone else is doing it?!? Yes. I suppose. This is something i'm going to have to get over. 
      So what does all this mean?!? I need to become a Master Delegator. I am a horrible delegator by the way. I prefer and try to do everything myself, (usually because I enjoy it) and I hate asking people to do things...especially things for me. My Dad on the other hand is THE Master Delegator. The name plate on his desk says "BOSS MAN". Well, right next to it, he should have another one that says "MASTER DELEGATOR". I was not taught this skill, but it's definitely something I'm going to have to teach myself. It will be challenging, and I'm sure I won't be good at it as first, but in the back of my mind, I'll know it's in my blood.  

Sneak Peak

Here's a couple sneak peaks from the most recent photo shoot...

 *Lalo* String Bikini Bottoms with braided Rasta ties

4- in-1 Halter tops in matching red, yellow and green

Gold 4-in-1 Halter Top and Hawaiian Floral *Okole* Bottoms

A whole lotta

Is it possible to be overwhelmed by too many good things happening at once? Yes, if only for a moment...
In the last two days I met the wonderful girl who runs LeavenLifestyle.com who wants to feature one of my suits on her site, I spoke with the owner of The Bikini Room who wants me to manufacture her own line of suits for her store and signed me up to do a small runway show in few weeks (for which I need to provide models, suits, hats and posters)  AND I was invited to be a merchant on ShopLately.com. All of this is fantastic news! To get all this news all at once? A little overwhelming...
So for about 15 minutes my mind raced thinking about all the things I need to do to get ready for these new opportunities combined with my current need-to-do list and I almost, repeat, almost got scared. Can I do all of this? Will I have the time? What if I can't? I don't want to disappoint anyone! STOP. No more of that kind of talk.
Then I started thinking about how this is exactly what I want to happen and how amazing it is that I'm being recognized for my work and how lucky I am to be offered these kind of opportunities so early in my business...and you know what? I CAN DO THIS. This is my passion. This is what motivates me. I am creating. I'm jumping in, I'm moving forward, I am thankful.  I love this. This is all part of it, part of succeeding, part of putting myself out into the world...and I can do this. Overwhelming? yeah, maybe...but only for a moment.