301 – Announcing National Bakers Crafters Makers Day – January 21 – A Day to Celebrate YOU!

I am so excited to make a very special announcement today. This week is dedicated to honoring all handmade product creators. AND, it leads up to the first-ever, formally registered National Bakers Crafters Makers Day! That's right, from now and into the future, every January 21 is officially a recognition day for bakers, crafters, and makers. The Origin of National Bakers Crafters Makers Day This idea came to me back in November. I thought about how you'd scrambled this past year (if you have a business) to have an online presence if you didn’t already – because that was the primary way you could sell given social distancing. And as the holidays drew near, I saw you hustling to promote your products, make and fill order after order, and ensure that all the gifts arrived in time (especially given the crazy delivery delays we had). Even with 2020 being so different, this hustle happens all the time. Because as makers, we give of ourselves, many times to the point of exhaustion (even sacrificing family time), so others can enjoy our top-quality handmade products. I remember it all too well when I had my gift basket business ... ... the backbreaking labor and last minute orders ... staying up into the wee hours of the morning (my dedicated employees at my side!) We’d finally make it home and fall into bed, only to get up the next day and do it again! The life of a maker is exhilarating, rewarding, exhausting, and wonderful - because you’re a giver. And I bet you’re like me and wouldn’t have it any other way. Celebrating The Beauty You Bring To The World All of this is what led me to the idea to celebrate the beauty you bring to the world. And January is a perfect time. It's when there's a little time to rejuvenate and relax – even take some time for yourself for once. If you have a business, orders are back to a manageable flow and you can breathe again. But seriously - look at what you’ve just done! All the love, talent, spirit, and heart you put into your creations are now out being enjoyed in the world. That’s an amazing thing! Handmade Products Deserve Recognition Handmade products go back to the stone ages when people used animal hides to cover and warm themselves. Remember seeing in history books and at museums how they formed tools out of stone and wood? All this for survival. As the centuries moved on, handmade products were the foundation forming the comfortable life we experience today. Small villages of crafters made garments for warmth, jewelry for adornment, and tools of all kinds to make tasks easier. They used creativity to make food taste good (and look so appetizing!). They also produced oils and lotions for healing, pottery for cooking, painting, woodworking, needlework, and so many other things! As our culture has advanced, these activities have remained and continue to be expressions of individuality. Their creation brings us joy and is good for the soul. So, we should celebrate this history and celebrate you too! Whether you do this for self-fulfillment, or as a part- or full-time business – I want to recognize you by honoring you on the new National Bakers Crafters Makers Day – January 21. How To Celebrate Need some ideas to help you celebrate and lift up your fellow makers? ...