05/27/2026
Camden Businesses, let's gab! As I start my business back up, and begin classes again, I felt compelled to reach out to all of you with a heartfelt message. 🤗
Chapter One, Backstory for Effect: When I first started this company back in 2019, I was the only business like it in 50 miles; the very first fully-mobile crafts business that Camden had ever seen (still am, for now), and was one of the only mobile businesses in the area (literally, we barely had food trucks back in the olden days y'all 😩). I was only the second registered art-related business at the time, next to my friends over at Coastal Camden Art League (sorry for tagging y'all, but I needed a beautiful example to make my later point 😆). Even then, not once did I compare myself to them. Why? 1. Because they are awesome all on their own and are the OGs. 2. Because we both offer something different and unique. 3. Because I KNOW my weaknesses and my strengths, and I am not a fine artist like the folks at CCAL; I am a simple crafter at heart. 4. And because growing up means telling yourself that there is really no competition because we are BOTH amazing, there are a ton of fish in the sea, and we have completely different things to offer the community. Just because we both own paintbrushes, doesn't mean we are the same people. Even when we see similar businesses come and go, or we're told 'no' by those that doubt us or wish to copy us, we still prevail, have fun, and appreciate our beautiful community. For you 'Friends' fans: we must "PIVOT!"
Chapter Two, The Dang Point: I use my own personal example because I want to say this: I am friends (or trying desperately to be - some of y'all are busy af) with basically every business in this town. I spend my money equally all over this county like I don't have adult-sized bills, much to my bank accounts' detriment. Regardless of who owns it or what it offers, I'm going to patronize it. I mean, it's LITERALLY my job to be friends with everyone and bring attention to the businesses where I live! I want every business in this town to know that you are unique and important. If you feel spicy thinking that I'm at a "competitors" venue, then I want you to stop those naughty thoughts right this instant! There is ZERO favoritism because I want to help EVERYONE. (I just haven't heard back from you yet or I still have to get my butt over to give you the deets.) Seriously, just REACH OUT TO ME/answer your messages. I'll try to accommodate EVERYONE. I can literally do something amazing at every venue that needs me.
Chapter 3, Kumbaya: Because of the recent growth in Camden, I often overhear businesses comparing themselves to each other. This inspired me to start a hashtag that I fully stand behind: - And I want you to repeat it in your head when you have doubt. Heck, message me and we'll chant it together when you're stressed! Truthfully, no two businesses in this county are alike, period. Boom. End of discussion. We are all unique, have our own weaknesses (*gasp* it's normal) and strengths, and are insanely important to Camden's economy. If you feel like you are being copied, then simply pivot. You can even consider it a form of flattery. I certainly have had to do that many times since 2019, with the introduction of similar businesses in our area and the Covid pandemic. My own no-crying-in-baseball-type mantra, when I start comparing myself: "There will always be someone richer than you; more good-looking than you; and with more energy than you could ever hope for. The best that you can do in THIS moment, is to stand out as you are."
Chapter 4, Wrap It Up, You Sap: At the end of the day, I started my business to have fun and make new friends. That's what I'm here to do, as this is my forever home and I have been here for over a decade already. And I said all of that long-winded stuff above because I want to make it clear: If I can swing it, I want to work with every single one of you! SERIOUSLY. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. It's that simple.
Ok, breaks over. Go put your crown on and get back to work! 👑
Love and Light,
Lauren
