Tuesday, September 29, 2009

A little frustrated

Ok here it goes. I've been thinking about this post a lot and how to go about it. I'm just going to write and whatever comes out comes out. So don't judge me...
Some of you know what this is about but i'm going to tell you the story.
We have this guy friend that we became close to and he got married. His wife wrote me on facebook a couple months ago asking some business help on how she should get started with her hair bow/baby accessory business. Of course I helped in any way I could. I told her about the blog site that I made and how it works, how people pay etc etc. Well after seeing my site she fell in love... too in love. The next message was her asking how I make them...but every detail. I have had people ask me this before and I respectfully say sorry but no. So I did and this is what I wrote,

"As much as I would love to help you out. I can't. My stuff is original and unique to me and my style and how I do it. I have been asked a lot from other people how to make it. I said the same thing to them so I hope you don't take it personal. I get business from all over and i'm still trying to get my stuff out there since I just started in March so I can't have someone else making the exact same things when it's my designs and business that I came up with from scratch. It's a little different than if it were baby things etc cuz a lot of people do them. But this is just me and i've never seen anything out there like this. That's why I did it, I wanted to be different than everyone else. Hope you can understand and good luck with your hair accessories, if you have anymore questions I would definately still help you out. Mindy"

Well to my surprise she actually just started her business....making children and home decor! I could copy my site and put it on hers and nothing would be different. I'm not even kidding. Now I want you to know this, I know for a fact i'm not the only one out there who does this, there is plenty of wood home decor/baby names etc. But I definately did not copy ANYONE. I took inspiration of styles and what I liked from other home decor but I never copied. I know since then there has been a lot of this coming out and I know they didn't copy me. lol I honestly didn't look around very much at other names etc, and there wasn't anything out there "quite" like mine and I have friends who can attest to that. I got the idea because I was trying to find names for the twins when they were born but I didn't love anything and nothing had my "style" so I decided I am going to make them and it went from there.

I don't want to over react, but if any of you know me, I hate people who copy and take credit for it. I just think it's rude. I always knew other people would try and imitate it but never a "friend" and especially do everything the exact same. The whole situation was just wrong. If I didn't know her and she had her own twist or style or whatever, then who cares. Nobody has the exact same, but even the little effect on the letters is what I do. I know for a fact that if I had a friend do a business I would never ever consider copying it. I would try my hardest to make it completely different and "my own". I did write her and she couldn't be bothered, she justified it as how many of these things are out there so she didn't copy. Right.

If you really want to see it, she's not hard to find, I actually want you to see so you understand my frustration. She deleted my blog but I never deleted her...but that's all i'll say. Honestly would you be upset? I just hate the fact there is nothing I can do about it. Oh well I guess i'll just have to work that much harder to make mine that much better.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

It sucks the big one Mindy but you were out there first and your business is way better (name and all) keep going strong the way you are and do all you can to better your self and company. Don't worry about this other person Karma right?

Lachele said...

I was waiting for the post you'd do on this, and can I just say it was alot more tastful than I would have been. Your designs are awesome, your decor is cute. I've seen her site, and let me just tell you I think it's poorly done, there are spelling and grammar mistakes(and that is a big peeve of mine) so trusting someone to 'spell' something for me that can't even spell in a professional blog about her business isn't very professional at all if you ask me.

I just say keep your head up, and keep doing what your doing, cause you were here first and yours will always be better, it sucks that it was a 'friend' or atleast your friends wife cause that definately would put a strain on a relationship.

the fellers said...

that is seriously the worst mindy, I am so sorry....ugh, I feel frustrated for you!

Ashley Woolf said...

Mindy she is just super jealous of all your success with you business. I know that your stuff is to cute for words and that you have all my business.

The Anderson Family said...

Umm you know my feelings!! And so does she!!

The Pratts said...

That really sucks! I guess the only good news is she lives in the States (if I was looking at the right blog...) so hopefully that's far enough away that it might not affect your clientelle. But I would still be mad!

Unknown said...

yeah that sucks but at least yours has been going since march you'll have ur own cliental built up and word will spread that they like u. i wouldn't worry too much about it, just keep making them unique. good luck

Lynn said...

Okay. I must be totally out of the loop. I have only seen this kind of work through YOU! I truly find it unique. I have never seen anything like it before or after. Maybe I will soon........but I honestly don't think anyone could do it with the "Mindy" touch. I mean that. You are totally talented and after reading this post, I think you are a complete classy lady. You handled this situation and yourself beautifully and with class! That is SOmething to be admired in this day and age and I think your daughters will most benefit from a mom like you! : D I know I am inspired!

Janas Bananas said...

Oh man, that sucks!! I can't believe how dumb some people are, sorry about your frustration.

Mindi said...

I kinda know how you feel. With the baby blankets I make, I've taught a few of my neighbors, but it's YOUR name that people will like. This may have hurt your friendship, but don't let it hurt the business you created.

Lachele said...

Ha....one more thing, Mindy I totally read what Jill and brittany wrote on her blog before she deleted it! That was AWESOME! You're so lucky to have such good family to stick up for you!

{Sarah} said...

Yep, I would be frusterated too, but your blog is set up WAY cuter.... and yours looks way more professional. Your stuff is super cute! If we ever weren't poor students (one day right) I would totally get a letter made for my living room... one day right? You are awsome, don't let this get you down!

Amie said...

Wow, that is brutal... not a very good friend, obviously... good luck with your growing business.

The Harker Family said...

Oh my goodness! That is horrible! I am so sorry to hear that. She must have got a lot of traffic to her website today with all of us checking it out to see who on earth would do such a horrible thing! Ha! I must say your work is definitely more beautiful, artisctic and professional- hands down! So don't worry because people will recognize that.

The Coopers said...

Oh my goodness, that is sooooo weird. I mean like really weird that she would do that. I actually have a friend that makes names boards, but not letters like u and totally different as well... but i would never DREAM of asking her all the ??? about her business and how she does it and so on and then go and do it myself.. that truly is CRAZY!!! nice friend!
Seriously that would be really hard and i hope you continue on in your success, someday i will for sure buys some of your signs.. i really LOVE the halloween BOO one, sooo cute!!
Good luck, i feel for u!

henline crew said...

That totally sucks!!! Some people really just have nerve. Keep going on what your doing cuz your doing a great job and don't let it get you down. I know, easier said than done but your awesome and you can do it!

Meagan M said...

Mindy that does kind of suck! The thing is, I'm sure it won't affect you in anyway. You have your loyal customers/friends and they won't change. You're doing a great job and will continue to do so! I'm sorry this sucks though!

Rhiannon Bosse said...

I am a firm believer in karma. And that copying doesn't get one very far in life. Keep being you and keep doing what is your style and it will all work out; I promise. PS send me this girl's blog. I wanna do some investigating :) Chin up gorgeous!

ashley said...

I found your blog a while ago and thought it was so cute! I cant wait to recieve my order from you! Your work is awesome and you have a real talent! People will continue to order from you because your work is orginal and unique!

Ashley(okotoks)

Melissa said...

I check your blog once in awhile because your on some of my friends blogs, so yes you can call me a stalker. But i have to tell you that your letters are awesome. I live in the states and have been to a ton of boutiques and i have never seen letters done as cute as yours. Yours are darling and you have some serious talent.

Oh and if you go private can i still stalk you? missykarren@gmail.com

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