Dilemma = Lesson
At the beginning of the year, I approached a certain Finnish brand with a collaboration proposal. They have a long history. Last year, they felt the need to renew themselves, and currently, the process is clearly underway. I briefly told them my background, my motives, the proposal, and with my portfolio in mind, I included a link to my site. I was excited about the contact, as surely every small entrepreneur would be. I received confirmation that my proposal had been forwarded to the correct department.
A long history between us
I am a third-generation collector. My own collection grew for nearly 20 years until the product was discontinued. The same trend has happened to other relatives of mine. So, I overflowed with all kinds of development suggestions, which I felt the company had not noticed or thought of. I eagerly awaited discussion, but the only response I received was silence. I forgot the whole thing. Until a couple of months later, I saw their new advertisement: "Flourish in Your Own Way."
My first reaction was delight! Such a wonderful message, and it fits their core products perfectly. How wonderful to spread this reminder throughout the country. Yay! Good for you! The next reaction was less pretty. "Wait a minute, does that sound a little too familiar..." Naturally, I do not know where their campaign’s spark originated. Coincidence feels a little too fitting.
The third stage of the separation process
In previous years, I had already experienced sorrow towards this company. In my current professional group, it is also known that the quality of their newest product lines is poor. Additionally, due to production reasons, products moved abroad have declined in quality and no longer endure the same way in use. Products still manufactured in Finland, adhering to original values, remain unbeatable. As I said, from these products, even three generations of our family have been "played out," so to speak.
A new perspective – what can I learn from this
Nowadays, I do not desperately ask, "Why is this happening to me?" but instead, "What can I learn from this, what is it telling me?" The answer was right in front of my nose. I had been trying to find a more affordable manufacturer for my print products. I would like to lower prices slightly, but with the current product group, it is not possible.
The alternative I found offered a cheaper product, but at what cost? Deliveries would always come from the other side of the world. Quality would not be fully guaranteed because that area does not have the same quality control as we have within the EU. I couldn’t even check the quality of the materials (such as printing inks). For example, if you burn a candle, isn’t it comforting to know that it has passed about a million tests to ensure you are not accidentally poisoning your air?
Flourish in your own way 🌺
Everyone in their own style. We have the freedom to choose. My authentic self is educated and remembers to stay true to my original values. As I mentioned, my current supplier has passed both my own quality criteria and the requirements of the EU. So, prices will remain unchanged for now. I have sent them a few product requests. Fingers crossed that I’ll get them into the selection soon.
So, let’s remember to stay true and honest to ourselves this week 💖
I dare say that the company I mentioned will also find its way back to flourishing once they remember who they truly are at heart.
Let's Flourish Together 🌿
