My Smol Business Journey - 2nd Quarter Update & Recap

The Mystic Mollusk 2nd Quarter Collection

Where tf did the time go >_< ! Already halfway done with the year!!!!

This is a good time for a 2nd quarter update.. even if I didn't do a 1st quarter update technically lol

If you haven't already read the blog posts from February about me starting my small buisness I suggest you do so :) ! If not, I'll break down the story that was really fking fun to write lol.

Enjoy :D

Once upon a time an elf named Krim was working a job as a tech-wizard that was feeding her anxiety to eat her alive. Toxic energies fueled the spell within, causing her to feel edgy, confused, depressed, a whole mix of not-so-fun emotions and sensations in her everyday.

Things, expensive important things, started to disappear from Krim's desk, being taken from teachers without asking her. Students disrespected rules Krim tried to set, lying and tricking her so they can have their way. Krim was being treated like a teenager, as she can easily pass as a high-schooler with her young features. Interactions from students and teachers eventually became very uncomfortable, and nerve-wrecking. She felt like she couldn't fit in anyone, keeping her , passions, interests, and hobbies to herself so she can be judged less.

What's even more nerve-wrecking is how teachers, after their many years of education and professional experience, don't know what an USB connection is.

For real, many people now-a-days lack "problem-solving skills" and "attention to detail". Simple. Soft. Skills. Bruh it's like they don't know how to fucking read instructions anymore and they freak the fuck out and take it on the tech wiz--

Eventually, Krim's anxiety began to physically hurt. It was super uncomfy. A wash of overwhelming. Like living in a weird liquidly dream, Krim often spaced out as her whole body and mind felt trapped in a tight, dark room. Angry fluttering butterflies go wild in her chest, which she had to wear a mask of happiness and calmness to coat the dread within as she worked. Krim felt compelled to stay silent and cool, to appear strong for the people she works with and the people she works for.

Dangerous intent also lurked in the air, feeding Krim's mind to think at any moment all hell can break loose. The world was already dangerous enough. And Krim was in an environment where most of the danger erupted. Three times she had to take action to keep the students safe, even if it was a "little joke". No one took it seriously.

Tears began to escape Krim's eyes more often. Once in front of one of her supervisors who was sympathetic and let her leave early. A student probably saw her and shared the tea to their peers. And worse, her boss gave her a stern arms-crossed lecture about her behavior in his office, not caring if she was crying right in front of him. She felt like a little girl, because she was practically treated like a little girl.

After that, Krim finally decided that enough is enough. "Fuck this shit."

February was approaching and Krim announced her resignation, explaining her mental obstacles to her supervisor. She explained what she lacked in this position: respect, organization, creative opportunities, and safety. Krim was struggling. She wasn't happy. She wanted something different. Better. More creative. No matter how well the pay was, this wasn't the dream opportunity. However, Krim was still grateful for her time working here because she identified her passions, needs, desires, and strengths. Her supervisor supported her decision and granted her leave.

Before Krim left, she made gifts. A handy guidebook she wrote herself on how to use the magic portals for every important department to refer to while they search for a replacement tech-wizard. Krim also organized a guidebook on her entire role: duties, expectations, issues, and rituals. This would help the new tech-wizard IMMENSELY, and not be in a loop of surprises like the others.

Oh, and tiny cupcakes :)

The teachers were surprised yet not surprised Krim was leaving because they were aware her struggles. They saw her creativity. They knew she really tried.

They will miss her, because she was very smart, gifted, and sweet. So very helpful and reliable. Very approachable. She deserved better treatment from the supervisors. And especially from the children.

Oh the studnets... they were not happy learning that Krim was leaving. One wrote her a sweet letter, thanking her for being a nice person and helping everyone. One wrote through the portal about their sad reaction of her resignation, and wished her the best. Many paid her a visit and played the "why" game. Even ones who caused her so much trouble in the first place.

Really, many of them were assholes.

Why work in a place full of assholes? Full of stress and disrespect? No order? No organization? No room to be herself? There were way better opportunities out there. Opportunities she really WANTED and could be truly happy?

So, for almost two months, Krim was home everyday, searching for these opportunities, while putting new crafty skills to the test. She got rejected and ignored by opportunities she truly pictured herself being in. It was mentally exhausting.

While awaiting approval from strangers to have a job, stability, and use her creativity, she also seeked help for the spell within her. Turns out the spell was much more powerful than anticipated. It affected her craft-work. Fed her fantasies that could happen but never do, but still replayed in her head over and over again. Drained her energy like deflating a balloon. Created a small lens of her surroundings. Producing dark clouds over her head, causing her to feel sad, bored, tired, and a dim of hopelessness.

Her love was aware of Krim's emotions, and took care of her, giving her lots of love and hugs, cooking delicious meals, and going on walks in nature. However much she enjoyed it all, the spell seemed to like to crawl up and shit on her day.

As her treatment, Krim was given a remedy to take every morning to ease the fog of the spell. Things began to be manageable. Easier. Sometimes more enjoyable as her mood began to lift.

Work continued for Krim... to find work. She was already ahead of the quest in her previous position, throwing her qualifications to multiple places. She contacted someone from her first educational realm to guide her on things to think about to successfully land on the path she would be happy traveling. She also considered other forms of craft, being around a different crowd, however decided to use that as a handy skill in her spell-book rather than make a long-term career out of it.

Krim really knew she wanted to create visually, share stories, and build a community. Something unique.

Creative organizations often have tight barriers and deadlines. Artisans MUST be focused on that specific vision, sometimes have no room for their own creative projects or tweaks. Stories about these gifted craftspeople being let go from the magical workplace spread across the portals, and they were challenged to find acceptance in another. Others shared their own experience, sure, feeling great they were part of creating something dope but were also drained out of their misery to work long painful hours until their head exploded.

For a long time, since she was young, Krim dreamed of working with a team of craftspeople like her to make something amazing. Something her children will grow up to watch and play. Something that would be sold in stores and be a hot topic in the media. Oh how fucking DOPE!!!! But to land in a realm that was already set with these people and had a reputation of magical work... was EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.

Rejection after rejection, why? Was Krim's beautiful work not enough? Was Krim's five years of learning the craft and amazing feedback not enough?

Was Krim not enough?

Two years after completing the curriculum 100%... and nothing.

Bruh. This here... was FOR SURE the biggest feeder of toxic energy to her spell.

Krim became more determined to work on a project she started in December; she purchased a realm in the portals she named The Mystic Mollusk. (She used money from her super secret under-the-mattress account to afford this). Originally the realm was intended to house a blog where she'd brush up on her storytelling and advice-giving, and submitting access to this realm to other opportunities.

Then, Krim added her physical creations. She invented a universe of characters and creatures, giving them stories that symbolize their purpose. Think of her imaginary friends come to life through this realm. Krim was okay to show off her precious babies - they are beautiful - but to also share them. Invite others to vibe with them.

But also, Krim invited others to vibe with Krim.

Krim continued her blog writing stories, sharing personal experiences. She linked her Instagram realm to The Mystic Mollusk, where she was beginning to be more active, being brave uploading her creations and gaining the support from her friends and new admirers. Spreading good vibes like fairy dust.

The most exciting part, Krim was putting herself out there for realz.

With her partner they discovered new magical places together. Groups of other craftspeople who also loved storytelling. Music-filled spaces where the floors shook and the people gather to run in a crazy spiral. Their favorite spot is a worn-out stone temple where within wild, colorful, and fantastical people dance, mingle, and vibe. The first time they attended this place, artists were displaying their creations for sale, and Krim met some dope creative minds, purchased some goods, and decided "this is the spot I would like to be. Doing this. And being me."

So Krim continued working on The Mystic Mollusk to achieve this goal. Countless creating, creating, writing, crafting, inventing, displaying, giving. She made a few deliveries to her fellow homies who supported and admired her craft. Eventually, Krim also found a new job! Another tech-wizard position but in a more respected, beautiful library. Less hours, however, that gave her time to work on her creative goals and go on more exciting adventures :D Krim is in the progress of enhancing her handy guidebooks in hopes to publish them for her new library. Despite the patrons who act like they never seen portals before, Krim enjoys helping others. She is passionate about making things easy to consume, information easy to understand, and, of course, pretty. Passionate of making life easy and comfortable.

The more adventures Krim and her love went on, she proudly wore her pointy ears. She put together the drip, the sicc fit, no matter what theme it is she still showed off the ears. People complimented her on the fit, but also on her ears. Weird but okay.

After one blink, Krim realized the year was half-way done. "What the fuck," she said, as she brews her morning chocolate elixir. For real, everything happened so fast. A part of her felt like she didn't do much. Until she listed month by month what the hell happened these past six months... and it was fucking worth.

January

• Played with my new printer!

• Snail-frogs were born  🐌🐸

• Spoke to career counselor

• Began therapy 💗

• Began sharing more on Instagram

• Drew the Crow Girls from Obsidian REEL ⚫

• Puppy sit Pepper the Pecker

• Had a mental breakdown in the car

• First goofy reel shortly after the breakdown

• Put in my two weeks to get the fuck out of this job!!!

February

• Unemployment and job search begins :(

• Used gift-cards to purchase new crafting materials and equipment

• Discovered more mental health diagnosis and given a treatment 💗

• Shrek Rave - discovered Leland !

• First DTIYS for amnistart

• Created packaging for snail-frog pack 🐌

• Emo night at Leland 💀

• Drew a beautiful animated portrait of Krys Adams ⚫

• Almost died swinging on a rope

• Reel of couple poses of Obsidian OCS ⚫

• Goth night at Leland 💀

• Had a couple of interviews

• Start a book called The Middle Finger Project by Ash Amberg 📕

• Drew a lil Xavaria Comic 👸

• Began drawing an Obsidian cover ⚫

• Kalath and Elise Dancing 👸

• Krys x Vincent beach ⚫

• Drew myself :)

March

• Happy 2 year anniversary my love 💑

• Designed and printed TMM Thank You Cards

• Printed fantasy elf stickers / baddies

• Began Krys character sheet ⚫

• Palia Kenyatta fanart :D

• Read a book called The Handcmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin 📕

• First day at new job!!! 💲💲💲

• Caught a frog 🐸

• FIRST SALE !!!! 💲💲💲

• Snail bookmark draft 🐌

• Began DJ character sheet ⚫

• Family visited <3 Saw my puppo

• Made a Gazilla sticker bc I saw the new Godzilla movie

• Obsidian bathroom piece ⚫

• Completed snail-frog varients 🐌🐸

• Drew zombie from Goth Night bc their fit looks sicc

• Started a piece where two fantasy baddies tounge kiss but their tounges are slugs 🐌👅

• Invented the Borc

• 3D model a snail with mushrooms in WOMP 🐌

April

• Another self-portrait :)

• Gaszilla

• Started to design my business card

• Printed slug-kiss sticker 🐌👅

• Began reading The Crystal Bible 📕

• Started to take my work to the coffee shop for some exposure therapy 💗

• Solar eclipse!!!! 🔆

• ANOTHER SALE 💲💲💲

• Began to dress nice at work with skirts n stuff 💃

• Found tiny snails 🐌

• Invented the Sykoloths

• More emo-night 💀

• Drew Krys and DJ cuddlin' ⚫

May

• I became a snail (thru a snap filter it was awesome) 🐌

• My love's birthday <3 celebrated at goth night with our frens!!

• Created resin snailz 🐌

• Invented the snail-brain 🐌

• Drew a butterfly fairy 🦋

• Drew a DTIYS tribal girl

• FIRST DONATION 💲💲💲

• Began reading Sigilcraft by Lia Taylor 📕

• Created a magnet snail bookmark 🐌

• Invented the mollusk sigil 🐌

• Started another pill 💗

• Crafted first drafts of the trailing thoughts pocket notebooks
  

• Did a lil gardening on mothers day and brought home some flowers 💗

• TMM Website glo up

• Snail brain journal ALMOST DONE!!! 🐌

• Mo was born 🍄 (2 posts)

• Upload Krys and DJ cuddlin' ⚫

• Psychadelic porn crumpets LIVE!!!

• Emo nite LIVE 💀

• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

• Found new BIG snails!!! 🐌

• Went to the U.P to open an relax at the cabin :) invented new sigils 💗

• Little big LIVE

June

• Putting my cinch to use to craft some journals

• Upload Mollusk Sigil Insta, Pinterest and FB 🐌

• Began Dani sheet ⚫

• Mo sticker 🍄

• Share inner child thru Obsidian blog \ ⚫

• Processing things sykolofth post / redesign

• Palia plot is looking SICK

• Mo Mondays 🍄

• Checked out a book called Do Cool SHT by Miki Agrawal 📕

• NEW SALE 💲💲💲
  

Yeah man... Krim's been GRINDING. And vibing :3

_____

Okay I'm breaking from the fairy tale vibe rn so y'all reading me talking to you now :)

First I wanna thank you homies all SO much for supporting me!!!! The idea of "running my own business" has scared me. Sure, it's a side-gig now, but why wouldn't I want to see it grow? And its fun :)

This half-life-- I mean year has been such an eye-opener fr. I realized what I want, what I'm good at, what I'm passionate about, to lead to a new route to take. IT WAS SO FUCKING EXAUSTING TO CONSTANTLY APPLY TO JOBS AND GET REJECTED. (Ik I may sound a little toxic here). But again, its the underlying fact that I have been crossing my fucking fingers, awaiting someone else's approval to do something I want with the skills I possess.

If I wanted something so bad why not start it myself? Thanks to the internetz, and AI, and my drive, my education, I fucking could. And its something I can call MINE. My characters. My aesthetic. My art. My brand. My business.

As you can see I've been doing lots of research for both my mental health and creative side-gigs. If you are also looking to start a little smol business of your own I suggest reading those books I listed above (look for 📕) . DW, they didn't bore me to death. These authors talk in their books as if they are casually talking to you - with cussing and wild real-life stories. These authors feel REAL. Very vibable. You can definetly learn something from them.

So yeah, I didn't know everything. Mentors help so much, ensuring you that you are on the right track and where to find good resources. These days having one can cost you money so it's important to network and reach out to people who had your back and know your vibe from way back when (if you want free lol). Classes are also money - that's why I check out books, take notes and watch YouTube.

Also, if you didn't know, you can access LinkedIn Learning for FREE with your library card.

Libraries. I fucking love them. I'm happy to STILL work in one while doing my art. (A legit one too). So far the patrons already know me and look forward to me helping them. The quiet time at this job also got me working on my blogs, Canva, reading, and journaling. I'm blessed with TIME. I'm always working. Always creating. And I'm fucking enjoying it.

So yeah... wow... it's possible to have a nice cozy life that doesn't drive you crazy. I think this is the most content era I've ever had in my life. Living with my amazing boyfriend, in a beautiful spot, beautiful workplace, starting my own brand, going to concerts, figuring out my mental health, being comfortable with expressing myself, finally learned how to drive lmao...

Yeah homies... I hope this update inspires you. I hope I inspire you to start doing cool sht you wanna do. To start living happy cozy lives you picture for yourselves. Practice gratitude. Touch some grass bitch. Try new things. Talk to new people. Finish a 500 pc jigsaw puzzle in one day. Chill at the library. Go to new places. Find an awesome therapist. Find some fucking snails. Grab some chipotle, drive to a private spot, sit on your car, smoke a joint, and watch the sunset while you blast some dubstep or something.

(I actually did the last one with my boo with Culvers milkshakes watching the night-time traffic from the parking lot <3)

If you think life fucking sucks right now... maybe you're not trying to make it enjoyable. Maybe your mental health is getting in the way as it did for me in the past. Maybe you don't know any cool things to do or cool spots to visit because no one told you (so I'm telling you now lol). Or you just didn't take the time to explore.

If you are alone in life, like no cuddle buddy or relationship, life can STILL be enjoyable-- and probably WAY more enjoyable. Gurl go to the kllerrrb. Independence is a flex. If you can manage your time, work and happiness all on your own without relying on someone else to always be there, you're dope af.

Eventually, you'll find your tribe. You just gotta look in the right places. Play the right games if you're a hermit (PALIA ;D). Avoid toxic people who question your every move and make you feel embarrassed. Toxic people who are just fking assholes for no reason. You don't need that energy. But also find the people who support you, bounce ideas with, and makes sure you are sure this is what you want and what you gonna do isn't going to make a fool out of yourself. Sometimes we get ourselves into things that we regret, making bad choices like drunk driving. Good friends will look out and be like "hey, wait a little bit."

I feel like I can make another post about this sort of thing so I'll end it here. Long story short: The Mystic Mollusk is looking good :) ! I'm in the progress of crafting more stickers and inventing new characters. Working on making journals. Searching for vending opportunities in Metro Detroit. More and more research. Finding mentors, idols, and new potential homies.

I'm going to make this 5 years of schooling worth. And it'll b fking awesome if this brand goes off... and big cool companies start contacting ME... HA. Suck on that, all the studios that rejected me.

Yeah, I'll always be toxic :x Cause honestly... it kinda helps motivate me ;)

But mostly, I want to spread the good vibes.

-Krim