Why Running Create98 and any small business is Hard (But we Love Every Minute of It!)
Owning a small business like Create98 is honestly one of the most rewarding things we have ever done. Seeing someone’s creation after a class or hearing about a new friendship, or just seeing someone enjoy the chilled environment. It’s what we live for. But there is another side — the side that isn’t quite as rosy, where things can get really tough, especially because we care so much.
But running a small business is hard.. Here’s why (and why your smiles make every single moment worth it).
It’s Personal
Create98 isn’t just a business to us; it’s our heart and soul. We put everything we’ve got into it, which is why every comment, complaint, or bit of criticism feels so personal. We know we aren’t perfect, but when a customer isn’t happy, it feels like we’ve let down a friend.
We’re Wearing All the Hats!
At Create98, we’re the HR team, the marketing team, the barista, the cleaner, and everything in between! It’s like having a hundred different jobs all at once. And we do our best, but we’re human! Sometimes, juggling everything means we’ll make the odd mistake — not because we don’t care, but because there’s only so much one or two people can do in a day.
We’re Not a Charity, But We’re Not Greedy Either
We’re here because we love what we do, not because we’re trying to rake in the cash. Running workshops, paying talented tutors, keeping the lights on — all of it adds up. So, if our prices seem a bit high, please know it’s all about keeping Create98 alive and thriving, not about us getting rich!
The Mystery of Foot Traffic
Some days, Create98 is buzzing, and other days, we’re left scratching our heads, wondering where everyone went. It’s so unpredictable! Staffing around this is tricky; sometimes, we’re a bit understaffed, and we know you may have to wait a touch longer. But that’s the reality of a small place — every penny matters, so we can’t afford to overstaff for “just in case” moments.
Emails, Phones, and Socials...(oh my!)
We do our best to answer your emails and social media messages as quickly as we can. But we’re not a 24/7 call centre, so if we miss something, please know it’s not intentional. We’ll always get back to you as soon as possible.
We Make Mistakes
Sometimes, orders get mixed up or the wrong person gets the wrong coffee. We know it’s annoying when it happens to you, and we’re always sorry for it. But we’re not robots, and occasionally things just slip through the cracks.
Family Comes First
We love Create98, but our families are number one. If an emergency comes up, we may need to step away or even close up for a bit. We promise to do our best to find cover, but family always wins.
Constantly Trying New Things
Running a place like this means trying to keep things fresh and adapting to keep things going. So, yes, sometimes we’ll try something new, and it may not work. It’s all in the effort to make Create98 the best it can be!
Our Policies Aren’t Meant to Be Mean
Whether it’s a cancellation policy or a non-refundable deposit, these rules are in place for a reason. If we prepare for a class that someone cancels last-minute, we still have to pay our tutors and keep things going. We’re not out to make a quick buck — we just want to keep things fair and sustainable for everyone.
We’re Only Human (And Sometimes Have Bad Days)
Some days, things just don’t go right. Sometimes we have worked 14 hour days. We all know the feeling! But at Create98, there’s no calling in sick for a “duvet day.” So if things seem a little off, just know we’re doing our best with whatever the day throws at us.
Gift Vouchers Have Expiry Dates
We’d love to keep them open-ended, but we need to plan for the future and manage our cash flow. We feel that a year is reasonable, and we hope you do too. It’s not about rushing anyone — just a bit of practical planning.
Pottery is Breakable (and Crafting is Messy!)
Pottery is a delicate art, and sometimes pieces can crack or break during firing due to unseen faults. Occasionally, things might get knocked over — whether by us or a customer (luckily, we’ve only had one incident so far!). We completely understand that you’ve put your heart and soul into your creations, and it’s the worst feeling in the world to have to let someone know something didn’t survive the process.
Crafting can also get pretty messy, and some paints do stain. We have aprons for you to use, so if we forget to offer one, please don’t hesitate to ask! And maybe leave your best clothes at home — even with an apron, crafting doesn’t always play nice.
Staff Shortages Can Happen
When one of our small team calls in sick, we can’t always call in extra cover like the big companies can. We do our best to keep things smooth, but if we’re a bit short-staffed, we’re grateful for your understanding.
We Love Your Suggestions
We always appreciate new ideas and suggestions, even if we can’t act on every one of them. Believe us, we’re probably thinking along the same lines as you, and we’re working on it with the resources we have.
The Little Things Matter
We check on things like the bathroom and cleanliness regularly, but if something needs attention, please just give us a nudge. We’re always happy to fix whatever’s needed.
Running Create98 isn’t easy, but it’s what we love. Thank you for being patient, for supporting us, and for understanding the ups and downs of a small, passionate business like ours. Every happy customer, every smile — it’s what keeps us going. We’re so grateful you’re part of our journey.
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Why Running Create98 and any small business is Hard (But we Love Every Minute of It!)
Owning a small business like Create98 is honestly one of the most rewarding things we have ever done. Seeing someone’s creation after a class or hearing about a new friendship, or just seeing someone enjoy the chilled environment. It’s what we live for. But there is another side — the side that isn’t quite as rosy, where things can get really tough, especially because we care so much.
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