The Squirrel that Turned My Sales Around: A Tale of Enchanted Acorns and Epiphanies 🐿️🌰💫

How a surprising lesson from woodland creatures helped me discover my true target market and transform my magical business

Hey there besties! Ophelia🌈 here!

Last spring, I found myself wandering through the forest surrounding the Business Witch Academy drifting between dream and reality, trying to understand how to communicate what was in my head in a way that others would buy into - literally! I was trying to launch my Enchanted Acorn Emporium.

Initially, I thought, "Easy peasy, every creature in the forest and beyond would want my acorns!" From mischievous pixies to wise old owls 🦉. But oh, how wrong I was! My pitches were rambling and vague because I was trying to pitch everything to everyone. My sales were flat as prospects wandered away confused.

The first thing I did was get specific. But it turns out that wasn't enough.

I first tried selling to dragons 🐉 (because who wouldn't want a dragon as their first customer?). I tried selling them Insta-Shine Treasure buffing acorns. But guess what? Dragons prefer shiny things (typical, right?) and my acorns, though magical, didn't quite sparkle enough. They were already using my competitor who makes bejeweled sonic treasure cleaning machines and even though my acorns get their treasure cleaner, faster, and with less noise - they just could not believe that my dull, dirt brown acorns could do what I promised.

Then I thought, "Mermaids! Surely, mermaids will love these!" So, I trekked down to the Luminous Lagoon to pitch my warming acorn pendants 🌰 as fashionable jewelry that also warms the temperature of the water around them (innovative, right?). Turns out, mermaids are more into pearls and had no interest in wearing tree stuff. Who knew? 🧜‍♀️💔

Feeling a tad deflated, I sat on a log, snacking on an acorn 🌰 (not enchanted, mind you) when the squirrel who lives next door to me scurried by. He screeched to a halt, sniffed, snuffled, asked a couple of questions and then scampered off as fast as he arrived. I was too depressed to feel any more sad about one more rejection so I just let him go without a fight. But a few minutes later, he returned with a troop of woodland creatures in tow. Would you believe it?— they went nuts over them! 🐿️ Curiosity piqued by the magic shimmering from my basket, they were enchanted! A squirrel confessed she'd never slept better than after nestling one under her pillow, while a badger boasted about the best luck he'd had in ages finding truffles.

Just like that, a lightbulb appeared above my head! I experienced A Sense of Sudden Enlightenment! My true audience wasn't in mythical high towers or deep under the sea but right here in my own back yard, with the forest folk I knew best. Those who truly benefited from a pinch of everyday magic—be it dreamy sleeps, little lucks, or love whispers among the leaves.

Moral of the story? Sometimes your target market isn't the one you expect—or the grandest one you dream of—but the one that finds joy in the simple magic you create. The ones nearest and dearest to you. The ones who share the most in common with you - be it location, demographic, or simply shared interests and passions.

Who knew squirrels would teach me such a valuable lesson? Your genuine audience might just be a hop, skip, and a jump away in your neck of the woods.

But, knowing who they are isn't enough though, is it? That's just one piece of the puzzle. Once you find them, you have to be able to tell them about your business. You have a mere seconds to grab their attention! That's where "hooks" come in. And even when you get their attention, you'll probably only keep it for a minute - or less! It's really important to be clear and concise with your message. Finally, we learned about ending with a call to action. That final piece of the puzzle that tells our lead what next step they should take on the sales journey.

Puling all of those lessons together, here's what I came up with…

🌰✨ Ever seen a squirrel on a caffeine buzz? Our enchanted acorns are the next best thing—minus the jitters! I am Ophelia from Ophelia’s Enchanted Acorn Emporium, your magical nut purveyor. 🐿️🌟

I energize woodland creatures, both mundane and mythical, with Pepcorns. 🌰✨ These enchanted acorns will take you from lethargic to lively and put a pep in your step that lasts all day. 💨⚡

Sow Some Magic, Reap the Wonder! 🌱✨ Place your order today. 🌰🦉

And this one…

❄️ Don't let winter chills freeze your dreams—keep them warm and lively! 🌙✨ I am Ophelia of Ophelia's Enchanted Acorn Emporium, your purveyor of hibernation comfort and entertainment. 🛏️🌰

Join the Hiber-Nation 💤 and get your seasonal supply of Cozy Conkers—the acorns that guarantee a warm, comfortable sleep full of entertaining dreams. 🌰💤✨ Visit my frost-lit shop in the heart of the winter woods or send a snowbird 🕊️❄️ to order your Cozy Conkers today!

What do you think?

Are they Unbe-leaf-ably Awesome 🍃 or just Oak-ward Moments🌰?

But then, then, oh, what have I done to myself? I've changed my business. I realized a few things:

• Making enchanted acorns is very time consuming

• Forest creatures don't have a lot of money to spare on my acorns

• The legal liability for an acorn mishap is astronomical!

• Enchanted Acorn magic works in unexpected ways on humans (The gills disappeared eventually). That is, if you can get them to try it in the first place. (They think acorns taste bitter.)

So here I am, finishing up the Quick Sell Mastery course for a second time and trying to apply it to my new business, Ophelia's Bazaar. It's been a lot of work. And I won't lie, a bit embarrassing and humbling to have to start all over again.

But here I am ready to launch my new endeavor!

• Ophelia's Bazaar on Redbubble went live today!

• Cheryl let me rebrand her old TeePublic Store

• I have unique specialty items like shoes and bags available in Ophelia's Bazaar on Printify

• And my first activity coloring book will be available on Amazon on Sunday!

Here are the 5 sales pitches I crafted. Which one is your favorite?

1. "Wands Down, Heads Up!"

✨ Tired of the same old broomsticks and cauldrons? Well, witches, it’s time to upgrade your magical lifestyle! I am Ophelia of Ophelia’s Bazaar, your resident enchantress of fantasy art on everyday objects. I sprinkle vibrant magic into your daily life with enchanted mugs, spell-binding tote bags, and more. The Grand Opening of my online shop is here! Tap into the magic and visit today—your familiar deserves some stylish flair! ✨

2. "Boring is for Muggles—Try Doxie Flair!"

🧙‍♀️ Who says practical can’t be magical? I’m Ophelia, a mischievous doxie, and at Ophelia’s Bazaar, I transform ordinary objects into dragon-approved fantasy art for witches and wizards who need a touch of the extraordinary. From enchanted journals to mystical hoodies, I banish boring with fantastical flair! Don’t wait for the next full moon—fly over to my shop now and add a spark of magic to your everyday life! 🐉✨

3. "Winged Pencils and Dragon-Scale Hoodies, Oh My!"

🔥 Ever wanted to sip your morning brew from a mug designed by a doxie? I’m Ophelia, the tiny dragon behind Ophelia’s Bazaar, where I create magical art for witches, wizards, and creatures of all kinds who crave the extraordinary. From spell planning in enchanted notebooks to cozying up in a dragon-scale hoodie, I’ve got your magical needs covered! Visit my shop today and let’s make your world shimmer with fantasy art! 🐲✨

4. "From Cauldron to Cart!"

🛒 Stirring the cauldron, but feeling like something’s missing? I’m Ophelia, and at Ophelia’s Bazaar, I help witches infuse their daily life with vibrant fantasy art! No more ordinary—our magical mugs, tote bags, and enchanted items will turn your world upside down! Come fly through my grand opening and browse the most enchanting collection you’ve ever seen. Visit my store today, because you deserve magical flair with every flick of the wand! 🧹✨

5. "The Magic is Calling... Are You Ready?"

🔮 Witches, it’s time to unlock the magic of the everyday with a little help from a Doxie! I’m Ophelia, the tiny dragon behind Ophelia’s Bazaar, where I transform ordinary objects into mystical, art-infused treasures for witches with a flair for the fantastical. My Grand Opening is here, and the only spell you need is a click to enter a world of dragon-scale art, enchanted journals, and more. Visit my store and let the magic flow into your life! ✨🧙‍♀️

From one busy squirrel to another,

Ophelia 🌈

Magical Merch Artist at Ophelia’s Bazaar | Business Witch Academy Student

Crafting Spells, One Idea at a Time!