09/02/2026
Let's talk about the barter system.
Now, I'll be the first to admit my wrongdoings or downfalls. Years ago was asked to barter. I'll be honest, I'd say no or shut it down without even asking more information. Not getting paid? Yuck. Luckily, God gives me life every day to grow, change, and humble my spirit🙏 I took it as an insult and I was too prideful. My work is worth way more now than it was when I acted like that, but now my heart is more open and my spirit is more humble. Bartering is a beautiful thing when it benefits both party's. I've been asked to barter often, but I use to never be the one to ask for it. I accept when I'm presented the option if I can and now I try to utilize it when I can. Sometimes I can't utilize the offer so I decline, but if I can use it I go for it! Heck Sometimes I say yes but don't even use it. Lol!🤣 Anyways, back in the old days it was a community thing. "I don't have food but I have clothes. You don't have clothes but you have food. Let's help each other."
Have you seen my beautiful business shoots? Heck, lots of my photoshoots, or my parties for my kiddos? Well, my photographer, banner girl, colorful jumper/waterslide girl, and balloon girl all love to trade services with me to get cakes for their parties/kiddos. They love my work and it's easier for them to pay with their talents than it is money(likewise). I had such a snobby approach to bartering in the past and I hate that. I grew and one day I accepted! We trade crafts now and I send as many customers their way as possible and they do the same for me🫶 I'm eternally grateful for them. I support them as often as I can. It has been such a blessing! I never did them before but goodness, after having kids I changed a lot and so glad I did. I also learned that parties are pricey! I wouldn't be able to parties without trades and I'm so thankful for them. We are all so grateful for each other!
Bartering is great when it's equal services. Essentially we are giving our time for free and paying with our talents🥹 Yes we could easily decline and take something on where we can charge for our time, but that's the beauty of it. Time is oh so valuable. Especially when it can end at any moment. If I can pay with my time and talents I will. If someone who wouldn't normally be able to get a cake with me can by paying with their talents and time then right on!!
Bartering isn't for everyone and it has no business in some career fields. Like car sales or real estate🤣 Could you imagine? "Hey can you give me a house? I'll give you $400,000 worth of cakes. You'll have a special cake for all celebrations for your lifetime and your great grandkids lifetime".😂 Lol! Okay okay but seriously, if it's not for you and you can pay for everything up front that's amazing. Count your blessings! I pray to be there one day but for now I'm a simple gal that just tries to get by and pay bills every month. I'll never forget the first time I tried asking for trades(for my daughter's first birthday). Some people made me realize why people are afraid to ask. Plenty of ways you can decline but insinuating that someone who's asking to barter doesn't value a service is or is cheap is false. Sometimes people go through hard times and believe it or not, not everyone has money just sitting around. If God has blessed you with talented hands then use them to your advantage with no shame if you want to. Knocking down someone who's trying to use their talents and working hard is harsh. I seriously don't forget the balloon business that was sooo rude with their response to me. I've grown dramatically in my business since asking them and well...ummm I've seen their growth too. Let's just say I pray they have learned to be kinder!
I'm quiet when it comes to a lot of things but a few things about me. I never speak without thinking. I speak loud for people who wouldn't. I stand up for myself and I never waste my breath arguing. I answer to the man upstairs and to him only. How hard I work and how much I give is truly only known by him! That's all that matters to me!
So by all means do what's best for you! I'm not judging. It's not what I'm on earth for! Don't barter if you don't need to but don't shame or degrade those that choose to either. Oh and definitely don't be afraid to ask me ever! If I've ever answered in a harsh way about it in the very past I apologize deeply! I was unknowledged and just starting out. I was defensive but I've grown. Hopefully if you are how I was this helps lighten your mind/heart. Not getting paid money for every single thing has its benefits too. Answering "No, I only work with people who value me." No I actually pay full prices for the services I receive". and anything of the sort is not the way. That's definitely not the intention of the person asking. They're ASKING which means you have the right to decline of course. You can do it with kindness and without insinuating that they're cheap or trying to devalue you🫶 Your choice though. Don't let me tell you how to live your life!
I'm a busy bee and trust me. I can do everything myself. I'm an artist and versatile but one thing I don't have is time and money, Which is why I value trades so much!
Oh one thing I do NOT trade for... is exposure😅 I grow when HE wants me to🙏Tehe!
God bless you all! Whether you barter... or not🫶
Thank you to my girlies who trade with me. They are some me of the most professional, kindest, and most helpful souls on this earth. I pray they are all oh so blessed with all that they do!🥰
If you got this far, Thank you! God bless you all and if you have a business may your business be fruitful!🙏
