Validation!

Last night I got the most wonderful feedback from a wonderful customer. She made tears come to my eyes talking about my customer service, my workmanship, the quality of my product. It was truly delightful!
Sometimes it's very easy, out here in cyberland, to feel isolated and, if sales are low, unappreciated. We don't see our customers. We don't talk to our customers much, unless we get emails but that isn't really the same thing, is it? It's so very important to us to get feedback that lets us know we are appreciated and that our customers love our products.
I put the very best I have into the jewelry I make. Sometimes I will take a piece apart several times until I get it just right. The customer doesn't know that. All she knows is that it's the right color or a style that appeals to her. She doesn't know that I had to make an extra trip to the bead store for two more beads so I could make it the perfect size, or that I spilled an entire box onto the floor and spent hours sorting through the assortment.
It immensely gratifying to have my customer take the time to tell me that she loves my work, appreciates my efforts and will return to buy again. And in telling me that, she's telling my other customers. They can look at my feedback and see that I will do everything I can to make it right for my beloved customers. And they are beloved. My customers are my friends. Especially the one who left me the great feedback. Thanks, Heather!