Well I made it through this weekend...the very last weekend of my brick and mortar store...I have to say it was bitter sweet...bitter because I will so dearly miss the creaky wooden floors, the clanging of the gypsy bell on the door and all the loyal smiling faces of all the gypsy customers stopping by to see what's new...I will miss seeing each and everyone them. A little bitter because I will miss my Debbie (my first mate who kept the ship afloat all day while I was at my necessary job) I will miss my parents coming over to man the ship on Thursdays and sitting around the Thursday night dinner table with them..I'll really miss that!
But, the sweet is so sweet....a new studio, a new life with more time to make art, more time to treasure hunt, and finally family time...they say they miss me but, we'll see how long that lasts now..tee hee. Time to travel to shows, friend time and maybe even a little "me" time. So goodbye to the little brick and mortar, hello etsy, website, markets and shows....and hopefully peace of mind...ahhhhhh!
I'm sure your regular customers will miss you. Will you do periodic sales? I don't blame you one little bit, though. I can sure relate to that. I've only had my shop 2 years, but was adamant from the beginning that I wouldn't keep normal shop hours and days. I need it to keep all that inventory that sells on the internet, but wrestle with hanging on or bringing it all home again. I totally understand that it was a hard decision.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best! ~ Angela
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you are following your heart! Wishing you all th best. Although I never officially joined the party, I've posted for the last two Silver Sundays. I seem to have a commitment issue and major tendencies towards procrastination. Wishing you a most wonderful day! Blessings, Tammy
ReplyDeleteI think its wonderful that you are doing what you want to do. The pressures of owning a shop and having another job had to be overwhelming. Now you will have more time to do the things that mean the most to you.
ReplyDeleteI think you have made a good decision.
Best of luck to you. And, by the way, I am so lovin Silver Sunday.
hugs
Sissie
I have a booth at an antique mall and that seems to work for me--I'd love to work there one day a week but the owner doesn't want that. And you will LOVE having all kinds of time to treasure hunt and create. Good luck to you!!
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are headed for new exciting things, it is sad to leave the past behind. I can't wait to see all the creative and inspiring things you will have time to make now! Big hugs!!!!
ReplyDeleteMargaret B
ohhhh...your right it is a bittersweet feeling. I had to do that in 1995 when my children were turning teens.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I am 3 years into another shop...and just returned from the grueling market exhausted yet excited and have the year somewhat planned out, what a relief!
Many dream of owning a shop...they just can't even begin to imagine the work, complications, etc. that can try to take out the fun. Its very hard physically, mentally and emotionally at times. And your always working on christmas...it never goes away for a shop keeper.
I had to laugh at my husband...my daugher was at market with me and when we arrived home she said dad...I have never seen mom spend so much money...and he said "well she wants to go out with a big bang!" It was funny, but not to me at THAT moment just coming off the plane!
Enjoy your creating and etsy shop!
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteHaving a shop is no small task. I have had mine going on five years now. It's completely exhausting! It's funny how customers come in and say "how fun it must be to have a shop!" You and I know better. It's mostly back-breaking labor and stress and occasionally some fun.
Good luck to you in your new endeavor.
Kelly
Second Hand Chicks
Greetings New Friend...
ReplyDeleteI just found you through another blog & your post most definitly touched me. I started my shop in 2005, closed it for about a year & then just re-opened in my original brick & mortar July '09. I found I just missed it tooo much, but I never had to work a regular job while trying to run my business, arhgggg!! My favorite movie long before I started a shop of my own is 'You've Got Mail'. In 1 of the scenes Meg asks her friend if she thinks she's doing the right thing by closing her shop, her friend replies "closing the store is the brave thing to do. You are daring to see yourself in a different life & what can be braver then that!" I agree!!! Best of Luck my friend!!!
Smiles & Hugs,
Susie
This is a weird ??? but might you know where to get, or have, any vintage cat eye glasses for sale? I found some for a ton of money but it's too high for my costume budget! Thank you so much. Your blog is so cool.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel ~ I only had my shop (aptly named Gypsy Springs) 2 years. But with 3 young ones and a hubby who is NOT into this AT ALL, it wasn't working out. I missed the regulars but gained so much more - like a web store and wonderful blogging friends. Best of Luck to you and enjoy your new found freedom.
ReplyDeleteI love this. Fantastic!!!
ReplyDeleteMy gosh Beth,
ReplyDeleteI know that this is going to be a good thing for you....Spring is coming and there is so much going on, that aside from missing your parents and Debbie, you will move on to bigger and better things and I know you will be fabulous and make it be the best thing ever!! And you know, you can never have too much 'me' time, you've probably earned it!!
Sending good vibes your way for great success sweetie!!
Big Hugs xOxO Nerina