Hello ...
Make a cup of tea or coffee ... this is a long one ! (And no, I'm NOT closing ...lol !!)
Years ago, when we gave up framing and needlework, we thought we would chose something a little easier. We were worn out ! Something that I could work at a little less and have more creative time. So I expanded my little bead section and opened just 3 days a week. Seemed good ! And I expanded it a bit more. But I had no idea how much work it was selling beads. Not actually the selling but all the ordering and packaging. I buy most of my beads in bulk and they all need to be weighed or counted and then bagged and priced. Well, okay. Still good.
Then I became interested in paper & stamping. I thought I would just dip my toes in a bit ... carry a little bit of stock. Well, self control has never been my strong trait. I expanded the store again. And again. And I have created a beast !
Now comes the whining part ... sorry but I'm sure it is going to sound like I am whining ... I find that I work more now than I ever have. I easily work 55 hours or more every week. Six to seven days a week and at least 3 nights.
(and I am not getting any younger ...) I know I am only open 3 days a week but there is so much behind the scenes work (much of which never gets done ...lol !). I could easily spend a day every week just reading the notices and information I get about new products. I order from 6 different companies, have almost daily updates from them, and almost always have product to unpack. And then there`s finding room for it all. I try to get a kit designed and assembled every week as well as possibly some jewelry kits. Then the blog and Facebook page as well as Etsy. Bookwork. Banking. And the online store I am building. Mailing out mail orders. Phew ... it adds up. I find by the time I open Thursday I am tired ! (
end of whining).
Add to this the news that one of my favourite scrapbooking suppliers is closing in a few days ...YIKES !! ... and I have also lost a beading supplier. All of a sudden, it seems even more difficult to track down product.
My
vision for the store was a place with lots of samples, wonderful kits of all types, product demos, workshops, and evenings for make'n'takes. I just haven't done that. I would need to hire someone to do some of the daily work to do that and frankly, there isn't enough income to do that. (This is not a business to get rich in ... you have to like it ...lol !!) But I have decided that I really want that part of the business to be a reality ... it is the creative part that really calls to me. I have so many ideas in my head for kits, projects, and workshops that I worry it may explode !! But I really can't add more hours. I am exhausted and losing enthusiasm now ... I need a better solution.
So ... I am making some changes.
As of September I will only be open Fridays from 10 am to 5pm as well as every first and third Wednesday night for those who aren't able to come during the day. Then I will start to add some of the other Wednesday evenings and some Saturday mornings as workshops, demo days, and make'n'take evenings. By the end of September they will be up and running ! I will post a new schedule every month. Workshops will have to be signed up for in advance. Make'n'Take evenings will be drop in. This will also give me time to develop some more complicated kits ... more than just cards & earrings !
** The schedule will be posted on this blog (you can subscribe for updates !) and I will be setting up an email list as well. **
In order to do this I will be changing my hours and I will also be changing my inventory. It is a beast that I feed too much ...lol. There really is no need for 20 different types of headpins or 12 different brands of adhesive. So I will be reducing the inventory but still carrying the basics and I will still be getting in new product like I do now. Just not stocking a lot of it .... in and out hopefully !
I will still be stocking all the basics though !!!
So this means SALES in the month of August. Lots of sales !! I need to tighten it up , make putting it away easier, and also make room for a work area. Don't worry ... I have already pre-ordered all sorts of product for the upcoming Hallowe'en and Christmas season ... I will always get in new fun stuff but I will not keep stocking it . Grab it while it's hot !! And I can easily special order almost anything that you are needing.
I am really hoping that this will make the store more fun, make ME more fun, stir our creativity, and result in lots of beautiful things being made here by happy people. I hope the open hours will still offer you the opportunity to shop. I hope that there will be quick and interesting stock turnover with always some new find when you visit !! And mostly, I hope you will join me on this new path ...
... well that's enough for now. Keep watching (or subscribe) for sale updates and information on all the wonderful new things arriving as well as more details on the various creative things that will be happening. Feel free to email or comment ... I would love to hear from you !
