10.07.2008

Grab a cup of coffee...........

Go ahead, grab a cup of coffee because this is going to be a lengthy one! See those kids? Those are my babies, the reason my day is full and bright, the reason i am who i am today, is because i have them to look at everyday.

My shop comes second to these kids. I have figured out a nice little niche here at the shop with my hours that i am open. My "home" days are Mondays and Wednesdays which means the shop is closed. My "shop" days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-3, which allows me to be home when the older 2 get home from school, and Fridays 10-5, then the sitter has them when they get home from school, and my hubby has them all day Saturdays.

I really feel like it's been a good compromise, both at home and at work. My customers have come to know my shop hours, and my kids don't seem to be suffering (except for the phone call last week that Mason's best friend decided to clog the toilet at school with a bunch of paper...........but that was a friend, not mine!)

I don't have a partner at the shop, it's just me, myself, and I. I do have a couple of girls that will work here and there for me when I need a day off, or have something to attend to, but no, no full or part time employees.

My landlord put a horrible "FOR SALE" sign on my front gate, so half of my customers think I am going out of business!

She's had this house that my shop resides in on the market for 2 years, and so it just sits here, and now has this ugly "FOR SALE" sign up, it's been up for 2 months now.


Anyways, there has been alot of thoughts racing thru my head the last 3 months, and I would love to blame it all on my landlord, I'm going to blame it on some other things going on as well.


The economic situation we have at hand. I have talked with fellow shop keepers close and far, and we are all suffering. It might be light to some of us, and more for others, but we are, and it's true, alot of your favorite shops are struggling to pay the bills and keep their shop open. So, we little shop keepers ask you to keep us in mind when shopping for the holidays, even though the big ones tempt with all the coupons, but us wee ones, take the time to hand wrap your little treasures, we love to chit chat and hear about your day, and love when you ask us about ours!


So, now that i got that off my chest, i wanted to tell you what this letter to you, my fellow reader, what is happening to me.

An opportunity has arisen for me to move my shop.

Now, let me tell you here and now, NOT close, but move my shop.

I will go into further detail later, but I will let you know that the shop will have more of a cozy feel to it, it will also be closer to home, and for me, it will let me spend more time with my kids.

You will walk through a lovely garden to get to the shop, and yes, the hours will change.

"Tell me, Tell me" you scream! All in due time my friends, all in due time.

But, for the time being I'm still here and here , and will keep you abreast of the changes that are to come.

22 comments:

Donna Gotlib said...

Your blog is lovely and the photos or your shop are too. I'm sending you good wishes with the hope that everything works out exactly as you wish.

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Hi Kasey,
You new location sounds magical! A 'walk through a garden to get there' sounds so -- well -- magical! Kasey's "secret garden shop!" :)
Yes, like you, I trust that all the attention to details and the going above-and-beyond for each customer (from the packaging to the little extras thrown in) all equal repeat customers and overall happier customers than those who get the very impersonal service from the big-box stores.
Here's the thing -- ladies will always need to buy gifts for others, and ladies will mostly (no matter what the economy would dictate) always want a little something of beauty for their home or themselves. So, we will be there to provide it as well as a good dose of friendship and care.
Keep up the good work, friend!
-Ruth

Anonymous said...

I hope you know, that wherever your wonderful shop is, that I will still come!
You have a knack for display, a great following, and that you will thrive anywhere!
Susan

paige said...

that sounds great kasey!
you're family is precious & what a wonderful mommy they are blessed with
always love it when you share photos of your world
blessings to your new adventure

Anonymous said...

Isn't this economy horrible? How much longer are we going to have to go through this? It has definately affected us as well. I can't wait to hear more about the new place!

Anonymous said...

All the best to you Kasey and thank you for sharing that wonderful picture of you and your beautiful children. It is so special and heartwarming!

Brandie said...

I can't wait to hear more about what you have cooking! I love cozy shops and the thought of walking through a garden to get there sounds devine. It is soo hard to balance family and work, as I am just finding out. I've been a SAHM since I was 8 months pregnant with my oldest so I have'nt had to deal with the balancing act until recently while trying to launch my business. Anything you can do to make it easier on yourself and your kids while keeping your vision for your shop is wonderful. I'm praying for big things for you!

Anonymous said...

so i am going to need another autum candle (cranberry orange) my boyfriend has said for the past three nights that he loves the candle. It really is awesome. It as so nice to meet you this past weekend.
Brooke
(eliwill's sis)

Leah C said...

Wishing you lots of luck ~ and success ~ in the changes you need to make for you, your family & your shop. Kasey, I just love the photo of you and your kiddos:)

Margaret Cloud said...

It sounds like you have it all figured out, and most of all your kids matter the most. I was a working mom and trying to juggle kid's, work and home life is no picnic, good luck sweetie.

Jeanne Oliver said...

I know the choices you are making right now are the best for you and your family! The changes you are making will even be more a reflection of your wonderful detail and love of your customers. I can't wait to see the final result sweet friend.

Alyssa said...

Oh my gosh!! I want to know more! I feel like snooping now;) I can imagine this market has been rough on small shops - but, I am relieved to hear you are staying open and will continue this wonderful marriage of home and work:) Can't wait to hear what you have in store!!!

Free Art Printables said...

Oh, where???? It sounds great but I can't imagine it being any more lovely that it already is!

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

As a former shop owner for 6 years, I know all too well the struggles that small businesses go through. I feel for all of you when I open up the paper each morning and read of the ongoing financial melt down. I know times must be tougher than ever for the little guys.

Hang in there...it sounds like you have a wonderful support system and have found a ways to balance work needs with those of your family...that's half the battle. Best wishes to you and I truly mean that.

Bethie - Chic Junque said...

My sweet friend,
I know you are struggling to find the balance we all strive for with our kids, hubby, and our "other lives" (our shops)! I know you will find what you are looking for and I will be here to support you 100% every step of the way! You are so talented and, I know, will be successful in all that you put your heart into!

littlebyrd said...

What an adorable family you have! It sounds like you have a great schedule going on - time for your interests and time for the kiddos - both so important. I can't wait to hear more about what you are planning! Wishing you the best of luck with everything.

Brenna LaPray said...

You look beautiful Kasey! I could just take Fin home with me. He's so darn cute!

Cabin 19 Supply Company said...

Kasey, with your permission I would like to post a snippet of this blog entry on mine (with a link to yours of course). I love the paragraph about boutiques vs the big box stores

Sounds like you have some wonderful changes coming down the pike, how exciting! A fresh spin is always a good thing!
Lisa

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

That's exciting! Can't wait to see where you move to. Wish I lived close enough to see it in person. I enjoyed hearing how you make everything work with the kids and the shop. It's always a balancing act, that's for sure.

Good luck!! -Julia :-)

Domestic Bliss & FOUND said...

Thanks for stopping by- I love your blog & your shop looks great. I can completely relate to all that you have shared~ I know all too well the struggles of boutique ownership and the difficulty in managing family life, running a business,etc.

Sounds like you are an amazing lady- maybe our paths will cross sometime~ would love to have a cup of coffee and talk shop!
K

pve design said...

Thanks for sharing... my story is so similar in that I work from home and raise 3, mine are older but it does it only gets busier. Live in each moment with your family or at your shop and the passion you have for it all with always be with you.
Wishing you best of luck.

Vana said...

Kasey,

I had no idea...
I am glad you are not closing but moving somewhere else. Your shop is the cuties ever and I would be so sad to see if go.
I would love to visit you on your new location. So here is to you and a new beginning.