Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Happy Anniversary to Me

I realized late yesterday amidst shuttling kids to and from daycare, meeting with clients, and catching up on e-mail that the day marked my third year of business. What a three years it has been!

When I opened the doors of my 3,000 square-foot space in Georgetown three years ago, I had no idea just how bad my timing would prove to be, dovetailing with the onset of the worst economic recession in my lifetime; in fact, I recall a headline that first week of business: "Worst Month for Retail in 2o Years." Awesome.

There were times I honestly didn't know how I would pay my rent that month, and conversely, there were days I thought my vast fortune was imminent. There were days I would say to myself -- and anyone who would listen (usually my poor husband), "I can't do this anymore. I give up." And there were days, after something wonderful happening, like being featured in Elle Decor or spending the day shopping with Rita Konig, that I would be walking on air, wondering how I ever did--or could do--anything else.

Somehow, things always worked out. Granted, that often meant being willing to change what I was doing dramatically -- moving from a gigantic space in funky Georgetown to a teeny space in the suddenly-happening Pike/Pine Corridor, pulling away from retail and concentrating almost exclusively on interior design.

There are still days when I wonder to myself how I can keep doing this -- days when everything goes wrong, pieces come damaged, customers are unhappy or, pardon my French, just plain assholes. But most days, I count my lucky stars that I get to be the boss of me....that I get to help people make their homes feel warmer, happier, more THEM. What an honor!

Even on the bad days, I am so thankful for all the people who have kept me going for the last three years, through a recession, another child, and all the other crazy ups and downs: my fabulous customers and clients. THANK YOU for your support and friendship over the years; at the risk of sounding hopelessly trite, I couldn't have done it without you.

And of course I have to embarrass my husband, who I recently busted for not reading my blog. (Lord knows he hears me droning on enough as it is!) I am so fortunate to be married to someone who pays the bills and enables me to follow my passion without concern for what it contributes in return. Even though he can make me crazy at times (seeing if you are reading today, Chad), there aren't too many days that go by that I don't stop and thank my lucky stars to be married to someone who supports my dreams, for better or worse.

I can't wait to see what the next three years holds! Happy anniversary to me.

14 comments:

Alexandra Hedin said...

Hooray! Congratulations - and it's a fabulous shop you have too.

All Women Everywhere said...

Thanks so much! And congratulations to you, too...we love babies, and never more so when they are born to someone else. ;-) Hope to see you soon.

Leah

Lilys Pampering Salon and Party Boutique said...

So much of what you are saying resonates with me as I come to my 6th year in business with my sweet salon. The lows: payroll, stress,rent. The highs: articles, interviews, record breaking days.
But in the end, most thankful for that husband of mine that helps me live my dreams.

Happy Celebration-you deserve it!

All Women Everywhere said...

Congrats to you, too! I hope I'm still around after six years. And glad there is more than one supportive husband out there -- it has made all the difference for me.

Here's to another six years for you!

Leah

Aliza said...

Happy Anniversary! Sounds like you have a special husband!

All Women Everywhere said...

Thanks, Aliza....I do, but don't let the word get out -- don't want him to get a big head.

Thanks for reading!

Katrina Foulkes-Taylor The House Queen Home Decor said...

Well done for riding the storm, business is both a hard place to be and exciting at the same time. Good luck to you.

Anonymous said...

How nice to have someone else pay the bills so you can go to work and not worry about making money! Lucky you! That must be amazing.

Jane said...

Just wanted to let you know that most of the "Brands We Carry" links either need a trade log-in to view them, or are linked to incorrect websites / wrong link attached.

I thought you'd want to know!

outlast blanket buy said...

Congratulations to you I am glad to listen about your married life and wish you good luck.
Thank you for sharing with us.

Seb@Tropical Decor said...

Good for you. This has been a tough time for many of us who are in business.

Palm Tree Decor

sushisistah said...

Happy Anniversary. You might recognize me as the girl who presses her face against the window and peers into your storefront. Your story gives me encouragement to keep on going. As a person forced into a reinvention at the crash of architecture as we know it, i have been struggling with pursuing my dream and making a living. If it wasn't for the support of my darling partner Ray, who believes in me and keeps a roof over my head, I wouldn't have had the triumphs that go with the lying on the floor days of rediscovery. Here's to a wonderful year in design ahead! (I'll come in and meet you I promise!)

Renée Finberg said...

oh...i definitely offer my congratulations.
for your marriage and you new shop.

i am opening a to 'THE TRADE' showroom that only sells do designers.

i am sweating a bullet or two.
xx

pressurized walls nyc said...

how nice .. very sweet

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