After being a stay at home mom for almost 15 years I had forgotten what it was like to be out out in public again. When I look back to all my years selling shoes, greeting cards, and cameras it was easy to remember the jerky customers, the long hours, the low pay and the other less than glamorous parts of the retail life. But today reminded me of why I loved it and when it was time to “go back to work” I chose this as my life.
I’ve only been open for business a little over a month and I already have regular customers that are starting to feel almost like friends. I honestly get a real thrill when people come through my front door (and not just for the obvious business related reasons.) Slowly, day by day, this business is becoming what I envisioned all along. A warm, inviting, friendly place that I can’t wait to get to everyday and where I hope everyone who comes through the door feels welcome.
Today I had a very special customer. Her name is Sierrah. She came in with her mom and two sisters. She asked if she and her little sister could color at the little table I have in the corner set up for just that purpose. She drew the fabulous artwork you see in this post. It is now hanging behind the counter. I even got her signature! So when Sierrah (with 2 r’s and an h!) is famous I can say I helped in some small way to encourage her in her art.
I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting some really cool teenage girls (who says they are all petulant and scary?) who I am really looking forward to teaching to sew. And another customer today pointed out the “eclecticness” (a new word I just made up) of having “Rage Against the Machine” playing on the radio while purchasing retro inspired fabric to make into an apron.
Yup, this is definitely “me” and exactly what I had in mind.
