The Silent Treatment

I have a confession. I gave you the silent treatment on purpose. When I started this blog, I had a list of posts ready to go! …… But when the Store developed- I went radio silent. I felt I had to… I like surprises – and while I do know what my store will look like (what we will sell, and the general concept) – I hate the idea of disappointing someone if it doesn’t turn out the same way! I don’t think I’ll do it justice through text – I think once open, you’ll understand it! Plus, if something changes, then I didn’t lie to you 😉

So this week, I’m going to share 2 posts actually – and discuss what’s been going on since we last spoke.

1. Well, I’m opening a Store! I originally planned to open one here on my blog. I wanted to sell custom made pillows and do monograming. A post I planned to write about in great detail was- why I love to sew. Unfortunately, I will NOT be doing that in the new store.
2. We signed a lease. Where you might ask? In our neighborhood! I could not be any more excited. Friday I will share the name and location of the store! I’ve waited because — you just never know! Plus, the lease kicks in that day, so it’ll be official!
3. I went to market. So far – Dallas. I have plans to attend Atlanta and New York. I think opening the store I should check them all out on the front end, get a feel for products, then proceed from there. *Post to come next week about my first market experience. 
4. Oh and in the meantime, I’ve sold 2 houses. That was unexpected – but yet, SO Much fun

So thats it? That’s all you’ve been up to since April? – Um No. This new store is HARD work. The front end requires a lot of thought, and planning. (POS systems, build out, market, etc.) Sounds like it wasn’t that much – but if you saw my phone logs, and my extensive excel spreadsheet – you’d know otherwise. 

So why a store? 

 Well, I have to tell you a story first – besides the obvious, (how much I appreciate Brian for giving me this incredible opportunity) my grandmother has been a huge inspiration to me during this process. In the 10th grade (circa 1999) we were given the opportunity to interview 3 people for an English paper. 

Back then, we had cassette tapes – I filled up 5 talking to her. I sat there in her hot living room (at this point, during  our interview, she’d had a stroke and couldn’t stay warm enough) but the day was hot, and the windows open. I sat with her at the dining table, where all kinds of newspapers, books, trinkets, and mail was piled up -the cassette player was recording on the buffet – I had a journal in hand, and just listened! For Hours!

Some of her story I was hearing for the first time: She spoke of growing up in the depression, and not knowing what that was, because life was just that – but her journey would take her from Jasper, Arkansas, all the way to Los Angeles, where she graduated from what is now known as UCLA! She then came back to Arkansas (to Texarkana) because of the war – met my grandfather – (Moved to Nashville) had two children at an older age – and worked as a seamstress for YEARS before given the opportunity to pursue her own dream of owning her own store. Located on Main Street, Nashville, AR –  Fabric Fair.

Some of her story I knew: As a little girl, I went into my grandmother’s fabric store, and watched her move through the bolts, selecting the perfect fabric for her customers. Her attention to detail, and knowledge of textiles was incredible. She knew exactly what everyone needed, and her extensive background did not go unnoticed. She had worked in a garment factory, and as a seamstress for her entire life! But having her own opportunity – well, even at 6 years old, 8 years old, I knew it was her passion.  She loved her customers, and loved life. Even after the store closed – I knew my grandmother’s love for life (she helped me catch my first fish)- her family – her friends. She (and my mother) have given me that same drive – Live Life, and to the fullest! I hope in my store, you feel the same love and passion for life. My Granny (and my mother) are the biggest examples of Strong Women! 

There are holes in that story -and the same with mine. We don’t tell everything – life is not perfect, there were obstacles and hard times!  But she was the testament in my life of,  “never give up”! One of those obstacles, (when I was 14) she had a stroke – but what I will never forget is her willingness to live on! It didn’t break her – or stop her. It did slow her down -in a way – but she kept going!  It breaks my heart that her building burned down several years ago. But! That being said – I think of her, and think of her often when I imagine what this opportunity is for me – Opening my own store. 

*Plus I also walked into Tollett’s Gifts as a little girl, and told Mrs. Jimmy Jean I’d own her store one day! I knew I wanted to walk in my grandmothers shoes eventually – and now, I graciously will! 

So, maybe you didn’t get that much from this post. But I assure you, this tells a story – one of which silence is something that leads to greater understanding, and purpose. God is often very silent, (sometimes to the point where we just can’t understand, and feel like all hope is lost!) He teaches us through that silence – We just have to learn patience, listen, and watch, and wait on His Perfect timing.  For me, during this planning, and time of silence in my own little world of developing this store – I’ve leaned on Him – and found an amazing purpose through what is coming!  A journey  of faith. One of which, I hope every person who walks into my store – will feel and hopefully appreciate! Here’s to taking a Leap Of Faith!