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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Growing Pains


So I got word this week that what I had been hoping for
was likely going to become a reality, should I so desire it.
But do I? Decisions, decisions. Be careful what you wish for....


Since opening my booth in the antique mall a couple of months back,
I've been located in a nice size booth on the second floor.
It's in an okay location, but merely by virtue of the fact that it's on the second floor,
it gets waaaaay less traffic than the 30 or so booths on the first floor.

 
Well, this past week I was offered a primo, high-traffic space in the mall
after the first of the year for only a smidge more rent. 
I already know that I'm going to take it, my husband and I have discussed it,
and it makes sense to see if what they say is true,
that I can expect my sales to probably quadruple after the move.


I know it's going to be more work, but it's another one of those situations
where you have to acknowledge "Okay, I'm stretched a bit thin here....
full-time job, booth stuff, an Etsy shop which keeps me super busy,
a household and a husband....am I nuts???"


But (and there's always one of those, ya know) maybe this is my time.
Maybe this is the natural progression of building my business,
of establishing my brand. Warrenton is in the Spring.
Then what? So many dadgum questions.


 Am I excited? You betcha! Afraid? Just a bit. Worn out yet? Absolutely!
But I'm walking through that next door, 
the one I referred to in one of my very first posts 
here way back in August.... Remember?


 
I'm still carting around a lot of the same insecurities and fears, 
but I'm bolstered a bit knowing that I can do this. 
It's not some top secret, ultra exclusive club to which I am not welcome. 
That was my fear in the early days, that the likes of 
Theresa and Mindy and Debbie,et al would laugh at my feeble efforts 
and tell me to get the heck outta Dodge. 
Shoot, I still feel that way sometimes, 
but less and less with each small victory.

So......wish me luck! The adventure continues, 
and it just wouldn't be the same without all y'all along for the ride!


32 comments:

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Well sweetie you take and don't look back. lol
Seriously it is really what you want so go for it and everything will fall into place as it alwasy does.
You mean you show at Warrenton Then girlfriend I have to know you. I think I have met everyone out there. I only live a short distance from there in Burton. On a earlier post I talk about the show and how it is my favorite thing to do.
If you want me to put your shop on my Temptation Mondays let me know by tomorrow sometime.
Happy for you and looking forward to seeing you at Warrenton.
Maggie

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

I meant to say you take it and don't look back.
lol
I am looking at your picture and yes you do look familar. What field are you in. Maggie

Polly said...

Good luck girl! ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS follow your dreams.....and your heart!

Hugs,

Pols

LuLu Kellogg said...

I am already in the back seat ready for the ride! I just KNOW you will do brilliantly, hands down.

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

p.s. I already took motion sickness medicine so I won't get car sick.....let's take off!

Tarnished Rose said...

Grab that bull by the horns and go for it! You CAN do it!

Smiles~
Marilyn

Karen said...

I have not doubt that you can do this and do it well. I understand where you are coming from but go for it and it will happen!!

Chickens in the Basement said...

Okay, so here's my unsolicited advice. Having owned an antique store with dealers, it is just like buying a house...location, location, location! Take the new booth space. If you have tons of stock, keep both. Make the upstairs booth your "discount" booth to get rid of stock that stays around forever or for smalls that tend to accumulate. If that's too much, just do the one on the bottom floor. If you love it, you will do fine because it doesn't feel like work. And you will meet some of the neatest people ever!

Now, on to business. Do you still have the white dog planter? My brother has a mini daschund. That would be a perfect Christmas present. If you still have it, how much is it, and will you ship to NC?

Can't wait to hear about your new adventures.
Anna
annasbasement@gmail.com

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Girl, you'll get no laughing from me, unless you tell me a funny joke. We have to hang in there "together" and there's always so much to learn about the the biz. You'll do just fine, I know, and you'll soar too in the process...

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Congratulations! You just keep walking through those doors!

*The Beautiful Life* said...

You don't need anyone to "wish you luck", Anne!
You already possess all you need to be a knock-out
success not only in your booth but in EVERYTHING you're
involved in! Just go do it! :)

Ruth

trash talk said...

Girl, have you met me??? I'm the mutt of this business! When we first started setting up at Zapp, some of the dealers inside(who are no longer there, btw) would come out the side door and kinda shake their heads at us. Our merchandise didn't quite measure up to their standards, but while intimidated, I just smiled on my way to the bank. You have to follow your heart and God's plan. If this is something you have been praying for, then He is answering that call. Reach, stretch and go for it. After all, what's the worst that can happen? If you find you have taken on a wee bit more than time will allow...just adjust. Nothing's nailed to the floor or carved in stone, right? AND if you don't try...you'll always wonder "What If?". You're young...you can do it. It's when you quit growing and become stagnant that you have to worry. TMI???
I tend to rattle, so forgive me, but Talking is my last name!
Debbie

Auntie Cake said...

Oh Anne! So happy for you! Hopefully you will be amazed that it is only a teense tiny bit more work but loads more business. Way to go for it. It will be a smashing success!
Kate

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Anne,

Congratulations! I am so happy for you and sounds like a wonderful place to be. A booth that will get a lot more traffic.
Wishing you all the very best and I know that it will be a great sucess. ( you have such wonderful treasures)

Happy weekend
hugs
Carolyn

the old white house said...

Follow your Bliss! Best of luck ~ Theresa

Debra@CommonGround said...

Today the main floor ...tomorrow the World!!! Yeah, Annie, girl! They know talent when they see it, and that's what you're full of... talent, sass, hard work, fun, and lot's of smarts! We're all in your corner cheering you on!
love you,
Debra

Six divided by two..... said...

You can do all things through Christ whom strengthens you!!! I am sooo happy for you and your new space. I know that you will be very successful in whatever your endeavors. Make sure to take pics!!!

Barbara Jean said...

Great news about a better location.

I do soooo undersatnd your dilemma, and the questions, and "am I crazy?". I feel the same way. In over my head, but keep right on going and taking on more.

Blessings as you move forward through another door.

barbara jean

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Congratulations on the new space, Anne. I know you can do it. (Really, so do you.)Can't wait to hear how much fun you have with it and look forward to photos of your new, improved Fiona and Twig space.
xoxo
Donna

Bunnym said...

Well Anne, you know what they say...When opportunity knocks...so, it's loud and clear.
I know it's scary but you seen to have your head on straight...most of the time...lol I believe in you and I know lots of other friends do too, sooooo, take our cue and go for it....It's better than kicking yourself with all the would ofs, could ofs and should ofs. Focus on the right now and when the year is new it'll have sunk in and you'll feel better...that and a glass of wine...~wink~

tootles,
bunny

The Feathered Nest said...

Hey sweet girl, I'M SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!! You go, take that 1st floor space and keep on going!!!! "I can see into the future"...I see you doing this full time...I see you having magnificent shows AND having a space...then I see you owning your very own shop!!!! Follow you dream Anne...we have but one chance. Hugs and love, Dawn

Abatevintage said...

Good luck, my prayers and thoughts are with you.


•·.·´S`·.W`·.E`·.E`·.T`·.·•
Blessings
»-(¯`v´¯)-»HEIDI

Cynthia K. said...

Hi there! Why shouldn't you have the very best spot there?!!!! You've already proven yourself - you're really good at this - and you're not really an amateur anymore.

Seize your day....

Cynthia K. (Beauty and Blessings)

Sylvia (at) Lily's Pad and Petals said...

Sounds like 2010 will be your year - full steam ahead, no looking back.
Best of Luck,
Sylvia

sue (aka vintage rescue) said...

YAY! I know I already told you this via email, but taking that giant step to the main level was the best thing that happened to me, and it'll be for you too. And, remember, they wouldn't ask you to step up if they weren't confident you had the moxie and chops to do it. Congrats and fasten your seatbelt! XOX

stefanie said...

life is to short, don't think, just go for it!!!! it was meant to be!!!!

red.neck chic said...

Oh - YAY for you Gorgeous Anne!!! You will be okay - trust me! It's amazing what you can juggle 'round, and still get the occasional zzzzzzzzzzz's... LOL I am so excited, and proud and skeert for you right now I don't even know what to say! LOLOL I will tell you though, main floor - good spot... that matters. And with your display abilities, personality and sheer talent - you'll be rockin' it out in no time!

Should I plan my drool session to your neighborhood on moving day? (Just make sure I don't walk off with half your inventory. HA!!!)

June said...

Well Anne, I for one KNOW you can do it!!! I know you will make the right choice for you. You have to go with your heart on this one! And I'm sending all my love and confidence with you. GOOD LUCK sweet friend.
Hugs~

Six in One Hand said...

Uhhhhhh.......
This can't be the same..."everything I touch turns to junky gold" Anne.
You will do fine!!!!
You've always done fine.
You are amazing and don't let anyone tell you any different...
Now.....
Get back to work...
That first floor booth isn't gonna fix itself you know.
I'll always be your junking sis to the bitter end..
P.S....

Can I come to Warrenton in the spring?

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

Welcome to the "Nuts" club ... you are a true 100% bonafide member !! Doesn't it feel good to be nuts? ... glad you've made it, I've been here for awhile ; )

xo
Jill

V I N T A G E O L O G I E said...

Ooops! ... was I suppose to say "congrats, way to go, you'll be fine, and such?" ... goes without being said girl .. you're already a superstar!! Glad to see you are shooting for the moon!

love ya!
Jill

The Elegant Thrifter said...

Oh how I love those dachsunds. Are you selling them? Are they going to be on your Etsy shop? What can you tell me about them?

Stan

Mindy said...

Oh, Anne! Congrats on the new space. I know you look forward to the move on the bottom floor. Yea! I like that gold frame. Is it plastic or metal? ~Mindy


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