A Retail Update

A little over a year ago I took a leap into the great unknown, the unknown world of RETAIL.

It’s kind of a long story - but we've got nothing but time here, right?

Let’s start from the beginning … in addition to working on design projects with a variety of lovely clients, I also started working one day a week at a wonderful multi-vendor design studio called Cotswold Marketplace. (this was almost 3 years ago, btw) I loved AND still do love connecting with the customers, helping them find unique pieces to bring their space and vision to life - BUT I also loved playing around in the vendor spaces, creating little vignettes and checking out all their new finds. Me and my new retail sales associate life seemed to be a great match…

Of course, I can never leave well enough alone so in the Spring of 2018, I was having lunch with a colleague and decided (out of the blue) that I, too, wanted to be a vendor with a small space of my own at Cotswold Marketplace. I mean, why not? Design business, sales associate and vendor…no problem.

Side note: I make my best decisions this way, honestly. It’s how the blog even came to be WAY back when.

A couple of short weeks later, I found myself the proud new vendor in a little corner spot at Cotswold Marketplace.

Here we are opening weekend - honestly, I thought I was going to explode with excitement! Of course I was hoping everyone would love it and I’d sell out in one weekend. Obviously, that’s not how it went. But, I did eventually find my niche and before I knew it I was committing to a slightly bigger space by taking on the additional wall in my little alcove.

Opening weekend, take 2. Just a little more space to spread out and expand my wings - or so they say.

At this point, I remember having a conversation with the owner of the store about taking on this space - I was nervous, but excited and she said to me, “ you just never know where you’ll be in 6 months from now”. I kind of giggled to myself and though there is no way I am taking on more - this is enough for me!

Wouldn’t you know it, a short 7 months later we were having lunch and AGAIN I jumped at an opportunity to move into another even bigger space. Had I even thought about it prior to that lunch? Nope. But did I go for it? You know it.

Opening day - take 3.

This time we went all in. We laid a new floor, added molding and painted all the walls. It was a crazy busy couple of days, with help from family and friends, we all worked hard and came away feeling super proud of our accomplishments!

I even partnered with a friend, City Stems, to add beautiful living floral arrangements to the space.

There have been lots of changes over the last 7 months, with new inventory and new seasonal displays.

I’m including some of my favorites here to give you a feel for the overall style.

This was early Spring.

Late Spring/ Early Summer

Mid Summer

Early Fall.

So there you have it - an update on my retail journey. Certainly, there have been ups and downs but overall I am really loving it. And so very appreciative of all the support I have received from family, friends, clients and shoppers. It truly takes a village and I’d be no where without you!

If you’re local, I’d love for you to come check it out.

If you’re not local, I’ve got a little something special for you … coming soon.

Like I said, I can never leave well enough alone.

Until next time.