One door closing...


Well after many weeks of thought and running the numbers over and over it is clearly plain to see.  
Not what I wanted but what must be. 

Yes, my booth that took so much time, sweat, tears, and every ounce of creativity I could muster will be closing soon.  
It was something I had to do, to learn some very important lessons for later on.
#1 Don't be afraid to just try.  
#2  Give it all you have - it is your name after all
#3  But when the dance is done don't be stupid and keep on.  

My items are me.  They are what I feel and what I see when I buy a piece of furniture.  
I do them because I love it.  
So, my big lesson this go around on the merry-go round is this:
LOCATION is key.  
It is the utmost important ingredient for any venture.
I wasn't sure about this location but I took a chance. 
My gut kept saying it wasn't a good location for me but I didn't listen. 
I should have.  I will from now on.

This mall is a great place IF you like country or primitive.  There is nothing wrong with that.  It just isn't what I do.  My items are neither.  
Everyone said my booth was the most beautiful and their favorite but I think it was their favorite to look at - not what they buy. 
Business needs sales. 
So, I will be closing shop - probably in January.

I am disappointed and sad and honestly feel a bit of a failure but that will pass.
I need to find a place that is ME. 
So, I will keep doing my two shows in Cameron each year and keep my eyes open for a window of opportunity to open up for me. 
That being said- the booth is closing - not my creative soul.  
Location can't even kill that.

23 comments:

  1. Tammy, so sorry, why do life lessons have to be so hard and painful??? I have been there. I am actually considering trying once again, we will see. Your stuff is truly beautiful! I hope you find a place where you can sell it. Honestly I see all of you with "this style" on blogs and I think you are ahead of your time, I just don't think many are decorating like that yet. At least not in my area. Anyway this gives you the opportunity to relax for the holidays! Merry Christmas to you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Tammy,
    I am looking at your gorgeous booth and I'm confident that if you move it somewhere else that it will be a success. I have been fortunate to have my booth located in a shop that caters to customers who like my style, which by the way, is very similar to yours.
    So don't give up, just look for a place that is better suited to your style.

    I wish you the best in your next location.

    hugs
    Sissie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Tammy, so sorry. You gave it your all. Keep at it, another place and time.

    Remember...keep at it.

    Hugs,
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  4. When I read your post at first I was sad, but then I had this feeling that bigger and better is out there for you. When I got out of hygiene school I worked in a small dental office. It was perfect for getting my feel for things, but it didn't suit me. I worked there for 3 yrs and knew it was time for bigger and better. I have just recently completed my 15th year at my current office. It is the right fit. I think we have to take small steps to get to the leaps and bounds. You are about to leap!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just recently found your blog and was so excited to read about your booth...I WAS getting ready to open my own little shop and then it all fell apart....I know there is another opportunity out there for you.... I can't wait to hear about the fabulous place you find!
    Robin

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh goodness your not a failure. You had to try, I have a booth that I love and just had to try an online store, it is not going like I would like, so I am at a cross roads like you. My booth does well. I am the only shabby chic vendor in my mall of 93 vendors. You are right, location is everything! I have been at it for 8 years and have followers, but it takes a long time. Don't be afraid to try it again, you have all the right stuff! When I started I got the smallest booth I could and jammed it full! I have tons of small stuff, this helps with sales. You have the prettiest booth I have ever seen. Thank you for taking us along on your journey!

    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think your stuff is gorgeous and you will find a better place for your beautiful wares ... you are far from a failure. A failure is someone who never tries.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have always loved your booth. It speaks to me.
    I'm sorry it didn't work out for you at this mall, but there is a reason. With this door closing, there must be another to open, someday, hopefully very soon. I'm sure you've learned a lot. It's a big venture, that most of us would love to do, but some of us (me) are too afraid to take the leap.
    Good luck! I wish you all the best!
    Merry Christmas! take care, gail

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tammy, You are very talented, please do not give up! You have a great eye and I love your style. Once you find a better location I truly believe you will be a hit!!!
    Take care and my your dreams come true (very soon)!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm so sorry Tammy. Your attitude is great though, you are not a failure, you'll be a great success, you just need to find the right "fit" for you! I love your stuff and wish I was close, I would have visited that shop and ONLY your booth!!! LOL!

    Tania

    ReplyDelete
  11. So sorry to hear this wasn't a great fit for you.
    It is sad that you have to leave but I agree with the others, bigger and better is out there and it just has to take the hard times to find it.
    Take your time and find your fit and it will be fabulous.
    Happy Holidays
    AMy

    ReplyDelete
  12. Tammy - Let's be honest. This economy is horrible. It is virtually impossible to make a profit on anything that is not truly a necessity. Keep your chin up - and be ready to reappear when the economy turns around.
    -Trish

    ReplyDelete
  13. Aw hugs, Tammy. That was so brave of you to open your booth and now you are even braver to close it. It will open new doors - I know it! You are a smart and very talented gal and I'll be watching and waiting for you to open again in a better spot.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You are not a failure, just look at it as a learning adventure. You are right about location and it took me a while to finally find the place I should be in, even though it's 3 hours from my house at least the customers finally "get" my things and they aren't just looking they are finally buying too. I feel confident it will work out for you too. Merry Christmas!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd first say congratulations on having the guts and courage to give it a go! You put yourself out there and for that alone you deserve a big pat on the back. It sounds like you got a lot of encouraging words, and that even from people that aren't even your real target audience. Take pride and encouragement in that and keep plugging along. You're not a failure, you are simply changing course. Remember that.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Tammy ~ your booth adventure and taking us along with you was such a huge inspiration to me to do my booth over ~ so thank you! I am sure you will find the right spot for you and your beautiful treasures. I am sure you will see a new window open soon!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. what awesome people you have following you!! I know something better will come along. We just have to keep our eyes open. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm very sorry to read this Tammy!!
    I'm sure this is extremely heartbreaking. :(

    I've been wanting to open a booth for awhile, but I keep it putting off for alot of the same reasons you describe...but mostly I'm not sure I've found the right place yet.

    I look forward to continuing to follow what you'll do next.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Tammy,

    First off I love all your stuff! If you lived closer it would be scary for my bank account! I had the same thing happen to me! I have since moved to a new location and we are doing very well! Everything will work out. Good luck and can't wait to hear about the new door openings!

    ReplyDelete
  20. It's totally my style! Do you ship?? I'm in Texas : o )

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tammy, I'm very sorry for your loss. You have beautiful and very creative ideas, so please don't feel like it's your fault. I'm glad you're able to recognize that location played a factor. I hope you have success in new and exciting ways this year.
    If it's any help, I was considering opening a booth but very much having the same feelings you did- what you wrote, and my own gut has definitely steered me away from that.
    Best of luck to you in 2011!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh, I'm sorry to hear this, but you have the right attitude. My first location wasn't right for me, and it took 9 long months of painful sales to acknowledge that. The second one was similar, but only 6 months. I've now been at my new location for 3 years and LOVE IT. It's an hour away (ugh), but location is truly everything.

    You will find the right location, and by sharing your story, you're helping everyone else! Chin up!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I know this post is over a year old, but I just found your blog through pinterest. I have been going through many of your posts and I feel like I can relate to this post so well. I moved into a space at a local antique mall in October and I have been so frustrated that my sales have not been what I hoped they would be. I am in a lease until April so I am doing my best until then, but I am trying to find other avenues for my creations and treasures. I love your work, and you do a great job with your blog. I am inspired by all of your beautiful projects and am so happy to see you following your heart.
    Thanks for the inspiration! Amy

    ReplyDelete