Genuine

As I get older (and hopefully a little wiser) I find myself making revelations not only about myself and my own actions but about people around me. Sometimes I think that I am truly over analyzing things but usually I can't stop myself from observing, analyzing and concluding. One thing that I have noticed in the past few months is that many people I am now surrounded with just don't seem to be genuine. I have conversations with them which leave me wondering if they are being truthful. I often feel like people are being passive aggressive. Sometimes I outright think they are living on fantasy island (must be nice!) and other times I just feel like I need a big break from the BS. So, my question is, what do you do when you aren't sure someone is dealing you the real goods? Do you call them on it? Do you accept that perhaps they just are not genuine even to themselves or do you simply kick them to the curb?

Re-vamp on the way...

A re-vamp is on the way...Jose! I started the Piper Shaw Line for Girls shortly after my daughter was born, in her name. It has been a cute little line of necklaces and bracelets for toddler girls. It has sold a fair bit and done okay but looking at it now, it is kind of boring. Definitely not a reflection on who Piper Shaw is as a person! SO...the whole line is getting an over haul. It is going to be chunky, bold, full of colour and bursting with creative fun! That's more like the little lady it was named after. I have ordered some new supplies to make this all happen and I am brimming with excitement for them to arrive. I can't wait to get going with these new designs. They are going to be gorgeous! In the mean time, I am plugging away. The new space is working out pretty good. It is kind of quiet but very manageable rent-wise and very cute! Today I found myself kind of hitting a wall creatively and after sitting at my desk, surfing recipes on pinterest, I pulled out some beads and came up with this (below). I am big on putting unconventional colours together so I am pretty happy with this one. What do you think of it?

In such a short period of time

In such a short period of time, so much can happen. I feel like the past few months could have been years. I have made so many changes with my business and while I now find myself content (for the moment!) I am also exhausted. I really wanted to have a little retail shop. I have actually wanted it for years but pushed the idea to the back of my head. I was going to do it with a former friend a few years ago and when that collapsed I dismissed the idea of doing it myself. Then I decided I would rent a studio space so I would have more room to create and would have a more professional environement for clients to visit. While searching for a studio I found a small shared retail space in Paris. It was a great start for me in retail. My work was well recieved and I started making money right away. Sadly, the situation itself wasn't working for lots of reasons. That is when I found the beautiful old mill in St. george. It was pretty hard not to fall in love with that space. So much character, just the right amount of space and lovely landlords to boot. What more could a girl ask for? Customers. The only negative about the mill space was the fact that there were 33 big, steep stairs to climb in order to get there. I did get some customers through but nearly every single one complained of the stairs and I hate to even think of how many never even came up. So that leads me to where I am now. A tiny little space beside the local salon. The truth is, when I looked at this space it didn't appeal at all. It was a dirty little rectangle. I couldn't initially see it happening. A few nights of sleep though and lots of analyzing made me realize that it doesn't matter how cool a space is, if no one visits it is simply not going to work. So now, with the help of lots of people and with a whole lot of hard work I am here. The space is as cute as a button. It has been painted and decorated and "girlified" to the nines. I look around it and I am proud. Customers can easily access it and the overhead is manageable. Now let's just hope they come...

New Space

I have to admit that I am really ready for this emotional rollercoaster surrounding my business to come grinding to a halt. I found a place, sales were good, sharing the shop was not, then the actual building started falling apart which resulted in a never ending construction zone. Then I am going to share with someone else, then I decide against it, then I find a place, second guess it, find a cool space, take it, wonder if people will ever find me there...freak out, lose sleep, consider packing in everything, realize my negative thinking is going to harm the business, come up with a plan, emerse myself in self doubt, continue with the freaking out.... Yep, that's kinda where I am right now. I can barely stand myself right now. I love my studio/shop though. I just hate that it is third floor. Will anyone find me? Will I make any money? I really hope so.

Creative Chaos

I often feel like I am living in a state of creative chaos. I guess I like it that way! I find I am most productive and most creative when I have a lot on the go and a lot on my mind! I have figured out a future plan for the shop and am quite excited! The bottom line is, I am going to make mistakes and going to face struggles but I love what I am doing and on most days I feel lucky. The past few days have been stinking hot but also very creative. I am loving the options I have with bead colours and textures. I am going through a real colour burst lately. So much fun!

Decisions, decisions!

If it's not one thing it's another, right? I guess that is pretty much everyone's reality. Sometimes I think I am incapable of feeling content. Other times I think it is a good thing to always strive for better. Right now I am throwing around ideas for the shop. I think a change is in the not-so-distant future but I am really struggling with making a decision. I have a few options on the table and loads of advice from everyone but I just don't know what to do. I truly believe that the right answer is going to come to me however, in the mean time I am growing impatient! In brighter news, my recent hypnosis sessions have done wonders! I have lost 12 pounds in three weeks and am eating very well now. I feel really in control with this for the first time in a very, very long time. I never say this but I am actually proud of myself right now. GASP. Wow, a new feeling for me.

Trials and Tribulations

Soooooo long since I have written. Lots has been going on! So my little shop in Paris is up and running. It's a shared space which is less than ideal but it is in a great location which kinda makes up for it. I can't believe how much stuff I can fit in my space actually! So far, I am off to a good start. No advertising yet still a steady flow of people in the shop and sales as well. I also really enjoy working in the shop. I like my studio space and I like the balance of customers and jewellery making. I have a few worries with regards to sharing the space (with a handmade furniture company) but I am sitting back, observing and seeing how it plays out. So far, not bad! On a personal note, I did some hypnosis over the past two weeks. I was a bit skeptical going into it but I have to say, I am loving the results. The sessions were a cross between counselling and meditation almost. Lovely! It is doing wonders for both my health and my mental well being. I truly love it and will probably do this FOREVER. Now I am going to share with you a picture of my daughter at her first horse show. Cute?