Sunday, February 8, 2009

New Journey

For as long as I can remember I have always had a passion for Interior Designs and Home Decorating. My dear friend Trish would always tell me that I could find a stick on the side of the road, and make it look fabulous.
After we move to San Antonio, I would love to visit little home interior shops during my mother’s day out days. I would just linger for hours. I love to look at the different ways they have their items displayed, and the go home and try to incorporate it in my own home.
A few years ago I had gotten up the courage to apply for a job at a well know store here in San Antonio called Traditions. At the time the only position they had available was a manager in the Brighton store. I was content with my job responsibilities for a while, but my true goal was to one day work in our home accessory department. Unfortunately, the owner decided to close portions of the store and combine our jewelry, clothing and home items into one store, therefore cutting employees’ hours. I had to stay in my current position, but was able to work in the other areas of the store from time to time.
Slowly I began to learn more and more about home decorating, what worked and most of all what doesn’t work. One of my most favorite time of year in retail was decorating the store for Christmas, the lights and the colors were all so beautiful. Then, in May of 2006, my husband and I decided to try to have another child, therefore I became a full time stay at home mom. I was sad to leave Traditions, and while I have enjoyed being a stay at home mom, I still have this dream of opening my own shop.
The fact is, with having three children, and a husband who has a very demanding job, it just is not a reality for me at this time. Or is it, I find myself in a cross roads. Is it possible to fulfill your own personal goals and not feel that you are neglecting your family at the same time? Can I really have my cake and eat it too? After blogging for a few months I have noticed that there are many women who are SAHM that have online stores, could this be my cake?
Here is my plan, I would like to open an online store. The store would offer high end home accessories at reasonable prices. So my question to you is, what would you like to see sold in the online store. What do you look for when shopping online? I would love your suggestions as I begin this new journey.

Possible products:

Lamps


Serving pieces



-Cheers, Amy

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I truly understand the crossroads at which you have found yourself. It is often difficult to be the mom, wife, and reach dreams for yourself. I've been there (still am I guess). I love your ideas for an online store! I have never shopped online before, but would definitley check it out! You have fabulous ideas for merchandise to have. Keep us posted on your progress. I hope it all works out fabulously for you!
Have a wonderful monday,
Jennifer

Traveling Gypsy said...

Great idea! Go for it!

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

Hi Amy
Would you stock inventory or have your items dropshipped to your customers?

Thank you for the compliment on our kitchen cabinets. I will find out the glaze color for you later today.

Take Care
Darlene

3CHEERS4MOM said...

Hi Darlene,
Yes, thats the plan. I think I would be able to have items drop shipped to the customers, that should help with shipping cost to the customer.
-Cheers, Amy

Anonymous said...

Best Wishes! How exciting may God bless you on your new adventures. Dana

sepiadreams said...

Great Items! Best of luck in your new venture-whenever you decide the time is right....Tiina...

sepiadreams said...

Hey Amy, meant to tell you that Lone Star Antiques is located off of Hwy 377 (Denton Hwy) in Wataugua. Golightlys Gallery is in North Richland Hills off of Davis Blvd...Tiina...

Karin said...

Amy, I love your idea! There is a company called Chelsea House, Inc. that sells to the trade only and I can't tell you how many times I've considered buying a dumb license just so I can order a lamp from them (couldn't afford anything else!) or at least get to see their catalog. If you got through with this, PLEASE remember me :)!!!!!

http://www.chelseahouseinc.com/index.html

The Kramer Angle said...

Wow, good for you! I truly found the scariest part of finding the courage to follow my dream was saying the words outloud for people to hear. You've done it even better and blogged about your dreams to the world! I love it!

When I'm shopping online I'm usually looking for accessories, unique pieces that you don't find at Pottery Barn or Home Goods. I love anything with a french twist, repurposed items and slightly shabby (although not pink!) things.

Good luck! I'll definitely be checking back to see your dream is progressing! (There must be something in the air - so many women are working to follow their dreams! It's exciting!)


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