I don't know what finally possessed me to go into the store today, but I got the nerve on the spur of the moment and just did it. Had it not been pretty much gutted, I don't think I could have. Bad news came when I learned that all 3 central heating and cooling units are ruined and the duct work must also be replaced because of the mold. I don't know why I had not thought of that, but maybe a person's mind just takes in what it can as it is able. I don't know how many of my readers or former shoppers ever visited my store because the business was probably 90% internet sales, but those who came will remember this room because it was the main entrance and was filled with antique display cases, vintage baby things, and most of my shop samples. I thought it was the prettiest room in my store. Had I not closed the store and sold all of the antique things, they would have surely been ruined. Those beautiful display cases were purchased by my friend, Tonya, who opened an adorable gift shop in town called "Lulu's". I was happy to see Tonya end up with them, but I will appreciate seeing them in her beautifully appointed store now more than ever.
The next view, also made with my cell phone, allows you to see through the studs into several rooms. I am standing in the main retail room but the view extends through the toy room, hallway, kitchen, and into the classroom.
Right now I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do, but I will share what my intentions were before the flood. I had planned to make one fabulous classroom and set up the remaining inventory in another room. I did not plan to be a real retail shop anymore, but I thought it would be nice to host schools and sewing retreats. My intentions were to set it up so that each participant would have their own private table with good lighting and personal ironing station. I had planned to have adequate inventory so supplies would be conveniently obtainable on the premises. I am open to suggestions and would love your feedback. I am surely at a starting over point. The building has got to be restored, I don't need all of it, but am open to the classroom idea if there is sufficient interest.
3 comments:
I am so happy to hear that many of your beautiful store fixtures had already found a new and safe home! My heart aches as a former customer who used to visit your store, and now as a business owner who truly understands your loss. Answers do not always come easily, but I do wish you the very best as you make new decisions and plans.
Oh my, Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad that you did not loose your antiques or fabric. Maybe renovating it will be sort of fun. I love to plan those types of things. I wish I could have seen your store. It sounds lovely. I am enjoying your blog. I haven't been sewing at all due to our recent move, but it is nice to keep up with what others are doing in the sewing world! Hugs, Bridget Anderson
Jan - I will do a blog post on the adorable shop where the antiques I formerly owned now reside. I love to see Tonya's beautiful gifts displayed in them. It may be mid-June before I get it done, but I do want people who were familiar with my antiques to see what a good home they went to.
Bridget - Maybe we'll both get back to sewing soon. I haven't been able to get to the sewing machine with so many other things going on. I really enjoyed the store when I had it but things change and you just move on. I like doing the blog and it makes me happy that you enjoy reading it.
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