After last Christmas it all got very stressful and I realised that for my own health and sanity I needed to only run one business and I had to choose. I chose stitch markers and had to tell an awful lot of very faithful pet store customers that from August 31st it would be no more.
It was a very difficult 6 weeks telling people every day why you had decided to do something. I had no idea if I was making the right choice either and I had built up a store that was part of the local pet community and suddenly I was taking it away from them. Most had no idea about the stitch marker business so were utterly bemused as they thought of me as just the crazy cat and pet food lady. Some days it was more traumatic than emotional after lots of explaining!
But my lovely customers were amazing as pet owners are and very supportive of my choice. I had flowers and cards on that last day which meant so much to me as I cried from 9am till we closed the door for the last time.
So the store went from looking like the above photos to these below. It only took 2 weeks to clear through the stock and remove everything and take it home.
My old pet/ craft workspace...see all the markers hanging from their board above my PC...what a mess it looks now!
Maumau moved too!
Empty
On one of the last days he jumped in the car determined to come with me and I wish he could have, grumpy old thing he is. I know he's OK as I've had reports.
So my new storage cupboard full of crafty goodness.
That cat again enjoying her new window view. Lovely Maumau is still the office cat just in a new place. The introduction to the other 14 is a very slow progress.
My new desk space with this actual post up on the screen!
So it's been a very emotional few months and I can finally feel myself letting go of all the stresses and I'm much happier now and excited to have time to devote to one business fully. I also have time for projects for me
Long scarf wip, pattern on Ravelry soon.
Cat face garland hanging above my desk. I saw one for sale online somewhere and spent 2 whole days looking for it. Couldn't find it again...(maybe I dreamt it) so I made one.
Dog walks in the middle of the day
and you get to work in your slippers and stare at cats staring at you!
Suddenly all seems good with the world and I wish I had made the decision earlier!