Just like everyone else, I only have 24 hours in a day. Between being a mom & wife, running a blog plus a handmade shop, I just didn't have the time to devote to it anymore. The booth always deserved more attention than I could give it.
After many prayers, lots of consideration and even a few mini-breakdowns... I realized that it's ok to let opportunities go. I can't do it all, because when I try everything ends up a big old mess. Letting go of opportunities - even great ones - is essential in moving a business forward. You have to let go of some things to make room for new ones.
I was torn about the decision, even after I gave them my notice, until I read The $100 Startup. I read the whole book cover to cover in less than 3 hours - and the reoccurring theme was prevalent: Each person made a decision that changed their business. Some out of tragedy (like a job loss), some out of necessity (like a roof caving in), and some out of gut instinct.
Letting go has never been easy for me. I'm a hold-tight-to-the-end kinda girl. But today, I'm taking a deep breath and letting go of the store. I'm hoping it will make time to take other ventures.... maybe even writing a book? We'll see where the tide takes me. I'm just keeping the faith that wherever it leads will be amazing.
I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do..
ReplyDeleteI know personally, letting go is difficult.
I had a very successful building business but I had to Let It Go, before I lost many other more important things. Its best to stop when you are succeeding so you can always look back on it with a smile- and maybe a few tears too and even thats OK..
Gina,
ReplyDeleteIt is never an easy decision! But you always know in your heart and you must follow it! Good things will come your way!
xx
Anne
Only you know what is best for you. Good Luck in your future endeavors.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to let go of something too, so thanks for the inspiration. I think you will do very well. Just don't stop the blogging because I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm hopeless at letting go, absolutely hopeless, but I found this inspiring. Love the quote on the chalkboard too. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it was a hard decision, Gina. Second guessing yourself. Hey, your blog is great and so are your handmades. Good luck. And of course being a wife and mother are pretty important too!
ReplyDeletewhat is that good looking stuff hanging on those hangers? I'd love to see more of those! I looked in your online shop - but didn't see them there...
ReplyDeleteThis is a lesson I myself haven't learned!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post Gina. Making hard decisions and moving on to new adventures is something I've been struggling with for a while, especially as I was forced to began closing down my old blog and creating a new one. There are times I struggle with it, but I'm trying to look at it as a stepping stone of learning to hopefully grow in whatever way I need. I hope you find whatever is right for you in due time. Good luck with the changes and things to come!
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best! I'm a firm believer that things & choices happen for a reason. xo nancy
ReplyDeleteI'm at a crossroads right now. I have a booth at a shop in town and haven't put one thing in it!! I haven't had time. Is that a sign? I hope not. One reason is that I've just moved and haven't had a moment to load stuff up and get over there! Of course, I want it to look like a million bucks. (yours does by the way) Too many things on my plate. Thanks to you, I have one more! I'm going to Bella Rustica on Friday! Hope to meet you!!
ReplyDeleteOh I know that feeling, but I'm confident you will continue to thrive! I would love to read your book when it comes out :)
ReplyDeleteYou are a wise woman when you come to that point in the path and are not afraid to make a decision.
ReplyDelete~Bliss~
gina u've probably never heard of me i'm just a reader i can't find the time or smarts to start a blog altho i would love to, i do own 2 shabby brick and mortar shops but i can't open and start a blog well, i said all that to say from a daily reader i can tell u whats in store for u wiil be amazing,b/c u r one amazing chick and more talent in ur little finger than most so there!!!! im from guntersville alabama i'll be at bella rustica can't wait too see ur booth susan
ReplyDeletetotally true-and advice i should follow more often.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsystalkers.com/
I had two stores and held on to them for far too long after the profits started to drop. In the end, I was working for nothing more than saving face and that was just plain stupid. It was a relief when the building sold and I didn't have a choice about it. You are much smarter than I was! ~ Maureen
ReplyDeleteI can see why that is a bit of a heartache. But you are so right. You are just showing the universe you are making space for new and better things. They will come, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteOh Gina! What good plans God has for you! This is not an end- it is another beginning! I will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteLove your writing. you can write during nap time! Linda at the French Hen's Nest.
Best of Luck to you, Gina!!
ReplyDeleteI've read that book too! It's really good.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time letting go of things as well. No regrets, just looking forward and reminding myself that every choice I've made has brought me here, and I like where I am today.
Love your blog and handmade treasures.
I just read that book too and loved it! Have you read 168 Hours yet? If not, it's next on your list. Believe me, you'll love it. I happened to borrow it on audio from my library and listened to it while I painted. Loved it that way.
ReplyDeleteBobi
http://westernwarmth.blogspot.com
P.S. I know all about mini-breakdowns. Ya gotta take care of yourself, girl!
Sounds to me like you made the right choice. Some of the most difficult choices end up being the most rewarding. I trust your decision will be blessed in ways you never expected. :)
ReplyDeleteWhenever one door closes, another one opens...Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteGina... the Lord had me read this post today. I have been praying about starting another booth. I had one a few years ago and it was a huge success. However, I let it go because I had to shut that door due to my main priorities of being a wife and mom plus I was taking on a new adventure. I had to focus and rearrange my responsibilities. It was the best decision I made.... at that point. Fast forward to now.... and it might be another good decision to start again. But, I will pause and pray a little bit more. My husband is on board if I choose to do it.... but, I need to be still for a bit.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and may you have a wonderful road ahead!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this Gina! This was so amazing to read and very encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI hope through this new chapter you'll be extremely blessed!
WHATEVER you do is ALWAYS amazing.
ReplyDelete