Mama's Pocketbook is a small business - my pride and joy - and I will never stop doing what I love so much. I've learned so much , and now that I am well into my third year of this venture, I can see where it's time to make a few changes to improve the quality of service and to improve operations to stay strong in this time of change for the entire country.
While the present economic tightening is affecting everyone, we can all make some simple changes that will make life a little easier and allow us to enjoy a savings of time, gas, money and energy. One change that is easy to do and that brings savings in all those areas is to shop online! What could be better than to browse the most wonderful beautiful shops. like mine, and all the shops at Make Mine Pink for example! In the comfort of your own home, in your own time, you can find all the gifts and goodies you want for the holidays and have them come to you! Many of the shops even offer free gift wrapping - and you haven't seen "presentation" anywhere like what these shop owners have to offer!
Just think - No crowds, no parking, no wasting your gas driving from store to store looking for that elusive perfect gift, no lugging around heavy packages and no wearing yourself out!
When times are tough we are called upon to be smart and savvy and realistic in our business and personal decisions. Shopping at online boutiques stimulates the economy just as much as shopping the big box stores, more so if you ask me, because you are helping the small businesses thrive and grow and supporting families like yours directly. You'll find unique items, handcrafted goods, carefully selected products, antiques, home decor, furnishings, arts & crafts, "green" and personalized gifts for everyone on your list.
I've recently taken a hard look at where we are as a family and as a small business owner and have made some important decisions in order to keep my business alive, serve my customers fairly, contribute more to my family income and have time to balance my life, tend to my health, and spend with my family.
Over the Winter 08/09 I will be giving my website an update and I'll be modifying my product offerings in preparation for a "Grand Revival" of Mama's Pocketbook in Summer '09. But don't think I'm going anywhere! NO... I'm not going away! No, not at all! I'll be right here, but over the winter months I will be re-engineering my business, tightening up by offering only those items I can produce for you in a way that is managable and that allows me to balance my work and home life for the better for everyone.
My children are growing way to fast, and as much as I love creating beautiful accessories, I don't wish for all of their memories of me to be ones in which I am stressed out, sewing all hours of the night and never having time to spend with them. That is not what I started this business for. I'm here to celebrate my God given gifts and talents, my love for creating and to keep close to the memory of my own mother through this venture. But I also am learning about how to balance my life so that I am giving my all to have good health, precious time with my family and a healthy business.
So, If you notice a little less product, or a change in the items I offer, that just means I'm doing what I can to ensure the success of this shop. I'm here, you can always reach me as usual, and I think these changes will keep everyone happy and will prosper my young business through these current economic challenges. I will involved in quite a few new ventures over the next few months that will ultimately provide the platform for taking Mama's Pocketbook in an energized, new exciting, and hopefully properous direction.
Throughout this winter, new products will be added in the form of One-Of-A-Kind's and possibly some Limited Editions, as I have the time to create them and add them. But whatever you see posted, will be ready to ship. Other than wholesale orders, during this time I will create very few made-to-order products. I do still welcome custom order inquiries!! Email me anytime!
I thank all my customers for their kind patience and loving words of encouragment as I've weathered the growing pains, learned what works and what doesn't, and made the hard decisions to implement this new business plan. Please continue to visit and stay subscribed to my newsletter so you will know when I've posted something new and delicious!
Mama's Pocketbook will always be your source for One-of-a-Kind and Limited Edition Fabric Pocketbook and Accessories Designs that are beautifully, lovingly and durably made from the finest Vintage and Modern Decorator Fabrics in Romantic, Cottage, Floral, Shabby Chic, Victorian and Vintage Appeal Styles
7 comments:
Diane, to say this is a shock is putting it mildly. Sweetie, I'm sure you have prayed on this and have made the decisions that you need to make for your happiness and your family's. You are in my prayers that all will work out as you have planned. Best of luck, can't wait to see the new and revised and improved Mama's Pocketbooks.
Pat
Hi Dianne, first I wanted to thank you so much for such a nice birthday post. Your words and encouragement mean so much to me.
I wish you all the best in the world. Please dont be a stranger:). I believe with all my heart EVERYTHING happens for a reason, and you will find the perfect balance in your life. I understand how hard times are, I have an idea of what your going through. Its hard. Especially when its family,financial and health all at the same time. So you take care of yourself. Know that we are all behind you. Talk with you soon...luv, gai
The choices you have made sound like good choices. You are choosing loving yourself snd your family and that is always the right thing to do.
I'm right behind you and I know this will make a good life from which a strong business will continue to grow. Bless you, Lilli
Hi Dianne-I wish you tons of luck! Your plan sounds very exciting and I can't wait to see what will be happening in the summer!
Hi Dianne.....sounds like you had some hard choices to make, but good ones! Best of luck to you through the coming months and I look forward to seeing what changes you make to Mama's Pocketbook when you are back full force again!
Pink hugs,
Debbie
You are in my prayers, wishing you the best with your health first! I know about family stuff too, I hate that my kids only see me crafting away most of the time and never for them! Good luck with your new work and I know this will put some zing back into your step once you take care of these issues. Much love!
Dear Dianne, Change is wonderful, and to be looked upon in a positive way. I know whatever path you venture on you'll do great! Old doors close, new ones open I'm excited for you in 09, and wish you the best! I'm always here for you too!
Cindy xoxo
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