My shop!

I am so excited to officially announced the launch of my shop! It's been a long time coming. Honestly, it is kind of scary to put yourself and your stuff out there and hope for the best.

A little background.....In early 2011 I was working as a project manager for a company that consults with Microsoft. I loved my job. I was good at my job. With the downturn of the economy, it really wasn't shocking that I was going to be let go. You think you're prepared for the news but I was genuinely stunned even though I was told I could come back if things turned around (they haven't). Who was I without my career? I'd always had my career and made pretty decent money. I defined myself by my career, and, in one fell swoop, I had to reassess everything.

It's weird when you aren't bringing in an income. I had never been in that position before so I freaked out a little bit. I reworked our family budget and probably went to some extremes. It's been a learning experience anyway. Luckily Brian has a good job and we are fine and can still meet our financial obligations. Thank you Dave Ramsey! So.....I looked for work but pulled my youngest out of preschool because it didn't make sense to keep paying for it when I was home full-time. I continued to look for work (and still do) but it's like crickets out there for my field. Hello, is anybody there? Nothing. I'd get calls here and there but nothing would pan out. I began to consider the idea it might be quite awhile before I would be able to find anything.

I have to admit that I've had quite a few crying moments. I love my kids. I love my family. I love being a mom and wife. I actually might like it too much. What if something did come along? Could I now give up the precious time I have with my kids? But then who am I if I'm not helping to put money into our 401K? I imagined going back to meetings and conference calls and I know I'd now feel so torn. But I like making money. I like buying what I want at Target. I like having cute clothes. But I love being the one to chauffer my kids around. I love volunteering in my daughter's class. I love being the home where kids can come for playdates. God is working on me. He's giving me perspective. It's all about perspective.

I have always dabbled in all things crafty--knitting, sewing, embroidery, quilting, the list goes on and on. I've created my own purse patterns, knitted sock patterns, knitted plush animals. People have always complimented my jewelry. See this post. I had an idea to launch something back then and was the reason I started to blog. It seemed too scary though. It is one thing to make something for friends and family but another to try to sell your wares. What if only I think they're cute? Are they really cute? Is it just me? Will they sell?

Then during a quiet time one day I had an idea. "What is the worst thing that can happen?" I felt God ask me. Huh? Where did that come from? But it stirred in me. What is the worst that can happen? I fail? I've failed at stuff before. I lose my house? No. My family isn't safe. No. Those are really the big things. I succeed? Well only good can come from that. It dawned on me that the only real thing holding me back was, well, me. Dumb! I opened my supply boxes and found this piece of paper I had taped long ago to my Rosie Rosy box that says, "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." (Abe Lincoln) Perspective.

I talked to Brian about going for it. He is so supportive. I overheard him talking to our daughter one afternoon when the UPS man rang the doorbell to deliver supplies. He told her that she better get used to that sound because her mama is going to be very busy with her new endeavor. Wow. He believes in me. Why do I struggle so much in believing in myself?

So today is the official launch of my shop. It's also my birthday--believe me it has crossed my mind that I might be having a mid-life crisis! Carissa at lowercase letters is featuring my shop today. Gulp. Please visit her--she's incredibly kind and inspiring! I love her blog. All purchases that use the code LOWERCASE20 will get 20% off any purchase from now until midnight on Friday.

I don't have any idea that this is my new career. I don't know that it isn't either. I'm on a journey. We'll see what happens. Goal number one is just to give it my best shot. So here's the pitch and now that you know my story, please know this is the part I really stink at but am working on. My jewelry is created individually by my own hands because it makes me happy. Love what you do, do what you love, right? Each piece is unique and special. It is the perfect pop of color for any outfit (brides too!). Stop on by! I hope you will!!!!