Flourishing in Fashion for 10 Years- Celebration

In true fashion, our "idea" didn't start out as planned. We were trying to hang heavy branches from the ceiling, and they weren't hanging right.  And our structure was not sturdy. I had to bring reinforcement the next day, screwing anchors into the ceiling. I had to tie a string tightly to ensure those branches wouldn't fall. Although you can't see them, if you look very closely, you can see the clear string keeping those branches anchored. I think of those anchors of the people in my life who keep me anchored- especially over the last 10 years. Those anchors are drilled into the ceiling of a very sturdy, well-built (beautifully unique) building- a good representation of God. Once the branches were hung and sturdy, we moved on to the lights. I had a basket full of lights from years past. I plugged each of them in; some worked, and some didn't. Some blinked and needed some different lights, and others shined brightly. A huge representation of the years, the good and the bad- the great thing about that is that we can always buy some new ones. We strung the lights- it was hard, and it was tedious. Some lights had to be wrapped tight, while others just fit right. Over the years of business, I have continued to learn; at times, I've have had to pivot. Once the lights were on, it was time to come up with my plan for what would be hanging from the branches. At first, I thought about buying all new ornaments and decor, but I decided to see what I had lying around at the store and at my house (which makes me think of my grandpa Gene- who i miss so much). In the back, I found a bag of chandelier crystals with a stapled note that said -"Repurpose for?" (handwritten by Darlene). This was one of the many unique finds I found when I moved into the building I am in now. Darlene, the previous owner, had left these in the building. And I thought maybe someday I'd repurpose these and kept them. I thought incorporating Darlene into this window would be a great way. These crystals are antiques and not in perfect condition- however, they sparkle in the sunlight, which is so magical. I found some old gold bulb ornaments, in which I used the first year I decorated my store for Christmas at my previous location. They are starting to fade in areas, but I loved their rustic feel, and they still shine brightly in the window. I brought glass icicles from home, which my mother had given to me the first Christmas I was on my own. They are so beautiful and elegant. As I placed each ornament on the branches, I could see the story and the vision I was putting together as I went along. However, my phone rings, and my attention is now directed to my family. I have decided for now that this window is on hold till next week. Just like this window and my business, before all this, my family comes first. Right now, I cannot give this my full attention.  And that is okay- i will finish it another day. Fast forward to this week- here I am, staring at the project that many people thought was finished, and while I look down, I see the bandied from last week. Remembering that last week, I got burned twice. One burn was so bad that it ripped away skin and burned profusely.  However, over the last week, I have seen it is healing. It will heal all the way.  I also broke two ornaments- one I wasn't holding on to tight enough and i was rushing. We all make mistakes; the best we can do is learn from them. So, next time, I took my time and held on to ensure they didn't fall. I step outside to see where I am at with the windows, and I see all these ornaments hanging in different directions and heights, so unique and all different in their own way.  This reminds me of all my customers. Some have been with me from the start while others I just met last week. Many of these customers I see I do not know their first names. But I can tell you what size they wear, what they did last week for fun, how they purchased a special gift for a friend that was having a hard day. I could also tell you what their favorite product is, that I specifically get for them.  I could tell you that many of these customers have brightened my day when i was struggling and they had no idea. I have cried with my customers, and I prayed for them after they left. I think of my customers- especially those I haven't seen in a while, hoping they are doing well.  I also think of those customers who have passed on- and how they hold a special place in my heart. Customers have lifted my spirits on so many days when i needed it the most and really feel like family when they walk in.  These customers helped build my business, they helped put food on the table, they helped me pay rent, they helped cloth my son, they helped support a community with donations, they have done so much.   As I see each ornament hanging so uniquely and differently, it makes me feel so completely blessed. I see the birch branches hanging with all these ornaments and items hanging from them. I remember that these branches came from my family's land. My sister offered to get them for me because I was busy being a mom. As she walked through the woods searching for the "perfect" branches with my dad, she fell and almost hurt herself. This makes me chuckle because my sister is accident prone (thankfully she didn't get hurt) but also smile because my sister has seen my vision and is always willing to help and always my biggest supporter. Many people will look at my window and say, "I hope you win" (because of the winter wonderland contest).   I don't want to win; I want people passing by my window to stop and look at it. Come to my window and look at it like I am right now. I want them to feel the story and see the story from my eyes. I don't feel like this window is finished, and I feel like I could add more to it- but for now, I will leave it as it is because this story is not finished. Looking at this window, I also see a little girl- who has struggled for years to believe in herself. And if I look just right, I see a reflection of myself in that window, and I see myself all grown up rooting for that little girl. I also see the flowers that i carefully glued onto each section.  The flowers have spread all over the branches.  That window represents so much more than a display; it is my story of 10 years in the making; the way i have bloomed; that window has given me the courage to believe in myself.

A huge thank you to Judy Purtell (from Lead the way social) for helping with my window "vision", also the gift of the banners.  (Romans 8:28)