I was looking through the real estate section of our local newspaper the other day and came across a house listing which is near and dear to my heart.
Not only is the outside architecture of this house strikingly similar to my house, but the inside holds a special connection as well.
You see, this beautiful property’s owner was one of my very first clients. We met by chance at the fabric store – Calico Corners I believe. We both seemed to be gravitating to the same fabrics and struck up a conversation while we were shopping. It turned out she was looking to have window treatments, bedding, shower curtains, and pillows made for her newly purchased house and I had just decided to start my sewing business. A perfect match!
Imagine my surprise when I visited the online listing and found most of the things I had made almost seven years ago were still there. Here are a few of the photos in which you can see some of the things I created:
Just like finding and reconnecting with an old friend, it was such a treat for me to find this listing. It reminded me of how far I have come, how my style has evolved, and how much fun this whole process has been.
The fact a chance meeting in a fabric store would give me the courage to pursue a passion and lead me to where I am today, still amazes me. This first job was one of those coincidental moments I feel was meant to be - someone was looking over me, telling me to forget my insecurities and just go for it.
So, where did your story begin? What did it take for you to start your business or blog? Each of us has a story to tell. I would love to hear yours!
Wow very cool you came across this listing!
ReplyDeleteI am still planning to learn how to sew. I wish I come across someone like your client or someone who can teahc me...:)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!!
<3
I am still planning to learn how to sew. I wish I come across someone like your client or someone who can teahc me...:)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!!
<3
My story is too long to write in a comment but so similar to yours! Having sewn for myself for years a designer friend ask me to do a BIG job for her...and here I am 14yrs later!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to so much of what you wrote. Evolving styles, how we've changed and improved! Thanks for sharing!
Ok, first that house is gorgeous!! And your work is amazing, everything you did went so perfect in there!
ReplyDeleteMy little business started by me just saying "hey, I can do that!" and so it was my little handmade frame business started. I sell them at two locations in Michigan (which were both by word of mouth) and at craft fairs during the year. I have been doing it for 2 years now and business comes and goes, but I enjoy it.
I worked at Calico Corners here in Okemos, Michigan for eight years; all of those fabrics make me smile! I sew too and you were good. I enjoy your posts! SUE
ReplyDeleteThanks for viting my blog and posting a comment.
ReplyDelete8 years ago, as a newly graduated Veterinarian, I took the scarey plunge and bought a practice. I went into huge debt, and 8 years later, am almost finished paying it off lol. It's been full of wonderful, and tough memories. I am now in the process of selling my practice to spend more time at home with my children, but it has been an adventure that I'll never forget!
ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting to find your things still looking great. Quite the compliment! Thanks for stopping by to leave such a nice comment about my curtains -- glad you approve.
ReplyDeleteJane F.
wow that house has character! Excited about finding your blog as well.
ReplyDeleteHow neat, Stacy! Not only does this look like a beautiful home, but I love what you did. I wonder if the house will sell with the custom pieces {at least the window treatments}. I understand that can help when negotiating with a buyer.
ReplyDeleteGreat work! I now have my own business also, but it all started when my husband walked by a mini van at my daughter's soccer practice one day. Her teammate's mom was frantically cutting shams and ruffles and dust ruffles out so she could sew when she got home. She'd just started as the workroom for a new, gorgeous store in town. I'd been a home day care provider for years, and was looking to do something else now that my girls were older. My husband told her, "My wife sews too!" She had been looking for someone to help her, the store had sold lots of custom linens orders. The rest they say-history! I love fabric. My husband and I built a studio when we moved to our older home. I used to work in a two car garage with no windows. Things sure have changed!
ReplyDeleteTruly I'm not earning money doing what I love, I work full time as an executive assistant...but blogging has given me a creative forum, even if I only have a few readers! It is sites like yours that gives me confidence to share my personal style and tastes where my garden, home and entertaining are concerned. You are very talented and I love reading about your adventures in design.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ Garden, Home and Party
7 years ago and i still love all that stuff. lol. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThat is a really cool story and what a gorgeous house! We do not have houses like that here in Coastal California!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty amazing to me where you can and will find inspiration. When my first book came out and I was starting my business I was in the book store - admiring my book on the real shelf - and met a couple who were clearly frazzeld...I offered my help and they were one of my first clients.
what a heartwarming story! That is a beautiful house, and I'm sure it was so gratifying to see your handiwork still on display. My story (short version) is that right after college I started working as a medical software tester---SO WRONG for me. What was I thinking? So here I am a year after leaving that job, blogging and decorating and so.happy. You're so right though---it can be so hard to get over insecurities and just get out there!
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