Remember a few posts back when I mentioned I had some exciting things happening for me that made me so happy I actually cried? Well I am ready to share some of my excitement with you.
Back in February 2007 when I opened my online shop and started pursuing my dreams… I never imagined the doors it would start opening for me. My shop started with such a humble beginning and only my friends and family really knew how to find it. After I started blogging a month or two later, I was connected to a world of inspiration and friends I never knew existed. I started getting a sale or two a month, and soon my blogging friends were a whole new support system for me.
The first real "OMG" moment came when I received a lovely little email from Tara Frey. She explained she was going to start a new column in Romantic Homes Magazine and asked if I would allow her to feature my blog. At the time I had just recently discovered Romantic Homes from another blogger and had my very first issue which was filled with french inspiration that was just my style. I just about exploded with excitement and of course jumped at the opportunity. The issue with Tara’s article and my mention is out on newsstands now. I don’t even have my copy yet, but saw a sneak peek at Dawn’s site. To add to my excitement, I am featured with three other blogs which I completely admire and adore. Heather, Kim and Cathy are a big source of inspiration for me and are the nicest people. I couldn’t ask for better company.
I of course ran out and subscribed to the magazine after Tara’s email, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. I then started advertising in the magazine (my first real attempt at advertising) which led to another "OMG" moment. The editor emailed me to ask if she could feature a product of mine in an upcoming issue with a link back to my store. I of course said yes, and that issue was out last month, featuring our "friendship glasses". It was the first time I had seen "Sadie Olive" in print, and my goodness did it feel amazing! My little stores popularity had a big boost from the exposure, and I am proud to say it is blossoming into that dream I once was too shy to even tell others about.
When I was laid off two and a half months ago from my "real job", the panic of how I would pay the bills and the reality of my dreams quite possibly having to be put on hold was devastating. I was so depressed knowing I would have to find a job that would pay the bills instead of staying home like I dreamed of doing to run my shop full time. After months of dead end interviews and hopeless resume posting, the idea came to me to do some "design work" on the side. This has been a blessing in so many ways, as I have had the opportunity to work with some of the people I most admire all while doing something that makes me feel creative and inspired at the same time. It’s not paying the bills just yet, but it’s fun, it keeps me home, and it brings me joy.
I have had a new door open for me this last month (the day I was brought to tears)… I was contacted by the editor of a new publication by Stampington and Company called "Somerset Life". It seems she was on the hunt for creative minds to assemble a team they call the "Bonnes Vivantes". She explained to me that this was a French term used to describe people who live "the good life", full of creative ideas, optimism, and beautiful surroundings. Or to "live a life with meaning and beauty and authenticity each and every day". I was shocked and amazed to be even considered for this honor. I don’t even think my mind had dared to dream that I would be asked to contribute my ideas to a magazine for editorial consideration. It is truly beyond anything I had hoped to achieve when I started this whole venture. I have accepted the honor and hope you will all see some of my ideas in print in the upcoming April 2008 issue of the quarterly magazine. Again I am honored to be in the company of some of the others who have accepted this role, including: Sandra Evertson , Pam Garrison , Lisa Guerin , Amy Hanna , Hanne Matthiessen , Melissa McCobb Hubbell , Lori Oles , Kristen Robinson , Cynthia Shaffer , Analise Sledd and Rebecca Sower.
My mind is soaring with new dreams and new hopes for the future and I owe it in large part to you. Thank you so much for all of your encouragement and support over this last year. It means more to me than I can ever fully express.
Here is a peek at the current (and premiere) issue of Somerset Life:
