Online Shop Update
I know you’ve probably been wondering about the online shop, and what the latest is with everything. First, let me apologize for not mentioning it, or sharing any recent updates. Today, that changes.
I am happy to report, we are still opening the shop. I have received so many questions, comments and concerns regarding the status, and timing, and I want to alleviate any concerns about the online shop. It is definitely happening! In fact, the first stage of getting the website ready, was a new site design. It’s here! Our new branding, new pictures, new everything! 🙂
This blogging journey has been completely unexpected in the most wonderful ways. I have experienced accomplishments I wouldn’t have ever dreamed possible, new opportunities knock on my door daily, and I have made some of the best relationships with people I have never met in person. My cup runs over.
All this to say, you, my readers, get a front row seat to watch me grow, change, shift gears, and wander. You have had a front row seat to watch my hobby blog turn into a growing business. I am forever grateful to each and every one of you who has, and is, supporting me. I sincerely mean that.
With a growing blog/ business, there are always ups and downs. There is fear, regret, uncertainty, sacrifices and tremendous amounts of growing. Normally, you may not get to see that side of a small business, but with blogging, you have a front row seat to every step I make. And while I wouldn’t change having you along for the journey, in some ways it absolutely terrifies me.
Fear is a huge setback. And if you let it control your life, you’ll never accomplish anything.
This online shop has been a huge sense of fear and worry for me. I’m stepping into a new territory I know nothing about. I am constantly learning, embracing the things I didn’t know with open arms, and praying my way through it. A lot of praying!
But, fear set aside, I want to do this. There’s nothing I want more than to see the items I’ve created, the items we love and adore in our own home, loved by others in their home. I can’t even tell you how important “home” truly is. It’s vital, and if I have the opportunity, the joy, the honor of being a part of your home, I want to give you, and my products, 100%.
And that’s where we’ve had the slow down. As you may not know, this blog is created, managed, written, and operated by me. Only me. Anthony helps with projects and we build new items together, but other than that, this blog has been only me.
I often come down hard on myself for not responding to every comment, not answering every e-mail, or not posting new projects as much as I would like. But, one thing I do know, is I am only one person, and I can’t do all of this alone.
This blog has grown more than I ever would have imagined, and it’s an absolute blessing. But with growth, comes change. I have been stretched to my ultimate breaking point. I have had health problems that I am still working through (I really am fine, but am paying more attention to myself), emotional worries of failing all of you, and the unknown of how I am to keep growing when it’s only me behind the scenes. I still need to be a great wife, daughter, aunt, sister, friend, etc.
Honestly, the thought of hiring someone to help has absolutely terrified me. I didn’t see myself becoming an employer, or having someone I would trust to help me. This blog, this business, is my vision. Letting someone else in to help, someone to delegate duties to, was a hard thought. But, after much thought, prayer, and more prayer, I knew it was the right thing to do.
Ironically, after I made the decision, and hired a very dear friend, the weight on my shoulders raised up, and proves happy to leave. My heart feels lighter and I feel as though I can walk through this huge step of opening an online shop with pride, knowing I’m doing it right. And not letting YOU down.
I have had so many irons in the fire between the blog, freelance projects, opening this online shop, managing a local booth of our items in my small town, a new and very exciting project that I will share more about later, and trying to maintain and restore my health, all while still cooking dinner, cleaning, doing laundry… and enjoying life.
Growing is a part of life, and I am embracing it with full arms, and an optimistic attitude. I am so happy and proud to say, we are opening the online shop. We have so much of the work already done, and should be opened beginning to middle of October. Get ready, because you are about to hear more about it!
I want to sincerely thank you. THANK YOU for your patience with me. I know so many of you have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting. THANK YOU for being on this journey with me. It means more than you will ever know.
Stay tuned, so many great things to come! 🙂
And P.S.- If the site looks slightly wonky, give it a bit of time. It’s still uploading to all the new designs we’ve been busy creating! 🙂
You go, girl!
Sounds like you have been just a tad busy. Just do the best you know you can and leave the rest to God.
I have this sign that reads like this.
HELLO
this is
GOD
I will be handling all of your problems today.
I will not need your help.
Have a nice day.
Take care of you!
Have a great Weekend
And I bet your friend is super excited to be a part of your journey.
I am waiting…..hear my fingers lightly tapping the computer? That pillows that you show is the first thing on my list. That was my dad’s favorite song and to have that in my home would mean the world to me, so yes, I will be here when you open, with my credit card ready. And a smile on my face…..for both of us.
We are so anxious to hear that your shop will be opening soon! You are so very inspiring!! Thanks for your wonderful posts!
Good luck, Shayna! I know you’ll do great. We are often hardest on ourselves! Make sure that your health and happiness and that of your family comes first. That’s the most important.
You are way too hard on yourself! I love your blog and
I love your home! I could look at your home tour again
and again and find something new to admire each and
every time! Also, the picture of you and Anthony in this
post is adorable! Don’t ever change Shayna, we love you!
Fear not!! We are so proud of you and know first hand how hard it is to try to get everything done. Please remember we are your fans and friends. You would never say the things you say to yourself to me or your other friends. Don’t say those things to or about yourself. You are doing the best you can. That is enough. Just got a great idea from Flip It. Turn the why to how. We are so proud you things are beautiful and make a house a home.
Love your blog. Love your home. Can’t wait for the store to open. You’ve done a great job and you certainly are destine for more wonderful things. Keep the faith!
All the readers following you, believe in you and we will wait patiently, because “good things come to those who wait.”
Be kind to yourself. There is a steep learning curve, take time to enjoy the ride and don’t fret. When it happens it will be wonderful and worth the wait! Take care of you.
Hi Shayna,
Long time follower and drooler of all things on your blog. I’m not one to leave many comment on blogs but thought I’d chime in to say…thank you for all the time, thought and inspiration you’ve given me and every other drooling follower out there. Although you are definitely at the top of my list of favorite blogs and I prioritize your posts…I realize I get to read it for free. I pay you nothing to give me so much…eye candy for days alone! I know you receive money indirectly through readership but again I do not pay you a dime to not only continually whip out blood sweat and tears filled projects but to take the time to document it all carefully for me (and the others). My point, I can wait…we all can wait! And when you have the time to post your crazy gorgeous creations, we’ll continue to love it without sitting back and watching our clocks wondering where you are (at least I hope nobody is doing that!) Coming from someone who very much cares about the things I do and the people I do it for, I know there is a weight that comes with it. I’m glad you found someone to help offset the burden. Just remember you owe us nothing…but I did feel like I owed you a thank you and it was time to say so! I know you have deadlines beyond readers but when it comes to us I know you can relax and give yourself a break. I’ll stop taking more of your time now and leave you with one last huge thank you! Your inspiration has been so appreciated and I can’t wait to see what else you have in store (no pun intended )…when YOU’RE ready! P.S…no need to feel guilty for not responding! 🙂 Carry on and best of luck!
I totally second this! A big thank you, Shayna! And thank you Erin for showing an example of thankfulness and kindness. This is what its all about 🙂
Well said, Erin! My thoughts, exactly!!
Thanks for the great blog, Shayna! I really don’t have a lot of time to read blogs; so of all the many, many blogs out there, there’s a handful or so that I enjoy reading regularly and yours is always one of my first picks! I love your writing style, your home décor, your projects… your everything!! You have inspired me to tackle DIY projects that I otherwise shoved to the side, saying “I’m not a diy-er” Thanks for all you do, Shayna!!! Take Care!
Funny timing…I just discovered you this past week, and I’m already hooked! I spent the afternoon re-covering my ironing board this afternoon thanks to you. Im all signed up and excited to follow you on your journey. Blessings!
Dear Shayna ~
What a beautiful letter you prepared for all your readers.
I think everyone is getting so excited for your shop to open, because we all love everything you create.
God Bless you honey, and continue to be there with you every step you take.
Take care of your health it is so important to listen to your Body – when it says you are tired sit and rest.
I know how important health is to your body. I am finally listening to the inner Rose.
I love, love, love your hair…It looks so pretty darker.
You have such an adorable kind face, I wish I lived closer to you – I would help you in a minute.
Enjoy your weekend and don’t work too hard.
Much love
Rose
I’m so happy that things are going so well that you require help. It’ll be a blessing for both of you. I like that you keep God foremost in your decision making and I can sense Him here on your blog. Peaceful. Your blog is a blessing and I love the picture with you and your husband. Be blessed! Diane
You are amazing! I SO enjoy reading your blog and watching you grow. Can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!
Just a note. I enjoy your blog. Like your ambition. I’m not one that minds waiting. I have an injury so I don’t have a clear time reference. I don’t feel like I’ve been waiting too long. I enjoy the day to day. Now I’ll pray for you. I have the time.
I adore that photo of you and Anthony! Can’t wait to see the shop when it launches. Take your time! 🙂
The fact that you are so talented, willing to share with all of the tutorials, AND offer an online store for those of us who um… well… just don’t make it look as good as you do (have epic fails, work in progress still three weeks later) already makes you our hero 🙂 Remember all of us are human too, and we are all in AWE of your talent!! Take time, relax, we love what you’re doing!!
LOVE these pics of you + Anthony! I’ve been following your blog for quite some time now and your home is absolutely beautiful! I’ve also noticed that you’ve been opening up a little more as of recently so we feel like we’re getting to know the person behind the blog, and behind the gorgeous pictures. Can’t wait to see what those secret projects are, and for your online shop to open! Thank you for all that you share with us Shayna, and Happy Fall! xo
I feel your pain… I have a very busy website as well and just me to do it all! It is exhausting, people have no idea!… but very rewarding 🙂 Keep up the great work!