In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety. ~Abraham Maslow
It is time to wind down the business. Sorry, was that too blunt? What I mean to say is that I have loved my last 12 years in the Upholstery business but it is time for a new chapter. As most things in life, there are chapters to start and chapters to end. Lucky for me, this one is both! Let me tell you why.
Closing The Upholstery Chapter
Ah, my upholstery business. It brought me endless joy, gave me solace, even brought a whole community around my family and I. Did you know I built this business around my son? He has Spina Bifida and I needed to be as present as possible for him. This meant leaving a traditional 9 to 5 behind and embarking on the ever-exciting world of owning your own business. (Think stress: there are good and bad kinds) Eight of those twelve years were spent in beautiful Weiser, Idaho. I cannot ever express how grateful I am for that community. You guys gave me love, consistent business, opportunity and hugs. Enough of them to prompt my “I’m not a hugger” shirts! You are my adopted hometown and family. As I said, chapters have to close but this chapter will always hold a special place for me. It will be the standard all future chapters are held to.
Taking A Step Back
So, new chapters, are they worth the trouble? Um, yes. Yes, they are. This one kind of snuck up on me though, or was maybe forced upon me. Let’s take them one at a time. I say snuck up because I started getting that gypsy feeling in my bones a little over a year ago. When I say gypsy feeling, I am referring to that feeling of needing to move on. I didn’t think I was actually going to move, just that the business was going to change. Business, marriage, life, location, vocation…lifequake. I guess my bones were telling me it all had to change. I digress. Once I made the decision to move out of my building I unwittingly made the decision to move away from my business. That was the sneaking up part…
Now, let’s talk about the “forced upon me” part. First of all, that sounds harsher than what it is. Basically, the Lord planted this amazing man in my life who wants to support me both emotionally and financially. He wants this because he has known me for the last ten years and has seen my push and sacrifice. He believed now would be a good time to take a step back and see what comes next. I wasn’t a fan. How was I, Little Miss Uber-Independent, supposed to sit back and let someone take care of me? I mean, I dreamt of it but didn’t think it would ever become a reality. Slowly, as the months passed quickly, I came around to the idea of laying down my staple gun.
And The New Chapter Is…
In late December I finally made a decision. I was going to wind down CaseyGirl Designs. I am not sure I will ever truly put down my staple gun because upholstery gives me such joy. I can, however, say that I am ready to learn a whole new type of business. After much thought and even a pros and cons list, I decided to go into real estate! Don’t look at that exclamation point and groan; I heard that! It makes sense. I have been in the business of creating a home for years! I was instrumental in keeping generational furniture in the home, and inspiring creativity for the home. Becoming a real estate agent is a good move for me. I adore my community and am a huge supporter of all things meaningful, unique, and home-related. Real Estate, here I come!
I Got You!
Now, to cover all those questions. Yes, I will still take on projects. No, I will not be taking on just any piece, it will be on a case-by-case basis. Generational, funky, and vintage will always get first dibs. Once I find my feet in this real estate business I will add my CaseyGirl twist to it. For now, just know that you still have a chance to get that loved piece done. As always, send pics to my email: hello@caseygirldesigns.com, and we’ll have a chat.
Stay In Touch, Would Ya?!
You, my loving community, have been my teachers, my friends, and my sounding-boards. My joy, and my support. It is because of your love that I am able to move forward, embarking on this new journey with an open heart and a lot of grit. You know how I do! Know you’re loved and find your way to my blog often, that is how we will communicate.
With Love,
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