Planning and praying for 2012
Our first real booth at a festival was in May at Pop Up Pearl, a economic incubator to jump start the stagnate economy of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland. And it was amazing. The little stretch of downtown old brooklyn was buzzing… an estimate of 15,000 people visited those 2 blocks between noon and 5pm.
Several monumental events happened to assure us we are on the right track. We submitted and were juried into Tremont Arts and Culture Festival which occurred in September. This was a prestigious recognition that humbled us. wow, we were accepted. And that was a wonderful festival for us… we sold alot of soap and silk that weekend.
The other monumental event was that I was juried into the Textile Art Alliance of Cleveland Museum of Art. I am told this does not generally happen the first year you submit. But my acceptance came, and the sales were wonderful. My shibori silk process is not something duplicated out there right now. I love being original.
So the fall saw us in various festivals, bazaars and shows. Tired and with a low inventory the last week before christmas was as busy as any festival or show… and we had drop ins of customers wanting more soap for stocking stuffers, and shaving kits. I even delivered 2 scarves that were tobecome gifts.
We met so many amazing people through our adventures. One story stands out – we were set up at Winterfest and noticed a couple navigating through the crowd. As they approached our table in the tent we heard “look, its the soap people! we found them!” As we talked with this lovely couple we learned they have been following our blog, and drove from the Detroit area just to buy soap. Blessings to you our new friends! You amazed us and shocked us. We have not realized our blog reaches beyond the small circle of our friends and neighbors, and were thrilled to know it does.
2011 was a wonderful first year of our business. We are excited and encouraged by the reception we have had to our products, and we are both busy developing more goodness for the new year.
But I would be remissed to not saying a few more things. First we are thankful for how God has opened doors with this business and second we want to thank you for your support, encouragement and guidance. We have heard from so many of you, and your words were wise, your care and love sustained us through this time.
We are plotting out the course for the new year, and when it is available we will post it. Until then, we wish you a happy and prosperous 2012 that is filled with wonderful blessings and family near and dear.