A door is closing.

[yarborough house]

Just wanted to let you all know that I am closing my booth. It is something that I have been thinking about for a couple of weeks. I told myself if sales in November didn't pick up as it is the busiest month then it is done. The numbers don't lie.
My style is not welcomed where the mall is -they cater to primarily country and primitive. There is nothing wrong with those styles they are just not what I do. And I don't want to change my creativity to accomodate that area. So, I will close the booth and keep my eyes open to a window opening somewhere else for me.
It is sad but I am not considering it a failure - more like a round-a-bout on the creative journey.

Merry Christmas all-

[RoseMary]

I'm so sorry that this venture did not work out for you, Tammy. I'm glad that you do not consider it a failure--because it is not. It is hard in whatever business you are in to compete when what you do is not the 'going thing' at the moment--my daughters and I have seen it in ours. I do think the economy is a lot of it. People are wary of spending when they don't see things getting better. With the price of gas and food on their way up, a lot of business will be slow in the coming year.

I wish you all the best and I know that you will find your niche and do well in it:). While this door is closing--another will open!

[shabbychick]

You're right not to consider this a failure. There will be another avenue by which you can introduce people to your handiwork who will be receptive to your style. Little by little the economy is coming back, and people are out there spending money, if not in quite the same amount as they used to. Hang in there!

[ChapterTwo]

Hi Tammy,

What makes it so hard is paying the rent for the booth...that takes so much of the profit. Around here there is so little interest in anything "shabby chic", or similar style...everybody's into modern.

I've gotten into bringing things to a consignment shop although, so far, I'm just bringing in stuff I've purchased, elsewhere, for a song. Of course, the "split" is 60/40, giving me 60% of the selling price...but then again, once I bring the items there, they're out of my hands, off my mind, and I wind up making something...

I admire your artistry, your hard work, and your dreams.

Another quote I often remember is by Edison: I have not failed - not once. I’ve discovered ten thousand ways that don’t work.

Keep your spirit strong - you'll find something that DOES work for you! :)

Merry Christmas...

[Breezy]

Best wishes Tammy.

ChapterTwo - great quote!

[mac78]

I am sorry to hear it did not work, but you appear to be a entrepenaur (sp) and I am sure you will find your niche and your booth will be back in some shape or form. I think now is just a tough time for everyone, especially those starting out a new endeavor. Best Wishes.

[vintage girl]

Tammy you are so talented and creative. This is just a journey in your road to success. Everyone is so right, a lot of it is the economy. Have you thought about having "barn sales" in your garage where you live? Not sure if your city has codes against that, but you seem to do so well with the sales there each year, that maybe that would be an option. My friend who has an antique store here in my town, has started doing that. She actually does better at those than selling in her store. Even though her house is only 2 blocks from the store:confused: She is shabby also and it took a bit for it to catch on. Now she sells her larger pieces on line with Craigslist. It is slow now, but normally she moves her stuff really quickly on CL. Don't let this blurp in the road get you down. I truly believe you are so so very talented. You display your goods beautifully and you have a real talent for taking something rough and making magic with it. I would be broke if I lived near you:eek:

[annielinz]

Tammy never look at it as a failure.
You had the guts to step out and give it try.
Bravo to you.

You've received some great advice on other avenues to check out.

You are very talented lady, don't let this define you.