I have always been on the move. I have changed careers multiple times, traveled a good portion of the world, lived in another country and I have an ever-growing bucket list that never ends. I used to think it was because I got bored easily, but now I like to think of it as a constant curiosity. There is so much to do, see, eat, talk about, create and experience in this world...how could I only do one thing for my entire life?!
When I moved home after a year away of traveling I needed a job. It was 2007, not a friendly year for the economy or job market, so I took the best thing offered to me which was a retail assistant manager position. Retail was something that I had left behind and said I would never go back to. Yet here I was.
The job was for a large gift/art gallery that sold handmade goods from local artists. I told myself I would stay a year while I was deciding what I really wanted to do. 5 years later I was head store manager, with a staff of 6 people.
That job turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. Being store manager gave me a new sense of confidence and working for a mom & pop shop gave me a new appreciation for shopping local and owing your own business. I also loved the creative outlet I was afforded by working in the handmade/indie art scene. When the owner decided that, after 20 years in business, she was going to close the doors, I knew which path I would follow.
4 months later I was opening the doors of my very own shop. It has been the hardest, and most rewarding, experience of my life so far. I am constantly amazed by how the universe works and where it takes us. I consider this the next step on my journey and am excited to see where it will lead next. Because you know me...always on the move!
Artwork by Emily McDowell @ www.EmilyMcdowell.com (Her stuff is rad, check it out)
