Yes. Ten years. Seriously. I have been doing this for ten years. Who would have thought? Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think that I would stick with this for ten years when I had the crazy idea to open a store post 9-11.
The store has taken on a life of it's own and is nothing like I envisioned when I started; but that's a good thing! Some of you have been with me for the entire ride and for that I THANK YOU. I am amazed, almost daily, by how things have grown and changed. I was talking to someone the other day trying to explain what the initial concept of The Inspiration Station was. Do you remember? I was fully immersed in the world of seed beads and peyote stitch jewelry. I was selling my creations at craft fairs and wanted a more permanent place to display them. I wanted to INSPIRE people to make their own beautiful creations. So they could come to the store and purchase my stuff or buy the supplies to make their own. It was all about inspiring creativity.
Right about now some of you who are newer patrons of the store may be saying "beads? jewelry? What on earth is she talking about?" Yes, The Inspiration Station began as a bead store. I actually considered having the music in the store be Native American flute music to create atmosphere (can you imagine?). Scrapbooking as an industry was just beginning to take off and I brought a few things in just to have some diversity, read: pay the bills. I knew absolutely NOTHING about rubberstamps and had no plans to go in that direction.
Opening day was a complete shock. We actually had crowds of people! Of course, I think many of them just came for the free food, but still... I had a slight panic attack wondering what I had just gotten myself into. This was going to be my little happy place where people would buy stuff to support my habit and I could sit in the classroom and work on my creative pursuits! How many people think that is what it's all about? The snowball had started to roll down hill and I had to choose whether to get serious about running a business or a very expensive hobby.
I learned very quickly that I really enjoyed inspiring people and talking to them and seeing their projects. I met some of the greatest people. My greatest feeling of satisfaction comes when someone walks through the door and their eyes light up with delight, like a kid in a candy store, and they say "Oh my goodness, look at this place!" - Like walking into Disney World. Ok, so maybe it's not Disney World; but seriously, when someone comes in for the first time who has never been to an independent scrapbook/papercrafts store it is something magical. That is what keeps me going even when the roof leaks, the toilet backs up or I get the bill for the latest oil delivery.
So what I am trying to say in this long and rambling post is THANK YOU. Thank you for feeding my creative spirit. Thank you for supporting this crazy idea for all of these years. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for the inspiration I need to continue on this journey.
11 comments:
Deb - We can't wait to get back there in the spring!!! Have to wait for it to be safe to travel over the "pass!" You have an absolutely wonderful place. Keep up the good work!!! Fran Nantista, Albany NY
Hi Deb - I can tell you that "I", for one, am psyched every time I walk through your door. I just know, before I even get there, that I'm going to find something that I can't live without. I'm a scrapbooker, and I thoroughly enjoy my visits to the Inspiration Station. CONGRATULATIONS on your 10th anniversary, and THANK YOU for being there for us !!! - Barb Lutz, East Longmeadow MA
I get that feeling of Disney -- EVERY SINGLE TIME I walk into your store. Thank you for the continued 'Inspiration'. <3 <3 <3.
Every time I walk in the doors of your store, I get that same joyful sense of possibilities and that rush of creative energy that keeps so many of us scrapbooking, cardmaking, or whatever other craft fuels our fire. Thank you for keeping your store the kind of place where people know you by name, where you can ask a question or share a creation, or commiserate about the weather. I wish you continued good luck in your venture, but mostly I wish you continued joy in your wonderful Inspiration Station. ~ Janice Repass
Thank YOU for your lovely store. It makes me feel good every time I walk through the doors. You and your staff always make me feel welcome - it's the place I go when I need to do something Just For Me!
Joyce
I remember the beads! Congratulations on 10 years I know it hasn't been easy but boy oh boy we so appreciate you and your store!! I love walking through the door, doing my once quick through and going back to the beginning! I wish you so much success. Hugs Elizabeth
when you love what you do...it comes through...grateful to have you and the store!! LeeAnn Doherty
Glad you decided to stick it out! I love the classes and people at Inspiration Station!
WDW might be the happiest place on earth but your store is the happiest place I can get to while my daughter is at school!!
Happy Anniversary!!!!!
You do have a beautiful place. Congrats on ten years of growth and continued inspiration. Hope to see you soon.
Ten years?? Didn't we just celebrate 5?
Of course it is Disney-esk to the creative soul - you find others of similar mind there including the wonderful owner Deb and her talented staff. Always creative, gracious and helpful. Since I travel, I look at other stores using Inspiration Station as the benchmark . . . .then bring my wish list home! Deb, I must tell you, the Station is still my absolute favorite. See you soon! Sue Reis
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