Taking a break for awhile from Blogging my friends. I just finished up a whirlwind 5 day shopping trip to the Americas Mart in Atlanta.. the most I have ever spent up there. Found hundreds of new items to bring into the store and met several wonderful people along the way.
January is always the hardest month for me with owning a store. I get so used to the constant ding-a-ling sounds of the cash register from September to December and the constant chatter amongst happy shoppers in the Flea. Then January comes and hits you like a brick wall... everything stops. So this is the time we try to re-invent ourselves, move things around, do a thorough cleaning out, and wait. Wait for warmer days, wait for customers to start venturing out for some sightseeing in our little town, and wait for the new merchandise to start coming in.This will also be a big decision year for me as well since my lease will be up in March of 2011.The Vintage-Flea was started 6 years ago and it certainly has been a dream come true of mine, however lots and lots of mistakes have been made along the way. Although I am proud of The Vintage-Flea and what it has NOW become, is it what I had envisioned from the beginning, NO.
I had once heard the analogy that owning a business is like hosting a party. You prim and preen your store like your home, getting everything perfectly clean, arranged and "set" for the show. Then as the hostess with the mostess, you are suppose to be "ON" all the time by greeting people, conversing in small talk, and making sure they have a good time. The best part of being the hostess, is hearing all the compliments.. oohs and awes over your hard work. I love the instant feedback I get in the shop as well. Sadly it is one thing I miss in this blogging experience. I know that people read my entries because I see a stat counter but nobody makes comments (unless I have a giveaway of some sort). I am getting to a point where blogging is my lease favorite thing to do as I am always saying in the back of my head.. "What's the point, nobody will comment on it". So this is why I need to take a break from blogging and hopefully I will be able to start enjoying it once again in the future.
You can still follow me on Facebook in the meantime or the website, as I plan on making some changes there as well. Hope to see you soon at The Vintage-Flea.
I had once heard the analogy that owning a business is like hosting a party. You prim and preen your store like your home, getting everything perfectly clean, arranged and "set" for the show. Then as the hostess with the mostess, you are suppose to be "ON" all the time by greeting people, conversing in small talk, and making sure they have a good time. The best part of being the hostess, is hearing all the compliments.. oohs and awes over your hard work. I love the instant feedback I get in the shop as well. Sadly it is one thing I miss in this blogging experience. I know that people read my entries because I see a stat counter but nobody makes comments (unless I have a giveaway of some sort). I am getting to a point where blogging is my lease favorite thing to do as I am always saying in the back of my head.. "What's the point, nobody will comment on it". So this is why I need to take a break from blogging and hopefully I will be able to start enjoying it once again in the future.
You can still follow me on Facebook in the meantime or the website, as I plan on making some changes there as well. Hope to see you soon at The Vintage-Flea.
10 comments:
We all love the blogs! I finally signed up for a google account so I can comment.
The Flea is really fun for me - I get to be the "hostess with the mostest" on Wednesdays. Luke and I love to hear the compliments about the store and greet customers and try to make sure they have a good time at the Flea!
Hi Val,
I just left a comment on the subject of blogging at BRU. It is time consuming, but I enjoy it for the most part. Hope you don't stay away too long. :)
Nancy
Well don't let the break last too long!
But I get what you mean about wanting comments on the blog. Me, too!
Also left a blogging comment on the BRU...I really find it a place to mix personal and business all in one. I find facebook just a conversation...even though people may not comment - so many customers come in the store to tell me they read something on the blog - I don't need comments to keep me chatting and your blog is fun Valerie...so DON'T STOP I want you to write more!! Judy
I check your blog often and would really miss it. I love seeing what is new in the shop. Hope to read a new entry soon!
Don't stop blogging!! I rely on your post with updates as to what's new in the Flea as to whether or not I need to make an "emergency run" downtown!!!
Just because you are getting comments doesn't mean that you aren't getting heard!
Keep on blogging! Please!
I just found your blog. I am sorry to hear you are on an extended break. I hope you come back, soon. It does get discouraging with few comments. I feel the same way the same way at times, but if you are posting about what you love, then it is worth it.
I just love your store and your articles have improved over time. You see we get more creative the more we talk about it. Even if it only seems like a few care, those few matter. Plus, you said the stats show quite a few visits.
Well, I will become a follower, with hopes you will return soon :)
Have a blessed day!
I'm glad you've decided to continue blogging. I like keeping up to date since I don't get there as often as I would like to.
Hi, Valerie. Although I am so sad to hear about The Vintage Flea closing its doors I do understand how much work it is. I also understand blogging burnout. I wish you all the best! Here's a quote from me to you I hope you enjoy,"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" -Leonardo da Vinci
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