John and I have been discussing finding a new home for B'sue Boutiques, for a very long time now.
Since 1988, * its* home has been *our* home. That's true for many of us who have internet webstores and web sites; it's a practical thing, too.
In time, however, needs change....especially for SPACE. When things start getting a bit cramped, you need to examine options.
Evie the cat is in an uproar!
WHAT! You won't be here all day anymore? Are you taking me, too?
Meep is a little peeved, too! He likes Shelley's desk right where it's always been, near this sunny window. Here's why:
WHAT! No more rubber bands to steal???? I prefer to sell ICE RESIN *right here*!
Yeah, yeah, I know. Change can be tough! I've had this business since 1988---that's 24 years!---and it's always been right here with us. These cats came here when they were 5-6 weeks old. It's the only place they've ever known. Jordan came here when he was 16 months old...it's the only house he's ever known! And in one way or another, he has been involved in the business ever since he was a little boy.
We really weren't looking to move right now, but an opportunity presented itself and truth be told, it seems the right thing to do. It would simplify things here greatly! So whether the cats like it or not, B'sue Boutiques will soon have a new home.
It's pretty sweet, too!
It's only 1,000 square feet, but it's all the room we could possibly want. The building is new, only 7 years old. It had been a florist/gift shop. As you can see, it looks like a little spun-sugar gingerbread house!
Wanna come inside?
This gives you a little bit of a feeling for the inside decor.....she had it all decorated with depression-era, primitive and shabby chic-type furniture, which she used as displays. I was able to purchase several dressers like this (this one included) and also, this one:
I bought some old shutters and even some old doors from the previous owners:
You can see the pretty sponge-painting on the walls. We don't have to do a thing to this place except bring in our stuff and get it organized.
It has windows, two big ones in the front and some along the sides:
That windowsill looks deep enough for a cat to enjoy! LOL
There is an upper level for my office. Also there's a very long counter, so in case I decide that I want to do some silk flowers or decorator items for the gift shop in front of the store, I'll have a place to do it:
Lots of storage and wire shelving too!
There's also a full attic that you can access by stairs, and it's all wire-racked, too!
In case you're wondering: I will also be moving the Messy Workshop to the new building, there is plenty of room for it, our shipping facility, offices and a small gift shop right in front.
Rob mentioned that I'd have lots of pictures to take and tons to blog about for a long time! That's for sure. This is a real adventure for me!
I think the thing that pleases me most is NOW after all these years, I will have a nice place where you can actually come and visit us.
We just have to get in the place and nest a little! Soon thereafter, I will map out a teaching schedule as well.
The cats will just have to get used to it!
wow! I'm so pleased for you. This is a huge deal! I hope i'm as successful as you and work just as hard to achieve this. You are such an inspiration to me. You really are. Yay for you! :-)
Posted by: Janine Fowler | May 29, 2012 at 06:01 PM
This is very exciting. I will even make the trip from Baltimore once you get settled in. Would love to meet everyone. Sounds like God was smiling on you and your business. I have to agree with Janine you are my inspiration.
Gerry
Posted by: gerry | May 29, 2012 at 06:42 PM
I would LOVE to be able to do that - congrats! When something that perfect comes along you know it's meant to be - so happy for you!
Posted by: Joan | May 29, 2012 at 06:45 PM
I think it is delightful. This is a future dream of mine, too. You are going to have so much fun decorating!!
Posted by: Terry | May 29, 2012 at 06:49 PM
Good luck in your new shop. The teaching classes will be so great!
Posted by: Beetique | May 29, 2012 at 06:59 PM
That's wonderful!! While I enjoy working from home and having my babies with me, I'd REALLY love a separate space to work too! This place is gorgeous and how lucky are you to be able to get some of those great pieces that were there.
Posted by: Barbe | May 29, 2012 at 08:33 PM
This is going to be perfect for you and I bet you will feel right at home in no time. Classes, a gift shop, lots of room that is all yours and a place for people to come visit you. It could not be better and the place looks so cute Goldilocks would be happy living there. Be sure to do lots of video and take photos. We want to be with you every step of the way! New Website, New Shop, New Year for Bsue!
Posted by: Brassy Steamington | May 29, 2012 at 09:10 PM
I can't wait to come and be one of your students! I am so happy for you and your staff. This place looks so warm and welcoming, I can't imagine anyplace better!
Posted by: Diane Valasek | May 29, 2012 at 09:27 PM
Brenda Sue! An adorable fairy tale cottage. Lots of light and airy - what a great move. Since I have kitties, I know how they feel about change. But they're tough buggers and they'll do it.....complaining and whining, but they will. So many congratulations on this wonderful change in your lives. Enjoy!
Posted by: Trudy Dimowitz-Murray | May 29, 2012 at 10:40 PM
This is just wonderful, and I can't think of anyone who deserves it more! Congratulations!
Posted by: Melissa Latimer | May 30, 2012 at 06:08 AM
I've always been a fan of your findings and great teaching tutorials online. I'm also from Ohio, and was wondering if you will be selling your findings in your shop? Also, where is it located? Congratulations!
Posted by: Tara | May 30, 2012 at 03:24 PM
We will have all of our stock there, but the store space is mainly just to house our mail order business. I will have classes there eventually at intervals and there will be a small gift shop to be open 3-4 days a week. I am still not real sure what we will offer to the public at the place as it's primarily a 'house' for our mail order business....but I'm happy to hear your input! If you want to come and see us, our grand opening should be in October!
Posted by: B'sue | May 30, 2012 at 05:35 PM
WOW! That's GREAT and what a cute place!!! Congratulations!!! I bet the kitties will adjust just fine. They'll have all sorts of new nooks 'n crannies to explore.
Posted by: Tracy | June 01, 2012 at 04:24 PM
So exciting! Congrats!
Posted by: Karyn B | June 03, 2012 at 08:45 PM
Girl, you are living my DREAM! You are so lucky I don't live near you, or you'd never be able to get rid of me. :-)
I am so very happy for you, and I look forward to every update. Have fun!
Posted by: Grace Acosta | June 03, 2012 at 10:25 PM
Congratolatios! the place lloks beautifull I am sure will like to come and visit the new place...
Posted by: Aida | June 03, 2012 at 11:15 PM
Wow! Congratulations ma'am Brenda! Cheers for the new Bsue boutique and more favors to come along the way! If I'll be given the time to travel in the US, my first stop will be in Ohio where you are. Love to meet you! It's a joy to be able to hear everything about Bsue boutique every step of the way.
Posted by: Mayella | June 04, 2012 at 04:18 AM
I am so happy for you Brenda Sue! You so deserve this new bright spot. And what a cute shop it is. It just seems like it was meant to be just for you! Now I could stop by and see you if I am ever by your area. We are not too far from each other. I am here in Bloomington, IN. I am just thrilled for you and after 24 years of hard work I don't know anyone else who deserves it more! Congrats!
Posted by: Stacy | June 04, 2012 at 07:02 AM
This is sooo very wonderful for you, Brenda! What a great, beautiful place this will be, with plenty of room for you to create lovely treasures! I am happy for you!
Posted by: Anna Marie Nearbin | June 04, 2012 at 07:43 AM
Great news, Brenda Sue! The move will give you a fresh perspective on all parts of your business and will make each part stronger. Plus think of all the stuff you'll find as you move! We're all very interested in watching this fascinating process, so thanks for keeping us posted.
Posted by: MagicTricks.com | June 04, 2012 at 08:01 AM
Hi, Brenda Sue, I've just started to make jewelry and was watching You Tube one night about four months ago and ran across one of your videos. I immediately went to your Website and felt like I was in Wonderland. Your stampings and products are the style I have loved my whole life, and I dearly love your creativity. Since then, I have watched all of your videos and read everything you had to say. I feel like I know you, so please include me as part of your family (except that I have dogs; I rescue them). If possible, I'll visit your new shop when it's up and running. Wish I could just go in and choose from all of your stampings and buy them right on the spot though. Bet lots of us would. Looking forward to seeing more photos of your new place. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you.
Posted by: Jae at Jdreamer Studio | June 05, 2012 at 07:37 PM
Wow! What an incredible find that building is!
I'm very excited for you and am looking forward to watching the changes happen and seeing that happy look on your face in the videos.
Woohooo! What a ride this is going to be!
Posted by: aims | June 07, 2012 at 12:10 AM