Archive for March, 2010

Today our store has been open for one whole week! I feel like the proud (and tired) mom counting days and weeks of our new baby’s life. And this shop is our new baby!!

We are getting it together. Frankly, I do think that the shop looks pretty awesome and I must say I am very proud of us for working hard and being able to open in just seven weeks. There’s nothing quite like starting a new project, even when it’s scary. You just have to do it.

Thanks to all the people who’ve made it happen–B&A Painting; Big Mike Electric; Glen Catherwood Construction; Trio POS & Trio Display; Audio Images; Coast Lock & Safe; Villalobos Signs; Orange Coast Glass; hire these guys–they have been more than game in getting us open on time.

Thanks to Jennifer and Katy for their design sense, Sylvia and Courtney for tirelessly helping Jennifer set up the store, and most especially, to David, my steadfast, unflinching husband, for all his gumption, tech-saavy and tireless support of my vision for the store.

And finally, a big thank you to Erin and April who dropped by the store this afternoon.  Jennifer and I met Erin and April last year at their first Boutiquing event and immediately hit it off.  These girls are extremely savvy and really know their field.  As Jennifer said today, “Susan, sorry, but I’m quitting and going to work for Erin and April.  They have the best jobs in the world.”  What could be bad about visiting boutiques for a living????  And how much do you have to admire people who work tirelessly to support the small business people in the local communities who are trying to keep interesting retail alive and well????

Well, I admire them…a lot.  So when we got our surprise visit (I, of course, was in the back room when they came in), we were thrilled.  Thanks, ladies, for taking an interest in our success and helping us so much along the way.  And, after a long chat and the opportunity to showcase some new items, we were talking about social media.  And guess what, they also offer advice to those retailers who need it (ahem!!).  April and Erin, you are goddesses!!!!!!!

When I started TPC, I swore that I would never open up a store. Not interested, too much work, etc. Guess what???? We are due to open next week. That’s right. Our very own store in 500 jewelry- and accessories-packed square feet.

The process was pretty simple. One day I said “It might be cool…and kinda fun…and a good adjunct to our wonderful website. And then, it happened. The perfect space. On a little spot of paradise in Southern California.  And it just seemed right.  You know how sometimes things just fall into place.  The stars align or whatever.  So here we are.

Right now the dust is still flying, nothing is finished, and there’s a LOT of work to get done before we open. But, as with everything else, I know that it WILL happen. And I am thrilled.

Here’s a few pix of our little place and the progress so far. Stay tuned.