I Just Meet the Nicest People!!

Well, I'm back in the swing after having taken a little get-away weekend to visit family in Georgia. I have family in Smyrna and my husband's family is down in Forsyth. Guess what town is smack-dab in between? That would be McDonough, home to The Plum Tree Antiques. I have a link to their store's blog under "Favorite Places to Visit." I could not pass up the opportunity to stop in to see one of the places I love to visit online and to meet Dawn. I had a wonderful time and was so proud to walk in and say hi, and to tell her I have her link on my little blog. She was precious, as was her store. Take a look at some of the pictures.

I love this picture. It's so charming. I'm on the serious look-out for a bike like this to add to my own garden. It looks like the same bike I learned to ride on so many moons ago. Such memories....scraped knees and all.

I enjoyed so much talking "shop" with Dawn. She and I both commented on the wonder of the kinship and network this blog thing has become for so many women-run businesses. It is great. And I just can't say enough for how sweet she is. Truly, Southern Hospitality abounds at The Plum Tree. It is worth the trip for sure. Here are some more pics....

I can only imagine what her place must look like come the Fall. I will have to visit again. I know we all were wishing for some Fall-like weather as it was a scorcher!!

I left Dawn and The Plum Tree feeling so wonderfully full and rich in the warmth of new friendship. Thank you, Dawn, for making us all feel so welcome. Your store is truly a treasure that I will visit many times over.

And one more little mention here -- Thank You! I have received some very nice comments from people I am only just now meeting and from those who have visited past shows. Your words are very heart-felt ,and I appreciate you and your comments. Sometimes I think these blogs become public diaries of sorts and we don't realize who might read our inner most thoughts. To have others take the time to send well wishes....well, I am truly touched and say thank you again.

So for now....I wish you....

Warm wishes. Sweet dreams.

Carol

Lessons Learned

I am just coming up for air in this very busy life I have created for myself these days. The Ft. Lauderdale show has come and gone, my two design projects are in full swing, and we are planning a quick get-away weekend in Georgia beginning tomorrow.

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I was very proud of how my booth turned out. As you can guess, it is a lot of work to pack up items, only to unpack them at the show, then take it all down in a day or so. My husband and son are troopers. What would I do without them? I don't travel lightly. This show included two very large china cabinets. They looked great, but, WOW!!

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I really felt like I had some great things to offer collectors of vintage......both old and new. I had many, many compliments. However, I learned a few valuable lessons last weekend. The first one: Know Your Market. I do know my market, they just weren't shopping in Fort Lauderdale. Actually, as one customer said, "You just don't find this stuff down here." She was pleased to see it, but was in the minority. My second lesson: Do not do shows in HOT, HOT South Florida during the summer. Most of my clients have gone north and next summer I will too.

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So yes, sales were much less than expected, but so it goes in the world of retail. Every show is not going to be a success. I was dissappointed, but not defeated. Like I said earlier, I was (and am) very proud of what I brought to the party. I will continue to persevere and look for the perfect item to bring forward in my own way. I will research the demographics of the next show a little more thoroughly and carry on!

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Please enjoy a few more pictures. Everything was beautiful!!! Thanks to all my vendors for providing me with the upmost in quality. I will continue to search out the right venue so I can do your products proud. And I will continue finding just the right piece of furniture that I can add the perfect "A Bird in Hand" touch to.

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I appreciated seeing a few of my old friends who came by just to see me. That means the world to me!! I will continue to keep you posted of my happenings. I will most likely be in West Palm Beach again in November, but will let you know for sure very soon. Meanwhile, I will be happy to ship or deliver any items you see here that you may be interested in. I am considering a private show for invited guests sometime between now and November. If that develops, you'll be the first to know!!!

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In my next post, I will share some pictures of the O'Rourke master bathroom that is coming together beautifully!

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Until then, I wish you.....

Warm wishes. Sweet dreams.

Carol