Small Business, Small Steps: In good company

It's been a while since I've checked in with a proper Small Business, Small Steps post. It's not because I haven't had anything to write, quite the opposite, I've been wanting to share so much with you, it's just that I've had some difficulty finding the time to sit down and commit my thoughts to paper - or screen, as the case may be. fyi, it's 1am...

In the middle of last month, once I felt that I had as many ducks in a row as I could round-up, I began actively pursuing new online and bricks & mortar shops that might like to carry the English Muffin products. I compiled a list of stores I felt were in-line with my own aesthetic, who valued handmade, eco-friendly children's products and began emailing. And emailing, and emailing. I am going to be completely honest with you, I emailed about 100 different stores. And now I'm going to be brutally honest with you, I heard back from four and am now happy to report that of those four, two are carrying English Muffin products in their shops. Since that initial email campaign I have received interest from a few additional shops, and so the wholesale accounts are continuing to grow.

Some may read those numbers and find them discouraging. I, on the other hand, was not discouraged, not for a moment. That's because only a couple days after the emails went out I heard back from two stores that were way up on my list, one in particular I almost didn't email, because I thought it was positively unattainable. That's why I am so pleased, thrilled, tickled pink to announce that not only is the full line of English Muffin's prints and posters being carried in fawn & forest, but English Muffin is also featured in their bi-monthly forest finds. You have no idea how warm, encouraging and kind the folks at f&f have been. It is pretty much my dream come true to have my designs along side Petit Collage, Dwell Studio and the like. I never imagined I'd be in such good company.

There's still so much to share, but for now I will leave it at that. Things are in a good place, and although there are bumps in the road every now and then, the scenery is lovely and I'm enjoying getting closer and closer to the destination.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,

xx bess