Well, the good news is: I haven’t accidentally fused anything to my desk this week.
The bad news is: I am now stress-dreaming about shelving units.
Because—drumroll, please—on November 1st, I’m opening a very real, very small, 150 sq ft shop.
Yes, 150 sq ft. Basically a glorified walk-in closet, but it’ll be filled with fabric, handmade goods, and whatever questionable decisions I make about wall décor at 2 a.m.
And the best part? You can actually come see it. I’ll be opening at The Shops on Main in Huntley, IL.
In theory, opening a shop is all excitement, streamers, and celebratory snacks.
In practice, it’s:
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Measuring wall space with “eyeball math” and realizing (too late) that not everything fits.
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Debating if I need a checkout counter, or if a folding table and sheer confidence will do.
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Realizing batting fluff follows me everywhere like a clingy ghost.
Meanwhile, the community sawtooth quilt is still watching me from its pile, muttering, “You’ll finish a whole shop before you finish me? Rude.”
But here’s what’s keeping me moving forward:
Every kind word from a customer.
Every “you’ve got this!” from friends and family.
Every late-night doodle that’s slowly turning into a plan.
This little shop is scary and scrappy and probably going to smell faintly of bubble wrap at all times—but it’s mine. And I can’t wait to fling open the doors on November 1st and welcome you in.
So, if you’re local, come by, say hi, and pretend not to notice me sweating while I figure out the cash register. Bonus points if you tell the quilt it’s still loved.
Stay stubborn. Stay scrappy. And send good vibes for my grand opening (and my ability to assemble shelving units without crying). I’d love to see you at The Shops on Main in Huntley, IL! 💛
—Your Resident Maker of Things (& Tiny Shopkeeper-in-Training)