I love the saying: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” I stepped outside my comfort yesterday to learn more about social media. Let me set the scene. I’m an old school journo where, way back, we never had emails, the internet or any form of digital media. I’ve even worked in newsrooms […]
News
I’m saying “no” to busy!
I’m feeling a little whimsical today. As we approach December, I am looking back at the year that was and, for me personally, it was the worst ever. Losing my beautiful mum to pancreatic cancer and having my darling dad diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s continues to send shockwaves through me … months afterwards, the reverberations […]
An expensive lesson in chilling out!
So yesterday afternoon, I decided to dash up to the bakery with CC to grab a late lunch. I took two steps away from the shop’s front door and then looked down at my hands in horror … No keys! I had locked myself out. I live nearby so I can get my spare key, […]
Hello November!
So the past 31 days have been a blur … … of exciting new summer shoe deliveries … of happy regular customers … of meeting gorgeous new customers. The Shoe Garden also celebrated its 7.5 year birthday during October. I know it’s not common to celebrate your half year anniversary and I didn’t publicly, but […]
Sweet 16
My darling Maltese, CC, turned 16 this week. She has been with me every step of the way on my Shoe Garden journey, from modelling for my logo to always being on my desk ready to greet customers … or bark at the delivery drivers, postie and any dog who happens to walk through her […]
What a difference 7 days makes!
Ah, the joys of retail… Two weekends ago, I had my worst weekend in sales … ever! Last weekend, I had my best weekend in sales … ever! Seven days apart and a world of difference in results. There are always 101 (at least!) factors and variables and possibilities as to why people walk through […]
A picture wins!
Sometimes, alas for this former journo and wordsmith, a picture really does tell the story. I was thinking that as I was unpacking the latest arrivals to The Shoe Garden this morning. Check it out. Three different brands. Four distinct styles. Some gorgeous customers would wear all styles, but many would favour one. My customers […]
When I can’t find my shoes…
I love walking into the shop on a Friday, as I never know where anything is! Let me explain. One of my darling staff, Victoria, works every Thursday and one of her tasks is to re-arrange the shop for me. I love presenting my shoes in colour combinations, mixing up a wedge with a sneaker […]
Back to the drawing board
I thought I had my Winter 2020 order into the final draft stage. I was so close to finalising it. I had done all the usual things I do when selecting a range: pondered, battled head versus heart, agonised, wondered, re-read what customers told me they wanted, put myself in their shoes, triple checked my […]
I was right!
Ah yes, as a proud small business owner whose success relies on her carefully and wisely selecting her stock sometimes a year before delivery, I do delight in being right! In this case, it’s all about a darling shoe by Isabella that I fell in love with as soon as I saw it at the […]