I guess major events in life make you look back and reflect and look ahead and wonder … and that’s what has been happening with me this past week.
In terms of The Shoe Garden, I’ve realised just how much I love my little business, even though I can lay awake at night worrying about it sometimes when sales are slow.
Someone did suggest to me the other day that I sell it, as these past few months have been so stressful with my darling mum being so sick. And yes, perhaps it would have all been easier to be an employee again and be able to take some paid annual leave and not have to worry about my livelihood collapsing around me in my absence.
But I knew from the start that owning your own business, especially a purposefully small one, wasn’t for the faint hearted.
It’s certainly tougher than I thought; but I’ve realised … so am I.
One of the most special parts of owning a shoe shop is that I feel like I have become a part of so many people’s lives. That has been such an unexpected bonus and, at times like this, it feels so comforting.
As I wrote on Facebook today, a new pair of shoes is significant at so many stages of our lives and I get to share that with my gorgeous customers: from school formals and overseas adventures to first jobs and weddings; from christenings and promotions to graduations and transitioning; from celebrations to commiserations, just because moments and life in retirement. And yes, sigh, for funerals as well.
So looking ahead … I’m buying Winter 2020 stock soon and catching up on a mountain of paperwork and budgeting and planning for the new financial year.
It’s business as usual … and I’m back and very, very happy to be here. It’s what mum would have wanted, too!
Until next time
Carol & CCx
PS. Thank you to everyone for your kind condolences … each message was like a big hug. Thank you!
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