Most people go through life pretty unhappy with their career or job. I have to admit I have been in that majority since I graduated college. There have always been specific aspects of a job that I have loved, but overall a blah feeling pretty much describes my work history.
When I started this blog almost a year ago, I did it as a creative escape from my everyday life. As the year progressed, the blog opened doors for me that I really never dreamed would come true including new friends with the same creative souls, event staging/design gigs, partnering with small businesses I believe in, designing beautiful spaces for people and getting paid for it, and participating in the Grand Rapids Vintage Market.
I’ve been so grateful for all those who have followed and watched this journey unfold. Without my family, friends, insta peeps, other bloggers, and all the fabulous people who share, like and comment, I would have never had the courage to pursue our next big adventure. I’m so thankful to all of you!
Now for the BIG NEWS… (No Mom, I’m not pregnant!)
Bailey & James will be opening a Boutique in downtown Rockford, Michigan in mid August! Aaaahhhhhhhh eeeeek! Right? I’m freaking out too! And yes August, as in two months!
Bailey & James Boutique is a home decor boutique specializing in vintage (used) home decor mixed with new pieces, furniture, and gifts. Bailey & James is not a thrift store, but a place where people can find one of a kind pieces to accent their home and bring style to their life. The boutique will also feature handmade products by local Michigan artists as well as Missouri artists (my home state). In addition, Bailey & James will also offer event design and planning as well as interior design. The boutique will act as an office to host clients for these services. The services side is an endeavor I hope to share with my sister, Danielle!
We are about eight weeks away from a family and friends opening and since you all have been with us since the beginning, I thought I would share all the details, failures, advice, pretty things, people I meet along the way, the good, the bad, hopefully not the ugly, everything from beginning to end about opening your own business! Stay tuned to the blog for my weekly Bailey & James Boutique series. I hope I can inspire other women to take the plunge and do what they love.
In addition to pursuing my passion, I hope to help others do the same! Are you a maker of unique handmade pieces or know someone who is? I want to feature 10-12 people doing what they love through the beautiful things they make in the Bailey & James Boutique. I’m looking for small furniture pieces, wood products, signs, décor, kitchen ware and more! Send me an email with all the details and let’s make it happen! Email Me
It’s crazy to think that I’m finally here pursuing my passion. I might fall flat on my face, but at least I gave it one hell of a go. Sometimes you have to dream big and work hard to live the life you love. I know this isn’t going to be easy, but I hope you all will be there to help me get back up when I fall and give me a reality check when I’m being absolutely insane. So many more details to come, but one step at a time. Today I wanted to leave you with a quote that has been inspiring me since this adventure started. This captures my spirit lately and reminds me of the person I’ve become and who I hope to be…
XOXO
Amber J.
P.S. This post is dedicated to two people that I love to the moon and back, my two best friends.
To my amazing and supportive husband, Brian I love you and can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am to have you in my life. I must have been a Saint in a past life to deserve someone like you. You always encourage me to pursue my dreams even when I’m about to drive you absolutely bonkers. You mean the world to me and I can’t imagine this adventure without by my side.
To the best sister a girl could ever ask for, Danielle constants are hard to come by in this life and I can’t think of a better person to have shared a childhood with and challenge each other everyday to continue to grow as women. You inspire me to be better. Thank you for all of the long phone calls talking about our dreams and cheers to making this OUR dream. Love you BFF, sissy and future business partner!