Wow what an adventure it’s been!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 2 ½ years since we first opened the doors at this little shop. But here we are and we couldn’t be happier for a new year full of new challenges.
Oh how I’ve learned so much…
This little shop has made me smile, dream, cry like a baby, laugh, create, lose sleep, given me new friendships, made me question my sanity, love, and continues to provide a safe place where I can just be me. The confines of these four walls have taught me so much, but there are a few lessons that remain at the top of the list and guide what we do at Bailey & James.
1. Try Until You Epically Fail or Overwhelmingly Succeed
I wish that I could tell you that when we try something new at the shop that we have decided to pursue it solely based on hard data and scientific reasoning, but that would be a lie. It’s more like 30% data and 70% gut feeling. Not every new thing we try works, but allowing ourselves some fails is just as important. This past year we’ve had some great successes like our centerpiece classes, launching our Loyalty Love program, and creating our new brand, but there have also been some BIG fails like our online store (it just didn’t go as planned). We took the leap though and this year our goal is to make online a priority. The bottom line is whatever you do, do it with all your heart and don’t be afraid to totally fall on your face. The big wins come when you get back up and dust yourself off.
2. People Love Pretty Things
If you’ve been to Bailey & James or have only seen it while scrolling the pages of Instagram, you know we take pride in the look of the shop. Our hope is that when you visit us you leave behind everything that is weighing you down and for just a moment you escape to a place that is beautiful, fun, cheerful, whimsical and has you smiling like a child. Again, this is a safe place, not just for us but for you too. In order to create that space, we put a lot of effort in to constantly changing our displays. 2018 will be no exception, so stay tuned because it’s going to be a very visual year.
3. People Are Important
You may be thinking “Well of course!”, but this means so much more to us. We aren’t just looking for faces through the doors. We are always hoping for lasting connections with the people who pop in the shop. It’s so easy in this crazy digital world to take those human interactions for granted, but we hope that we always make you feel welcome, always invite you in with a smile, and make you feel at home. Our customers are #1 and when we are stuck or unsure, we always try and ask YOU “What do you think?” This year we hope to be even more intentional about getting your feedback and we hope you know how important you and your opinions are to us (speaking of feedback…tell us what product(s) you want to see in the shop here).
These lessons and more will continue to shape us in 2018.
2018 is looking to be another big year! The first “to do” on our list is officially launch our special occasion fresh floral. For those that have been following the shop over the last couple years, you have probably seen our shares featuring our wedding design and fresh floral clients. Many of you have asked “Where can I get more info on that?”. We have never officially offered this information on our website or in the shop, but this year that will all be changing. Just to clarify we will not be offering fresh floral for purchase in our Rockford shop just the opportunity to book us for weddings and other special events. Look for more information on this coming very soon. In the meantime, if you are interested in booking an event with us, feel free to call the shop!
Now I know you want the rest of the juicy details, but we aren’t quite ready to give it all away. All I can do is promise that 2018 is going to be a year of growth for this little shop. Thank you for all your support and love as we navigate our dreams. You make what we do worth it more than you’ll ever know. Also a BIG thank you to our little team, you’re the people that keep me sane and keep this shop moving.
Here’s a little collection of our favorite moments from 2017. Cheers to 2018!
XOXO,
Amber