07/01/2023
I am putting my shop away…. A soul edit the pop up will no longer be popping up.
After months of hitting the pavement trying to find a store front to give my dream and vision a proper platform + chance, I’ve decided to pack it all away. I made this decision after literally making myself sick over it. First, a solid 4 weeks of MS flares followed by a lingering depression, anxiety, worry and feeling like my world was ending. I was hoping for a transfer of space and I had a narrow window/chance of a possibility. But there’s a person coming to our small town, buying out all our buildings and hiking rents to city prices. Our town has a population of about 2k on a good day, for reference. We are also seasonal and a full time retirement community. The price hikes do not justify. They’d only crush my dreams further as my business will not be viable under these circumstances. This uncertainty has caused me to constantly spiral.
I decided my shop would either live with me or not at all. And while I’m forever grateful to for taking care of my merchandise, my customers and truly trying to keep my flame alive— I am too sad to leave my shop behind everyday. It was never meant to operate as a consignment type of arrangement. This decision did not come easy. It’s taken an emotional and physical toll on me. We arrived to Tryon with high hopes of conquering many things. After so many road blocks we’ve decided to stay put and discuss what comes next for us.
… continue in comments….