Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Was he ever right! More than seventeen years ago I chose a job I loved and haven’t worked a day since. These have been wonderful years, building my own business, contributing to the community, making friends, and sharing the joy of creative endeavours with my customers. It has been rewarding in so many more ways than I could have ever imagined.
However, I am reminded of that famous passage from scripture, “To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under heaven.” The time has come to shift my focus and look towards a new purpose. And so, it is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement. While I will miss the tremendous satisfaction of running my own business, but I am really looking forward to this new stage of life where new opportunities are waiting.
I know you will have a lot of questions, so I will do my best to answer the big ones here.
1. What will happen to the store? I will be looking for a buyer for the store, so spread the word! Let’s find another entrepreneur with a creative streak to take advantage of this opportunity. I would be more than willing to work part time and continue to teach classes if that's what the new owner would like. I have a lot of ideas on how the business can grow (just not the energy to implement them).
2. When will you be closing? My lease ends in February, so if there isn't a transfer of ownership, that’s when I will close.
3. Can I get my favourite stamps and supplies? Yes! If there are any stamps, or other special orders that you want, please let me know and I will do my best to get them to you.
4. What will happen to my loyalty card? You will have until I transfer ownership or if there is no new owner, until I close to redeem your completed loyalty card.
5. What will I ever do without Heather’s Stamping Haven???? Have you ever thought about owning your own business and being your own boss? See Question #1!
This is a bittersweet moment for me, as I will miss the day to day interaction that I have with customers that have become friends. You have allowed me to share in your lives and I am so very grateful for that gift.
I am looking forward to the future, to spending more time with my family, to volunteering my time, to finding some time to relax.
"Thank you" doesn't seem adequate to express my heartfelt appreciation for all you have shared with me over the years, but on Thanksgiving, I am indeed "Giving Thanks".
With love and appreciation,
Heather
6 comments:
And Thank-YOU for creating more than an artistic business, but in becoming a centre for people to meet and socialize, to discover art. I have learned so much from you and others at the store - I don't know what I am going to do with you! Wishing you much happiness in your next steps.
Thank you so much Monica!
You definitely deserve your retirement. You will be missed. I wasn't able to make it to the store as often as I would like due to the distance but I definitely enjoyed every trip out there and you were always a big help for my paper craft projects and ideas. Thank you.
I'm so happy that you will soon be able to enjoy retirement, Heather...but, of course I can't imagine what a big, huge change this will be for you and for your customers and friends.
You have created such an incredible point of connection and inspiration for all those who walk through your door, including myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I'll add my thanks for your special haven! I'll treasure the memories with much gratitude. Best wishes for a happy retirement!
Nnooooo! Although I'm sad I'm also very happy for you Heather.
Ter ;)
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