More Distractions Arrive Today

The new issues of Artful Blogging (May/June/July 2012), Where Women Create (May/June/July 2012) and Somerset Studio (May/June 2012) are in at Hodgepodge.  You know what that means . . . the previous issues of each publication are half-price with the purchase of the current issue.

That’s right—you can look forward to twice the inspiration for a fraction of the price.

Now, in case you need some help deciding where to start . . . I’m here for you!

Let’s say you’ve decide to pursue your interest in mixed media arts, then Somerset Studio is your choice. 

Did you know that every issue of Somerset Studio includes “Art to Borrow” pages?  Beautiful art for you to use in your own creative process.  Pages like:

 

If you’re inspired by the spaces where others do their creating, Where Women Create will be cover-to-cover read in a single sitting.

You might want to start with the article about the creator of the incredible flea market event known as “Remnants of the Past.”  Unfortunately for my local readers, this event is in California, but this article brings it into your home with gorgeous photography.

 

And the one that hooked me for all of the rest is Artful Blogging.  Love, love, love this one.  Each time they arrive at the shop, I know I will have a hard time focusing on the work that needs to be done.

This issue is phenomenal!  The article by Jennifer Rizzo about her process of blogging—her photography is amazing.

So, now you know what I’ll be doing . . .

Don’t forget to pick-up you half-price past issues!  (I’ll ship.)

Thanks for your indulgence,

Fresh Approach

I think it is safe to say we’re all ready for an end to the summer of 2011—between the record setting heat and our bickering leaders on Capitol Hill—I know I’m ready!!!

Since there is little, to nothing, I can do control either of these frustrating situations, I decided to focus on things I can control or, at the very least, influence.

Darren and I have made some decisions about the business that we think will put it on the right track. I’ve been participating in a great Christian book discussion with friends. They’ve helped me gain insight—through which I’m reaching new spiritual perspective. Then there is the recent addition of my business partners, Kimberly Santiago (Creative Corner) and Kathy Owen (Petticoat Junktion). New ideas and fresh approaches are almost always a good idea. Ask, Believe, Receive.

All of this positive energy has manifested in various ways, not the least of which is a desire to bring change to Hodgepodge. I love working on the “floor” at the shop—this means with customers and with our products. I absolutely loathe being behind the desk, but it is required if I’m going to properly tend to our business. But I’ve been working on better balance and feel like it’s coming.

The other day I posted on facebook about some new displays we’ve put together at the shop and someone (my sister, Nikki) was kind enough to request pictures. Well, Nik, flattery will get you everywhere with me, so here you go . . .

Have you tried a fresh approach lately? I'd love to hear how you make changes in your life.

Thanks for your indulgence!

retail warrior

my article for July 24th follows—I apologize for not having the gumption to make additions to my blog beyond these articles.  I hope to find the time to share more frequently . . . soon, but there are a few things that must change first.  more on that later . . .

Well, the retail warrior has returned. I wouldn’t exactly describe the event of the July Market as a conquest, but I would call it successful. I found many wonderful items I will be proud to offer to my customers at Hodgepodge, but they’re not here yet. A common misconception about retailers attending the market is that they bring stuff back with them.

There are a few “cash & carry” markets, plus the jewelry vendors almost always have cash & carry opportunities at most markets, but usually, we just place orders and have stuff delivered. That’s what I did at this market.

While ordering new stuff is the main focus of these markets, I find that I go to seek inspiration and attend seminars. There is always something to learn, be it walking through the showrooms or sitting in a classroom. I’d love to get in the heads of the folks at Park Hill Collections—one of my favorite vendors. Their displays are amazing and stir my imagination like none other. The true wonder of that showroom is that people do not have attacks of claustrophobia! You think my shop is crowded and overwhelming—honey, you haven’t experienced overwhelming until you’ve shopped that showroom with about 50 other retailers! There are a few other vendors who put together displays that make we want to run back to Hodgepodge and get to work, but nothing like this crew.

I also enjoy attending the seminars. I like sitting in on these classes for two reasons: (1) I usually learn at least one new thing from the speakers; (2) misery loves company—and I’m in “good” company with the other attendees! So many of us are trying to keep our heads above water—hoping that we can keep our dreams alive. I look forward to when they offer that long awaited seminar with the Swami who reads tea leaves and crystal balls. Although, it will probably be offered while I’m in the Park Hill showroom with my jaw hanging slack and I’ll miss the all-seeing soothsayer!

So, what does all of this mean to you? It means that I’ve come back with fresh inspiration and new ideas to share with you. Shortly, we’ll start transforming the shop for fall and you’ll see some of the ideas I’ve gleaned from these design stars. Yet, while Patty, Jennifer and I keep our noses in magazines, books and blogs trying keep-up with trends, sometimes the best stuff we offer are new twists on old concepts. Most of those come from our own little heads.

First, however, I need to put some finishing touches on the most amazing wardrobe I’ve ever seen! It was a special request/order for a favorite client and it has turned-out better than I anticipated. It was constructed using new materials, married with recycled louvered shutters. We’ve painted it an incredible shade of blue and I’ll be adding a sheer coat of toner to “antique” the finish (some of that stuff from Caromal Colours®). This client also chose some new bedding—which was our inspiration for the color of the wardrobe—with her permission, I’ll add some pictures to my blog in the near future.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I apologize for the lack of pictures—that’s half the fun. isn’t it?

Thanks for your indulgence  . . .

Leaf Chronicle article for Sunday, Mar 20, 2011

Each week, our city newspaper is kind enough to publish an article I write.  I’ve decided to post them here on Mondays.  I hope you enjoy them.

I have had such a wonderful week at the shop I thought I’d share a little bit with you.

First, I should start by letting you know that I have been tethered to the shop all week—no wonderful Patty to run the shop while I gallivant around Clarksville visiting with clients or shopping for their home decorating projects. Let me tell you, the prospect of being “stuck” at the shop for three weeks (yes—she’s gone that long!) was not exciting me. Thank goodness for the weekend and Jennifer! Yet, I’ve had a wonderful time.

(I’ve had the opportunity to reconnect with the shop and my customers—my favorite part of the business!)

I’ve done all kinds of things that normally get added back to the list of projects to tackle tomorrow. I’ve actually been working on some creative projects at the shop, finishing some long ignored organizational projects—although you wouldn’t know that if you were to look at my desk right now—and I’ve had time to catch-up on some inventory issues. While these projects sound somewhat mundane, I’ve been happy to have time to finally accomplish them.

Second, I’ve also had the opportunity to meet some great new customers. I’ve had people in from Indiana, Florida, Illinois and Montana, just to name a few. Some have been here visiting family, but the preponderance have just been visiting Clarksville! I love visitors because they always love the downtown! They rarely, if ever, complain about the parking, they always have something positive to say about our downtown area and how much they’re enjoying visiting our city. Also, those folks that are here visiting with family—guess why the family brings them to the downtown area? Go ahead—I’ll give you a minute. It’s because of the unique shopping, dining and entertainment! Go figure.

Aside from the nice folks I’ve met, it has just been wonderful to see so many of the locals coming out of hibernation. The nice weather has brought a lot of people onto the street—if not into the shop—and it is just so nice to leave my front door open and hear the street alive with activity.

And, finally, I was able to run back to Atlanta to revisit some of the vendors I had been thinking about adding to our product line. I’ve been struggling to determine if now is the time to add a new line of bedding to our already extensive offerings. But I guess the struggle was the due to the fact that I hadn’t found the right line. I’ve finally found it. No struggle. I’ve ordered a nice sampling of these beautiful new duvets, quilts, shams and matelassé coverlets. You won’t believe how beautiful, yet practical they are—all machine washable! I hope you’ll stop in to take a look—they should arrive in the next week.

Speaking of next week, I think that I share ideas for dressing your bed. I’ve mentioned that I’m not a fan of the “bed-in-a-bag” plan for dressing your bed, so I think I should give you the tools you need to put together a look that will express your unique style. I look forward to sharing some ideas!

 

Thanks for your indulgence!

While I was at Market

On July 15th I arrived in Atlanta—LATE!!!  It took me about three hours to get out of town.  Very frustrating, but all my fault. 

Forgot the dog’s meds—had to go back for them.  Couldn’t find the car charger for my cell phone—it was almost dead and wouldn’t make it to Atlanta.  My theory is, the cell phone must have been invented by a business owner.  They are the #1 business innovation insofar as they allow small business owners to step outside of their own city limits.  (If I could figure out email on my phone, I could stay away for a week!)  Eventually had to stop and buy a new charger, but of course they didn’t sell them at the carrier’s retail shop (silly me).  So, back in the car to back track to another store—where I forgot to buy oil . . .  ARGH!!!  Another stop.  In total, I went back to the house FOUR times, fit in a few banks and one post office stop—my departure time adjusted from 2 PM to 5 PM.

I did, however, make it to Atlanta (thanks be to God and books on tape!) and was ready to hit the market.  So, the next morning I jumped on the MARTA and made the exchanges to get to the Peachtree Station (deep in the belly of Atlanta), where the escalator was broken so I had to climb the stairs to the street surface!  (Sure there was an elevator, but there was a herd of about 100 people waiting for this single elevator!  I won’t mention the escalator on the other side of the station, because I completely forgot about it!  Rookie mistake . . .)

Okay—to the good stuff.  I visited most of my standards.  Tried to see most of the temporary exhibitors—not an easy task!

Most impressive was one of my favorite vendors.  Their showroom has tripled (at least) in size.  The new line, combined with the current, was almost too much to take!  I had to go back twice in order to make a reasonable wish list!  I wanted to order a dozen of everything.

 

Then there was a new vendor—actually I think this was her second year at this market—but I actually wrote and order with her this year.   The designer’s name is Gina Galvin and her business is Peacock Park Design.

Gina has recently been featured in Where Women Create, one of my favorite Stampington magazines and Victoria!  (one day . . .)

So I walked and walked and walked some more—my head was on a swivel and think I feel like I accomplished as much as I could.  It was a full three days.

One of my favorite reasons for attending the market is to attend seminars.  This market trip was no exception.  One failed morning of cell phone calendar screw-ups caused me to miss two seminars (one was ironically about social technology), but I did catch this guy . . .

 

Olivier Blanchard of The BrandBuilder.  He is a guru of social networking and I learned tons!  So, look out cyber world . . . here I come . . . once I get a handle on texting . . . watch out!  (Okay, he was very inspiring, I just need to figure out what’s right for me and Hodgepodge.)

So, there you go, that’s what I did while I was at market.  I was on the road by 3 PM Sunday.  There was a lot more to it—spent some quality time with my cousin Stacy—tooled around Decatur (hands down one of my favorite areas on earth)—found lots of cool merchandise to fill Hodgepodge to overflowing . . . but tempered myself . . . really!  Those boxes on my porch right now . . . I ordered those last spring!

 

Thanks for your indulgence,

real life

I've been a little slow in getting to my blog lately--I guess I'm tapping-out my writing efforts with this weekly column I've been writing for our local paper, The Leaf Chronicle. I thought, "Hey, as much as I like to run my mouth--surely I can write a column AND keep-up with my blog, and the shop, and the family, and the . . . surely I can.

Anyhoo, I was flattered they asked and even more flattered that they continue to print them! You can find them in the Sunday Living section of The Leaf Chronicle, but I think you can only connect to the current week's article, so I can't provide a perma link. (Now, I flatter myself in thinking you'd be looking for one!)

The article I wrote for Sunday, Feb 21st, touched on a subject that has been eating at me for a long time, but especially since I've opened my shop. It's the way shop owners are portrayed in life style magazines. It's as though the magazines are providing us with the "harlequin romance" equivalent of shop keeping. (Perhaps Kendall can help me establish a permanent link for times like this, when I want to expand on a theory.)

The part that I didn't dwell on in the article is the part about how I feel as a shop owner when I read articles about these fabulously successful business women.

I realize we are a small population--those of us who have managed to open a shop of our own, but even smaller is the percentage of us that actually enjoy "magazine cover success." (I'm still waiting.) Many close within months or years of taking a shot at their dream. Some of us hang-on; covering expenses, but never really getting ahead. But very few actually enjoy that moment when you think, "Wow! This is so great I need to set-up a franchise!"


If I had a dime for every time a customer tells me they dream of opening their own shop, I'd be a fabulously successful business woman! What I hope to convey with this post is not discouragement, but reality. I'm not saying you can't do it and be a huge success, but what I am saying is the folks that do enjoy that status, probably had a little fabulous and success in their lives already--you know what I mean?

Back to the magazine article in question . . . While reading it, I was subjected to photographs of a stunning woman, in her amazing home or her fabulous showroom of her mammoth warehouse, standing in front of billowing yards of custom silk draperies, while wearing her size four couture skirt and coordinating designer pumps. Then, my mind wanders . . . what would the photos of an article about me and my shops feature?

Well, first, the shop owner is a size 8 (sometime 10), middle aged mother of three with a huge divot (some might call a "worry line") carved in her forehead, just between her eyes, caused from squinting at the "bottom line" of her balance sheet and trying to see something that's not there! She'd be standing in, what she considers to be, an amazing house, but which photographs more like a project for "This Old House;" not in front of billowing silk drapes, but in front of custom (which means she made them herself) burlap curtains. Her shop looks much the same--with a floor that reverberates with every step and a rather questionable amount of distance between the floor and the baseboards on the mezzanine level. The building is large; cold in the winter and HOT in the summer. You'll also find photos of her second shop, on the second floor of the building, yet another chapter in her "Get Rich . . . Never" book.

Then, upon closer examination, you'll see the laugh wrinkles that also line the shop owner's face, because her life is filled with more joy than one woman deserves--the "divot" is there from money worries, sure, but also from the worry that comes from raising three amazing kids and seeing her Army husband, love of her life, off and home again on his many missions. You'll see she's wearing comfy skirts, in what her husband has coined her "Laura Ingall's" style--too long--with her cowboy boots or Dr. Marten's. You'll see a house that she wouldn't give up for anything--it's always in need of repair, but everyday she feels blessed to walk through the door. You'll also see the house is decorated in the same style you'll find at her shop--no silk curtains at either location. At her shop, you'll see the types of things she loves and hopes you will, too. You'll see ideas you can really use (and can afford to buy) for your own home. You'll see, at her other shop, a business where she hopes to launch some other entrepreneurial spirit on their way to owning their own place--where the hopes of any profit were not even part of the business plan and where she is lucky to have one of her sisters managing it for her.


There's a lot you don't see behind the glossy pages of the magazines--many of the women I envy as business owners are single, without children; by choice, I'm almost sure. And while I hope and dream of the success they've enjoyed in with their business, I'll take this route and enjoy the ride.

I think, what you'll see is a true portrait of a shop keeper--not the stuff of glossy magazines, but the stuff of real life. This is what you'll come across when you go into most boutiques across America--not the the other stuff. So if you want to know what it's really like to run a shop or be the owner of a small business in America, I suggest you close your magazines and you stop in and chat with one of us--we'll be more than happy to tell you about it!


Thanks for your indulgence!

bed in waiting

This is a project I jumped into during all of my "free time" afforded me thanks to snow and ice! When the customers aren't walking through through the door, it's easy for me to get a little anxious, so it's best if I focus on something else.

I decided to focus on painting. I painted a table, two end tables and this bed--we've had A LOT of snow!

This bed is still talking to me--i don't have the rails for it, so I can't just throw it on the floor to sell. It's telling me it thinks it wants to be a bench. I think it's right.

In the meantime, this one was clear--it's a gorgeous iron bed with beautiful detail and chippy paint. I love this new quilt we're dispalying on it, too. Generally speaking, I'm not a huge fan of pieced quilts, but this one spoke to me (lots of inanimate objects are talking to me . . .we've had A LOT of snow).

I hope this stops, but we're expecting more snow and I'm hearing whispers from the bathroom--it wants to be updated.

What are you doing with your "forced down time?"

Thanks for your indulgence.

January

These days . . . these first days of January. They are different for me now. When I was younger, it was the post holiday let down every child experienced. All that I had looked forward to for the past year was over. Then it just became the time after the celebration--not so much a let down, but a time for recovery. Now that I'm a retailer, the first days of January hold another meaning for me.

These days January means slow down, re-evaluation, inventory, budget analysis, introspection AND recovery. It's very disheartening, yet illuminating. January.

I think of my year as a 12-month, write-on-wipe-off calendar, where December 31st is in the bottom right hand corner and January 1st is in the upper left corner. It's not just the next day . . . it's all the way back around the bottom of the calendar and up the left side. It seems to me it should take at least a week to get there. That would be enough time to recover. (Probably not.)

January is market month, too. The big gifts & home furnishings market is in Atlanta this weekend. I'm not there. I've decided I don't need to go. I'll wait until March. This one is huge with temporary vendors. But guess what? If I can't see it, I can't miss it! I've got great sales reps who come to see me regularly and keep me up-to-date on the new offerings. I do miss the continuing ed classes. I've realized, however, they (the vendors) want you to shop in January. They want you there when you're feeling your most confident--right after the thrill of the holidays and the "I am the best buyer in the history of the world" euphoria you feel having watched your inventory walk out your door in the form of Christmas gifts or decor. They want you there in January exercising a little "retail therapy" of your own. Not me, not this year. I'll wait for March. It worked last year.

What does January mean for you? Do you get a lot done? Do you tackle new projects or do you just recover from the activity of holidays?

Thanks for your indulgence~

Paige

Appears-to-be-an-Annual Christmas Sale

Time to head down to Hodgepodge a scoop-up some ridiculously great deals on Christmas ornaments and decor. Decor includes things like Santas, snowmen, bottle brush trees, and coir mats.

The sale will only last until Saturday, Jan 2nd, so don't wait--get in here and steal this stuff from me!

Oh yeah--this seems like a good time to mention our special hours for this week:

New Year's Eve, Thursday, Dec 31st we'll close at 3 PM

New Year's Day, Friday, Jan 1st, we're closed

Saturday, Jan 2nd--it's business as usual

See you downtown!

Thanks for your indulgence.

Protect Your Pumpkin!

Two days 'til turkey. More importantly, two days 'til Pumpkin Bread Pudding.

I'm not completely unprepared, but I am feeling a little anxious about it. I need a few more ingredients to make the day happen--still need cranberries, cabbage for the slaw, and bread for the pudding.

I understand there may be a shortage of canned pumpkin in the Clarksville area. This may be a completely unfounded rumor, but regardless, I have no worries as it seems I have stock-piled canned pumpkin! If you've been paying attention, you'll have noticed the Mayan Cooking Calendar shows no recipes requiring pumpkin in the years 2009 - 2012. Coincidence? I think not! That why I'm prepared for the "Great Pumpkin Crisis of 2009." I'm glad to see, however, the crisis is bringing people together. There was a big exchange on facebook--friends offering their excess cans of pumpkin for the recipe needs of others. It was beautiful. On a final, hopeful note, I understand that Sarah Palin suggests we start drilling for pumpkin.

Okay--enough political commentary.

There are a few other things that need to get done during my "day off." I need to do some baking for our late night of shopping on Friday. Yup, the biggest shopping day of the year is three days away. Strangely enough--it's usually not the biggest shopping day at Hodgepodge. I don't' sell GPS gadgets, or big screen TVs or video games--all the things that will make your life complete. I do, however, sell wonderful accessories for you home, gift items for your friends and family, as well as unique options for you table settings. We can custom frame your art--including the work of little hands.

I also plan on opening at our regular time--10 AM. I will not open at midnight, nor will I open at 6 AM. We will, however, stay open until 8 PM--my contention being, after you've been "malled" you can come downtown, shop Hodgepodge, ARTifacts, Rogate's Boutique, Ingredients and others.

This weekend (Fri and Sat) only, I'll offer seasonal Caldrea items at 20% off. I love both of these fragrances and have been burning the candles alternately in the shop.





































Okay, I'll also offer all clearance items at 50% or more off. Including items we're adding tomorrow! So if it's marked 20, 30 or 40% off--it's 50% off this weekend!

And, as if all of that isn't enough . . . we'll have some refreshments for you to enjoy while shopping.

Be sure to tell me about all of your fun you have chasing after your great deals on Friday--I'll be waiting!

Thanks for your indulgence.

An Anniversary

There they go . . . five years. It's been five years since I opened Hodgepodge. I can't believe I've been doing this for five years! A lot has changed in a short time. We moved from an about 800 sq ft of showroom space to 2000 sq ft--that happened at the end of the first year. Since then, I've been "growing" into the space. I purchased a frame shop and incorporated it into Hodgepodge--adding another 1000 sq ft. My inventory has changed considerably--there sure is a lot of it! I really expected to stay focused on home accents, but the inventory has take several turns. We opened ARTifacts last year. There have been challenges: the recession, Darren's deployment and the thousands of little hurdles I've jumped. But, all-in-all, it's been great. I love going to work! I love working with the customers--merchandising our inventory--my co-workers--downtown Clarksville--the other business owners. I'm so lucky.

A retrospective in photos:

Then--in the middle of all of the preparations for this years' holiday open house event--my sister and friends made sure I celebrated our success. Everyone says that if I survived this year I've got to be doing something right . . . well, I know one thing I've done right . . .




I've surrounded myself with some amazing people!


I recommend you do the same--you'll be a success!

Any success I can claim is all due to these great ladies, plus several more, and the continued extraordinary support and love shown to me by my family--my husband, kids, sisters and parents--and friends.

With great thanks for your continued indulgence!