berrysweetbath (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} berrysweetbath) wrote,@ 2008-04-18 01:09:00 |
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Hiya!
What a crazy couple of weeks it has been! I must admit, it was pretty strange seeing the store completely empty and void of any personality. I sat in the same spot on the floor as I did just over two years ago and looked around in wonder. I remember all the feelings of hope and possibility that I felt that time ago, and oddly enough, I still feel the same feelings now. I know that I will miss seeing all of you on a regular basis. Many of you have become friends and I have thoroughly enjoyed your company - even if it was just to play with Kira after she was born. Its been a crazy couple of years but I wouldn't trade it for anything! Many of you have stopped in to say bye, but please understand that we're not really going anywhere!
I've been saying that we're going about our business in a new way. I really have been torn between trying to be a good mommy, a good wife and a good business person. I have my priorities straightened out and I feel that although my family will always come first, I do have a responsibility to all of you so with that in mind, this is what we've come up with:
1. We will participate in as many craft and trade shows as possible throughout the year. Namely, Islandwide in May and November, Made in Hawaii in August and Diamond Head Arts & Crafts Show in November for starters.
2. We will work on putting on our own private shows at least twice a year starting next year. We may do one later this year, probably in September or October and another in December for all of you late shoppers. The September/October one will be somewhat interactive with product demonstrations and classes. Many of you have asked about our classes and were disappointed that I've had to stop having them due to a difficult pregnancy. These classes that we're thinking of will be similar to those that you've come to know and love and will include our wonderful pal - Teri!
3. We will work on putting together a "berry sweet" home party plan and procedure for anyone who's interested. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this concept, think of Tupperware or Stampin' Up! parties where an individual hosts the party and invites a bunch of friends. We do product demonstrations and talk story. Attendees are welcome to place orders which will be filled in a timely fashion. The host/hostess receives a thank you gift for their time and hospitality. It doesn't even have to be at someone's home; we've been asked to go to various offices during lunch hour to do the same thing. Its pretty neat but clear it with your boss first! We can even do classes for you, too!
4. We are in the process of updating our website. I've got the web monkey willing to turn our site into an e-commerce site but that probably won't get done until the summer. He has promised to update our website with product information as soon as I get the copy to him.
5. We will do a limited run of printed catalogs. I have found a potential printer and am in the process of working on copy and pictures for all of our products.
6. Weeding out our mailing list. I will be sending out a snail-mail postcard to EVERYONE on our mailing list. It will be asking for email addresses and a response if you're still interested in getting our show schedule postcards and printed catalog. Sorry, those that don't respond will be taken off our mailing list. I feel bad for killing trees and postage is starting to get out-of-hand, especially with a mailing list of our size!
So that's the plan for now. On to the rest of the updates!
Our store phone number has been transferred so if you need anything, please call the old store number and leave a message if I don't pick up! Don't be shy about placing orders thinking that you're bothering or inconveniencing me in some way - I really don't mind! As I've mentioned before, I don't mind driving out to drop off an order as long as its within reason. Otherwise, I'll pop it in the mail to you.
We will be at Waialae School on Saturday, April 19th for their Fun Day that happens only once every other year. We will be in the cafeteria in booth #2. The event runs from 9am to 2pm. Please come out and support this wonderful and innovative charter school!
We have confirmation that we will be at the Islandwide Spring Craft & Gift Expo at the NBC Exhibition Hall, May 2-4. The hours of the show are Friday the 2nd 5-10pm, Saturday the 3rd 10am-9pm and Sunday the 4th 10am-5pm. We will be in booth #316, which is near the waikiki entrance of the exhibition hall.
We have sent in our application to the Made in Hawai'i show for August. Information will be announced as soon as we have it.
I think that's it for now. Thank you to all of you for your words of support and understanding. Its been pretty crazy and in the process of closing the store, I've met many people who have been opening their doors to me and berry sweet bath & body. It's very true when they say when one door closes, another opens!
I hope to see you at the either the Waialae Fun Day this Saturday or during the first weekend in May! Take care!
carri
What a crazy couple of weeks it has been! I must admit, it was pretty strange seeing the store completely empty and void of any personality. I sat in the same spot on the floor as I did just over two years ago and looked around in wonder. I remember all the feelings of hope and possibility that I felt that time ago, and oddly enough, I still feel the same feelings now. I know that I will miss seeing all of you on a regular basis. Many of you have become friends and I have thoroughly enjoyed your company - even if it was just to play with Kira after she was born. Its been a crazy couple of years but I wouldn't trade it for anything! Many of you have stopped in to say bye, but please understand that we're not really going anywhere!
I've been saying that we're going about our business in a new way. I really have been torn between trying to be a good mommy, a good wife and a good business person. I have my priorities straightened out and I feel that although my family will always come first, I do have a responsibility to all of you so with that in mind, this is what we've come up with:
1. We will participate in as many craft and trade shows as possible throughout the year. Namely, Islandwide in May and November, Made in Hawaii in August and Diamond Head Arts & Crafts Show in November for starters.
2. We will work on putting on our own private shows at least twice a year starting next year. We may do one later this year, probably in September or October and another in December for all of you late shoppers. The September/October one will be somewhat interactive with product demonstrations and classes. Many of you have asked about our classes and were disappointed that I've had to stop having them due to a difficult pregnancy. These classes that we're thinking of will be similar to those that you've come to know and love and will include our wonderful pal - Teri!
3. We will work on putting together a "berry sweet" home party plan and procedure for anyone who's interested. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this concept, think of Tupperware or Stampin' Up! parties where an individual hosts the party and invites a bunch of friends. We do product demonstrations and talk story. Attendees are welcome to place orders which will be filled in a timely fashion. The host/hostess receives a thank you gift for their time and hospitality. It doesn't even have to be at someone's home; we've been asked to go to various offices during lunch hour to do the same thing. Its pretty neat but clear it with your boss first! We can even do classes for you, too!
4. We are in the process of updating our website. I've got the web monkey willing to turn our site into an e-commerce site but that probably won't get done until the summer. He has promised to update our website with product information as soon as I get the copy to him.
5. We will do a limited run of printed catalogs. I have found a potential printer and am in the process of working on copy and pictures for all of our products.
6. Weeding out our mailing list. I will be sending out a snail-mail postcard to EVERYONE on our mailing list. It will be asking for email addresses and a response if you're still interested in getting our show schedule postcards and printed catalog. Sorry, those that don't respond will be taken off our mailing list. I feel bad for killing trees and postage is starting to get out-of-hand, especially with a mailing list of our size!
So that's the plan for now. On to the rest of the updates!
Our store phone number has been transferred so if you need anything, please call the old store number and leave a message if I don't pick up! Don't be shy about placing orders thinking that you're bothering or inconveniencing me in some way - I really don't mind! As I've mentioned before, I don't mind driving out to drop off an order as long as its within reason. Otherwise, I'll pop it in the mail to you.
We will be at Waialae School on Saturday, April 19th for their Fun Day that happens only once every other year. We will be in the cafeteria in booth #2. The event runs from 9am to 2pm. Please come out and support this wonderful and innovative charter school!
We have confirmation that we will be at the Islandwide Spring Craft & Gift Expo at the NBC Exhibition Hall, May 2-4. The hours of the show are Friday the 2nd 5-10pm, Saturday the 3rd 10am-9pm and Sunday the 4th 10am-5pm. We will be in booth #316, which is near the waikiki entrance of the exhibition hall.
We have sent in our application to the Made in Hawai'i show for August. Information will be announced as soon as we have it.
I think that's it for now. Thank you to all of you for your words of support and understanding. Its been pretty crazy and in the process of closing the store, I've met many people who have been opening their doors to me and berry sweet bath & body. It's very true when they say when one door closes, another opens!
I hope to see you at the either the Waialae Fun Day this Saturday or during the first weekend in May! Take care!
carri
