The Good-Bad News
I’m going to be honest, right off the bat. I’ve got some mixed emotions about the news I’m going to tell you. It’s both good and bad. Mostly good, because I believe it’s all woven into God’s beautiful tapestry.
I guess it’s more sad than bad, a letting-go of sorts. It’s good-sad news. Like finding out your best friend just landed her dream job, but it’s across the country. Good slash sad. Thrilled with a dash of anxiety. This is happy and nerve-racking news.
Next week marks the third year of business for Alex Fly Designs. It has brought me so much joy and has grown into this misfit, wonderful thing I never saw coming. I have loved selling jewelry and prints and Scripture-driven products, but I have also felt unsettled and stretched and a little out-of-place. What once brought me peace is now making me feel like maybe I don't belong anymore-- like walking the halls of high school after you've graduated.
So here’s the news: after this Christmas season, I will be taking down most of my product offerings in the online shop.
I don’t know if this is a forever-kind-of-thing. It might be; it might not be. But I’m tentatively stepping out on this wobbly branch and hoping there’s a secret trampoline under my tree, just in case.
Are you ready for the good news, the kind of news that makes me breathe a little deeper and release all kinds of nervous energy on my kind, patient husband? My business will continue transitioning to a focus on words and a focus on weddings.
I will have more time to write, to meet you in your inboxes with my weird ramblings and stories, more time to work on some pet writing projects I have up my sleeve. I will also have more time to focus on my wedding clients in their paper goods, signage, and calligraphy. I will still take on a few commissions for custom artwork each month, but it will be a bit more methodical, and I will be able to dedicate the much-needed time required for each custom piece.
The people-pleaser in me wants to take on every single thing that comes my way, but I’m learning that’s not necessarily in anyone’s best interest. I want to serve you guys in the best possible way, and for me—that’s at a slower pace with a narrower focus.
This transition has been a long-time coming, like a train you can see approaching from miles away. I knew I would eventually have to step on board, after last calls and blown whistles and an impatient nudge from the conductor (As a side note: I am imagining the train to be the Hogwarts Express, of course).
So here I am, stepping out in faith and fear and everything in-between. I have loved creating these products and prints full of meaning, and I hope you have gained a little inspiration along the way, too.
But it ain’t over ‘til it’s over… so happy shopping until December 31st!
I’ll meet you at Platform 9 ¾.