Feb

15

2011

Love and Hope

About our business  Posted by / 7 comments

I recently did this little doodle of my dog Hope’s heart in the sketchbook I was assigned for the Sketchbook Project. The doodle was inspired by the Grinch who after learning Whoos in Whoville’s goodness was real and true his heart can not help but grow.

Hope Sketchbook

Our experience with Hope has been similar… She is an adorable but very weird Jack Russell mix who roared into our lives two years ago after another family had given up on her. I took one look into her eyes and had hope for who she she could be. This little dog- who even bit me once out of fear- allowed her heart to grow so big that even she must be surprised to find herself waking up on a pillow in between 2 humans and a dog brother (Spot Fiori) who love her. That’s what love & hope can do!

I have looked at this sketch again and again since the beginning of this month and am seeing more and more in it… Thanks to the kind endorsement of my mentor, Martha Stewart, and the magic aligning of the stars and planets, February 1st was the day for me that my very small business grew “three sizes that day”.

 

The owls said they 'had a feeling' about this one

I thought I was prepared but by the time I walked off Martha’s set, gathered my things and walked out into the snow and sleet, I had 52 orders in my inbox. OMG (panic, excitement)! I basically drove home and got right down to business!

 

ME and bottles... Ordering MORE bottles!

With LOTS of help from my family and friends turned customer service employees and business and packaging managers we are shipping out bottle kits as fast as our vendors can get us the supplies. We are having meetings, making phone calls, hiring people and forming partnerships I had always hoped for… Its amazing!

Dad thought he was retired but is now director of packaging!

My husband Keith... "You are going to need more bottles, a LOT more!

Mom is amazed!

I have been a small business owner for many years. It hasn’t always been easy- I have fumbled, lost money, doubted, almost quit, and spend many sleepless nights staring at the ceiling. Every year at tax time my accountant would ask me ‘why don’t you just go get a 9 to 5 job and have an easier life and normal schedule?’ I guess the answer is because I always had that little heart sketch in my head… and hope for my idea- the “sweet” business that was inspired by love. I know there will be more challenges and sleepless nights to come but I’ll still hold on to hope that that little heart that can still grow and grow and grow…. So thank you for your patience as we grow. Your kind words and ongoing support mean the world to me. Hope you had an amazing love day! xoxo

Hope and the sketchbook