Closing a chapter is never easy, especially when it involves letting go of something you’ve poured your heart and soul into for years. For me, that chapter was Jewels and Jems Furniture Redesigns, our beloved brick-and-mortar store. As the lease expiration loomed, and with summer approaching, I found myself grappling with a decision that had been months in the making. It was a bittersweet day when I finally moved the last box out and handed over the keys to our landlord.
Reflecting on a Journey
Operating a brick-and-mortar store was never in my original plan, but it became a whirlwind journey of learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences. Over four years, I learned firsthand the realities of being a business owner—you never truly clock out, and the challenges and rewards are intertwined in ways you can’t predict.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize how much I’ve gained: invaluable lessons, connections with incredible people, and memories that will stay with me forever. But as summer arrived and projects approached completion, it felt like the right moment to step back and reassess.
Adapting to Change
Transitioning to working from our home studio has been both liberating and challenging. Initially hesitant to unpack, I found solace in the process of organizing and decluttering—a cathartic experience that brought a sense of manageability to our lives. With constant demands of family life, including my son’s activities, an acreage and all of our pets, working from home offers a newfound flexibility and closeness that a storefront couldn’t provide.
Adapting to a new workspace has its own pace. In the midst of unpacking years’ worth of memories from the store, I’m slowly finding my rhythm. Summer offers the luxury of time—no pressing deadlines or projects demanding immediate attention. It’s a welcome change from the perpetual motion of retail.
Of course, my passion for design and creativity remains unwavering, albeit on a temporary pause. A recent back injury during the move served as a stark reminder to slow down. Refinishing furniture takes its toll physically, prompting me to pivot towards a digital creative business model. This shift allows me to work remotely, setting my own hours without the constraints of traditional store operations.
Endings Signify Beginnings
As I embark on this new path, I’m drawn to support fellow female entrepreneurs facing similar challenges. My experiences as a solopreneur have equipped me with insights and empathy, fueling my desire to help others streamline and grow their businesses. Transitioning from physical to digital, I aim to empower women to embrace flexibility and creativity in their own entrepreneurial journeys.
While the future holds uncertainties, I’m optimistic about the opportunities ahead. Embracing change, whether it’s letting go of a storefront or navigating new business avenues, is part of the entrepreneurial adventure. As I settle into this new chapter, I’m reminded that endings signify beginnings—the start of something different, perhaps unexpected, but always filled with promise.
Closing Jewels and Jems Furniture Redesigns as a brick-and-mortar store marks the end of an era, but it’s not the end of the story. It’s a continuation—a chance to redefine success, prioritize well-being, and continue pursuing my passion in ways that put life before business.
