Tuesday, June 29, 2010

i like you. Do What You Love



There's been a lot of changes happening in my life recently. And change can be scary sometimes. Let me explain.

I got back from a holiday in New York over a month ago. It was an amazing experience. It was a very intense experience filled with lots of highs and lows. I fell in love with the city, the excitement, the people, the art and so much more. The lows included my dog dying two days after arriving in NYC. It was hard to deal with my grief on the other side of the world.

Since being back in Melbourne I've been trying to settle back in. Don't get me wrong- I love Melbourne and I love my shop. I started my store because I was passionate about emerging local fashion designers, jewellery designers and artists and I wanted a shop to showcase their pieces. The first few years of my shop was a lot of fun. I had a lot of inspiring artists around me helping collaborate to create fun window displays, art exhibitions, costume parties, discovering amazing designers and keeping the store fresh and exciting.

I've been in Melbourne for 17 yrs. 7 years running my shop, 11 years in retail and 6 years living behind my store. Lately I don't feel so inspired. Time for change I kept thinking to myself. New experiences. So I did it. I sold my store a week after I got back from NY. Chloe, a designer I stock at the store will be taking over the shop from August 1st.

As for me? I'm moving to New York for 2 months in August. I've got apartments booked in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I never thought I would be able to do that and then the other day I thought...why not? I want to feel inspired again and move outside of my comfort zone. I'm then going travel around the US, New Zealand and Asia for 6 months.

I'm going to continue on with my design blog because l love doing it. I want to change it and concentrate more on Melbourne people creating amazing things. I have started making short 5 minute videos for the blog- interviewing artists and their studios, shopkeepers, market owners, musicians and designers doing what they love. Hearing about the person behind the art is always an interesting thing.

A Big Thank you to all my shop customers, blog readers, stockists and Mell and Doreen who have helped me run the shop.

To my shop customers in Melbourne- the new store will continue to stock lovely handmade fashion and good things. I will give you more updates of what's happening with this in the coming days. I love all my chats with my customers in the store and appreciate you all. Many of you have since become good friends.

I will be in the shop until August 1st. We are currently on SALE with Melissa Shoes, Camper Shoes, all jewellery and many of our clothing labels. Come in for a chat and a bargain! xx

[Image above via Beauty in Everything]

4 comments:

Lizzie said...

congratulations on the life changing decisions! i'm jealous as i haven't even been to new york but one day i will :)
good luck and i look forward to continuing to read your changing blog.

Catherine said...

Oh, so exciting! I hope your heart takes you to the most wonderful of places. xx Cat. Was a pleasure doing business with you :)

doreenmon said...

tina, this is the best and most honest post you've ever written post on your blog.

i can't wait til we shake it up in new york city together.

love,
d
xxx

KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKRS said...

hey tina
great post and exciting news. It must have been a hard decision. I wish I was going to NYC for two months.

all the best
chris