In 2016, I was working in the corporate office of a retailer, as I had been doing for years. But in the back of my mind, a persistent voice told me my childhood dream could become a reality. I wanted to open my own antiques & decor shop, and God gave me the courage to just start. Start on nights, start on weekends.
I worked long hours at my corporate job and eagerly spent my evenings and weekends working hard on ACA. After 2 years, I took the leap and decided to quit my job and focus on my shop. I continued to grow my business with a newborn at home, who is now a (very) busy toddler. My work days and hours are unconventional. I pack boxes well into the night after my son is asleep; I style photos while my son is playing next to me - and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My shop has been my lifelong dream and passion realized. I couldn’t be more grateful for each and every one of you on this journey. Owning a small business is rewarding, hard work, fulfilling- and my customers are always #1.
There are truly no shortcuts or instruction manuals in small business ownership - it takes hard work, passion, dedication and time. I always wanted to be a first rate version of myself, not a second rate version of someone else. I saw the value in putting in the work, no matter how long it took to achieve my goals. Were there faster ways to get ahead? Sure. But I held true to my personal value system, my guiding compass along the way. These are still the cornerstones of my business today.
I’m showing you my picture and giving you a little insight into my journey, because a small business is really a person with a heart and a love for what they do. We aren’t big corporations with distribution centers, warehouses and Prime shipping. Most of us are a team of 1 (with some family members who are ready to help).
But what we do have is a passion for something that we believe in; a desire to connect with others who are enthusiastic about what gets us going, too. When you shop small, every purchase makes a difference to a family. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Let’s get out there and support small business owners. I can tell you personally, it means the world. 💙
All my best,
Sarah
Owner & Sole Employee of Affordably Chic Art
