I'm seeing pink and brown polka dots everywhere- clothes, bedding, stationary. Could it be that soon I'll have to redo my entire website b/c pink and chocolate brown will be "so ___ years ago?" Which got me thinking.... when did I develop my store's logo and signature colors? More than three years ago when I was in the planning stages of my new store. Which means that my store has been open for almost THREE YEARS. Holy crap.
Three years doesn't seem like a long time, but to a small business owner it can feel like an eternity. When planning a new business venture the "90% of businesses fail in the first year" statistic is bludgeoned into your brain with every book, website and document that you read. You constantly hear variations of "Don't expect to make a living for the first few years. And don't expect to see your family either." And then when people hear that your business idea is to sell. sock. yarn. Well, you're looked at like you have just jumped off the crazy train. I know that look well. "You sell sock yarn? Can't you just buy socks at Walmart?" Yes, they do sell socks there. But they don't sell meditation, relaxation, purpose, control, and a sense of belonging. All of which a good knitting project can give you.
I'm just so thankful that my crazy idea turned into what it is today- a viable business that allows me to work with what I love and spend time with my family. It wasn't easy to do. Until I was 7-months pregnant with James I worked 90 hour weeks and had other jobs. 60 hours felt like a vacation! I actually packed boxes the day before I was induced to have my son. And while my days certainly aren't easy by any definition of the word, they are rewarding, flexible and interesting.
I'm looking forward to celebrating the third anniversary of Simply Socks Yarn Company in just a few short weeks. Lorna's Laces is helping me celebrate by dyeing up this very special colorway, which will be available at the beginning of June (isn't it cool?!). And while I won't have it in stock all the time, I do hope to get it back in a few times a year.
As I look back on the last few years and forward to the future, I have so many Thank You's to give out to all of you. Knitters have given me a livelihood, a way to help support my family, and a purpose.
I don't know you, yet I am so proud of you. I am a stay at home Mom and will probably have to go back to work in the fall, maybe sooner. It's killing me to have to leave my son. I have been wracking my brains trying to come up with an "at home career" so that I can be here for him. I'm not having much luck, but I'm not giving up hope. Thanks for setting a great example!
Posted by: P-la | May 14, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Congratulations on 3 years! I am so happy I found you and your web shop. You offer the best yarn! Best Wishes for many more years! SusanB
Posted by: | May 14, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Congratulations on your shop, it is beautiful and you are the best. Answering questions aasp, some times in minutes, your little teasers are adorable and I knit all of them, maybe will make something special out of them. I discovered you through Knitters review and look daily your store to see the new things and droll over the ones I have in mind to buy. It would be nice to have a wish list to send to family and friends when they ask you what do you want for birthdays or holidays. Best wishes and many more years of Simply socks. Love the anniversary yarn.
Posted by: charito | May 14, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Shoot! I'm due to deliver in early June, but I love love love that colorway, and Lorna's Laces is my favorite sock yarn.
Now, I'm happy for you, and excited for this baby, but depressed about missing that yarn.
Anyway to order it early?
Posted by: Jennifer | May 14, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Very pretty! Was it Fleece Artist last time? I know I have it marinating in my stash.
Posted by: Leah | May 14, 2008 at 10:44 PM
I think it was Cherry Tree Hill last time - I too have some marinating in my stash. I am beginning to get my stash a bit more organized. I personally am a big fan of pink & brown together (also pale blue & brown). My daughter likes it too & the baby seems to like pink a lot (when we took the grands to Build A Bear she chose the pink cheetah) so she wears lots of pink & brown clothes (& shoes). I also love Lorna's Laces - interesting that 2 of my favorite yarns are Chicago area companies - Dream In Color & LL - nice that my yarn $ are going to the local economy! I will be back from vacation just in time to order some of that gorgeous yarn. It is incredibly gorgeous - I've promised my daughter I'll knit some tights for the baby for next winter so I may have to order 2 or 3 skeins!
Posted by: Donna | May 14, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Love the yarn and have the other 2 -so I must buy this one too. COngrats on 3 years. I enjoy your store and blog. The clubs have also been super. The yarn is so different each time. Keep up the great work. Jan
Posted by: Jan | May 15, 2008 at 10:09 AM
THANK YOU for your wonderful store and entertaining blog. I read it daily even when I am trying not to fall off the wagon after my latest yarn splurge, just to drool over additions to your inventory and to keep up with the latest news about James. (He's growing up so fast!) I also appreciate your timely responses to my emails. With your never-ending patient hand-holding, I've become a more competent knitter. (It's amazing how much skill one acquires just by knitting a sock.) Best wishes on SSYC's anniversary. I look forward to many future transactions!
Posted by: Susan S | May 15, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Congratulations on your first 3 years in business and many, many more. You make life a little brighter for so many people.
Posted by: Nancy | May 16, 2008 at 12:32 PM