I think we should start at the very beginning.
Clearly from the very start of my life, I have had a crafty side. Even if it made very little sense, I am sure I was having a fabulous time painting those raisins at the tender age of 3.
Fast forward to my college years. I had always been interested in the arts in one form or another my entire life, but I never once considered that it could become a career for me. In college I struggled to find a degree path that really fit me. And I refused to just settle for something that I knew I would get bored with. I was frustrated by the entire process and had no idea what to do with my life. Going through the motions of college courses was getting tiresome when I had no idea what the end result would be.
Enter the blog world. Several years ago I was introduced to a number of blogs that I still read today. One of those was A Beautiful Mess. I just devoured every single post Elsie wrote and was completely amazed at her story. Doing what you love and making a living at it was kind of a new concept to me. Something in my heart just opened up and it was the most exciting and terrifying moment. I knew that I needed to carve my own path out to success and true happiness.
Update: For several years I ran a couple of online stores via Etsy and really enjoyed exploring the online business world. However, I began to realize that I was much more suited for a "storefront" kind of atmosphere. My dreams of owning my own store one day became a conscious decision to do what is best for me and Apple Blue. So now all of my free time is devoted to working out a solid business plan and model for an actual brick-and-mortar location. The Apple Blue store will be a handmade boutique with vintage flair, creating a warm atmosphere of nostalgia and creativity as I make it my personal mission to support the handmade community by selling the wares of some of the worlds most talented artisans. I also hope that it will be a place where the handmade community can come to learn, dream and be encouraged in their ambitions.
This blog is such an important part of the future for Apple Blue. I rely so much on your kindness, support and encouraging words. I read every single comment and reply to every single email, so please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments or suggestions.
I am so looking forward to the next year and I am determined to push harder than ever to reach the goals I have for my business and this blog.
Some of the things I absolutely adore:
Thrifting for clothes, sewing, decorating, baking, browsing through fashion magazines, cold weather, living in Colorado, my family, laughing and making other people laugh, writing, taking random pictures, bookbinding, British sitcoms, music that inspires me, lavender lemonade and Asian food.
Oh and of course,
ALL OF YOU!
