tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post6107642463990175839..comments2024-03-28T23:01:55.131-04:00Comments on my edit.: Year Onemyedithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09317940164786731720noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-74802050234658987592015-01-08T10:32:45.613-05:002015-01-08T10:32:45.613-05:00Oh, Yen, I loved this so much! Thank you for being...Oh, Yen, I loved this so much! Thank you for being so honest. Even though our businesses are quite different, I share many of the same stresses, doubts, and anxieties. I'm 5 years in and there are still many days that I question what the heck I'm doing and whether the hard work is worth it. It's usually a shift in goals or putting a new plan in action that gets me out of those funks. Posts like these help too. It's really comforting to know you're not alone. Keep doing what you're doing. Ottawa St. is growing exponentially these days and your business will grow right along with it! All the best in 2015! xoErinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13470075833495586108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-73210480164328832052014-12-29T12:40:12.827-05:002014-12-29T12:40:12.827-05:00Just wanted to also say how much I've loved re...Just wanted to also say how much I've loved reading your blog all these years (and now, the instant gratification of Instagram). I'm proud of you too, which sounds weird to say when you don't know someone, though following your blog and shop makes me feel a bit like I do, you know? Best wishes to you in 2015. You have the eye, it will work out!@shoppherhttp://www.twitter.com/shopphernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-46718608818760839562014-12-10T22:22:01.727-05:002014-12-10T22:22:01.727-05:00I hope you're proud of yourself, Yen - I'm...I hope you're proud of yourself, Yen - I'm certainly proud of you. Checking your blog is a part of my daily routine. I love your style, and I love your shop! I live many hundreds of miles away but hope to visit it someday. You were courageous to take a chance, and I really admire that. Wishing you all kinds of success, fun, and fulfillment with your shop. Think of how much you now know about running a business that you didn't know a year ago!gleepshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17641091916619991432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-30408549215344619032014-12-10T13:01:32.699-05:002014-12-10T13:01:32.699-05:00...sending you a mental hug!!!...sending you a mental hug!!!g.r. monterohttp://madliongallery.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-15779301283573864592014-12-10T11:09:11.170-05:002014-12-10T11:09:11.170-05:00Retail IS a beast, and at the same time it's e...Retail IS a beast, and at the same time it's entirely personal so it becomes YOUR beast. So don't feel guilty for saying that it's really, really hard; it'd be untrue and also unfair to yourself to say otherwise.<br /><br />Don't doubt yourself and your vision. The first year is really the hardest!!Larahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09207159819619245794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-64634568579095760532014-12-10T09:43:19.745-05:002014-12-10T09:43:19.745-05:00I can't imagine opening a shop since im a wimp...I can't imagine opening a shop since im a wimp with no vision, but you on the other hand live and breathe this and I can't imagine having to go through the slow times and not get paid at some points, but again, you're a tough bitch with really the greatest style and strong eye for cute shit no one else sees dirty hanging up in the thrift store. I can't believe it's been a year already since you opened though!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12366553127913722908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-32930283253146672282014-12-10T03:36:26.478-05:002014-12-10T03:36:26.478-05:00loved this post! my parents owned a small store fo...loved this post! my parents owned a small store for years and i had to go in on the weekends or holidays so i understand the whole small business mindset. it IS hard. i adore your ambition and hard work for chasing your dreams! i love your little shop on insta!Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04500824333653482953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-13570241911611633882014-12-10T02:05:41.887-05:002014-12-10T02:05:41.887-05:00I've been a nurse for 37 years. I dabbled in I...I've been a nurse for 37 years. I dabbled in Interior Design for a few months which paid commissions only. Hard work either way. Kudos to you for gutting it out! Your little shop brings us joy and makes the heart skip! <3Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11604901798335643119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-67938333244961614772014-12-09T15:48:41.201-05:002014-12-09T15:48:41.201-05:00You are a treasure, Yen. An artist is never paid w...You are a treasure, Yen. An artist is never paid what he/she is worth. But our world is so much the richer all the same. For what it is worth, I plug your little shop and blog at random places. Even my bariatric consultant at the weight loss clinic (How's that for brutal honesty from a fatty, huh?) or my rellies from abroad. Em's MumAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-77714479671375664482014-12-08T20:08:48.334-05:002014-12-08T20:08:48.334-05:00Hugs coming your way. I love that you followed you...Hugs coming your way. I love that you followed your dream and are using your talents. I've had a rough and busy year, but I plan on making the trek to Hamilton one day in the new year to visit your shop. Onward girl!Grace @ Sense and Simplicityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14185222544452668586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-39711389361168964392014-12-08T19:02:00.115-05:002014-12-08T19:02:00.115-05:00You have summed up what it is to own your own busi...You have summed up what it is to own your own business perfectly. Any success or failure is seen as reflection on yourself. And the low parts are hard to get through, but then as another reader pointed out, the high points are supreme. <br /><br />As a previous business owner I understand your struggles. You're doing everything right...now you just need lots of vintage loving Hamiltonians ( and maybe more people from the GTA...do you advertise in TO?) coming out to your store and spending some big $. <br /><br />I wish for you nothing but success. <br /><br />bisous<br />SuzanneSuzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03891315017218863243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-6469539942832806462014-12-08T18:47:53.767-05:002014-12-08T18:47:53.767-05:00I love your blog, your way with words and your fan...I love your blog, your way with words and your fantastic sense of style. If I ever make it to Hamilton, I am heading straight to The Edit! Best of luck with your retail journey.AlineBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-42945721106272400362014-12-08T16:50:48.119-05:002014-12-08T16:50:48.119-05:00Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings! ...Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings! When I stare at my ceiling at 3am wondering 'what I'm even doing with my life' I feel very alone.. it's nice to know I'm not.'<br />So Congratulations, Yen! I wish you happiness and growth in the coming months and years. YOU DESERVE IT!<br />Heather Wyancko<br />http://thriftstories.meAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15909476381476186712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-73174438427424373772014-12-08T15:38:39.972-05:002014-12-08T15:38:39.972-05:00Thank you for the honest post. And while I do not ...Thank you for the honest post. And while I do not own a small business, I am extremely invested in what I do and I take every win and every failure personally. It can be extremely hard when things are not working. For me, it spills in every aspect of my life outside of work. <br />But the high, they are pretty freaking awesome!<br />I'll keep shopping on your etsy or instagram sale as long as you keep have the most awesome vintage items. I don't see that stopping anytime soon.Lab geekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13293161378833491635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-10741912437814217872014-12-08T15:11:10.899-05:002014-12-08T15:11:10.899-05:00Ooo, I like what you said about the business being...Ooo, I like what you said about the business being tied so closely to your own self - that's exactly how I feel! I do custom sewing/costume work on the side, so I don't have to rely on it for my main income, but it's tough to experience how much your business = yourself. Best of luck, many happy days for your second year - and beyond!Birgittehttp://www.indigorchid.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-8199714754458135742014-12-08T14:49:03.464-05:002014-12-08T14:49:03.464-05:00Girl, you're admirable. And you do have a grea...Girl, you're admirable. And you do have a great eye. I should totally wear more sequins and crinolines to work. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-24684292881949841232014-12-08T14:40:55.666-05:002014-12-08T14:40:55.666-05:00I was going to say almost the same thing as Jill! ...I was going to say almost the same thing as Jill! I'll just add that I admire your bravery and forthrightness, along with your amazing fashion sense.<br /><br />We are all pulling for you!Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05918800664756853993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-36536071167441783902014-12-08T13:48:40.477-05:002014-12-08T13:48:40.477-05:00For what it's worth, you are such an inspirati...For what it's worth, you are such an inspiration. Your shop is beautiful (though I've never been and live so far away I don't even think it's a possibility) and I've always admired your stellar sense of what works for vintage and what doesn't. And being honest about the challenges of owning a small business isn't whiny at all! It's informative and helpful and inspiring, but it's NOT whiny. I'd love to hear more about what you do. Keep on keeping on! Jillhttp://www.looksandbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-36769127718887506542014-12-08T13:21:56.760-05:002014-12-08T13:21:56.760-05:00I'm so glad you did this post. My husband and ...I'm so glad you did this post. My husband and I've discussed me opening a little store when the kids are all in school. It's great hearing the perspectives of entrepreneurs in the trenches! I don't know how successful vintage would be in Alaska though and that's where my passion lies. We'll see.The Suburb Experimenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01758238506542199320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-51297770488492939492014-12-08T13:17:03.965-05:002014-12-08T13:17:03.965-05:00I love the honesty. BUt remember you get to wear a...I love the honesty. BUt remember you get to wear a crinoline any day that you want to. <br /><br />(I needed to read this. I need to follow a dream or two of my own before I become a Lifetime Movie character)<br /><br />I wish I could surprise and visit you! GFShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16782985585288418099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-59492823972635315142014-12-08T12:46:03.311-05:002014-12-08T12:46:03.311-05:00Anon- you are so sweet! And I appreciate all the s...Anon- you are so sweet! And I appreciate all the support I get and I am so flattered people chose to spend their extra money on vintage from my shop. I think one of the biggest things over time is just that I develop a thicker skin to riding out the slow times. That is probably the biggest difference between a newbie shop owner and an experienced one, they can handle the slow times knowing it will turn around while newbie owners get caught up in serious self doubt. <br />But again, thanks always for your support. You make that yellow coat look👌!myedithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09317940164786731720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4408718927772235297.post-85522641863432556112014-12-08T12:41:32.642-05:002014-12-08T12:41:32.642-05:00This is the first time I comment, but I have been ...This is the first time I comment, but I have been reading your blog for a long time and I have been shopping at your shop.<br />Since I bought that yellow coat I have been coming in whenever I had money to spent on me or others - and I have wanted to buy at least half of what you put up on instagram. Don't let the slow times make you feel down - those are just the times when your customers/fans of the shop do not have any money to spent. But they still would like to! And they will come running the minute they do :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com