Two years ago we decided to expand our internet company and open a retail store. One of my personal dreams when we came to live in the USA was to bring over the business that my grandfather had started as a immigrant in 1918 and for me ( as a immigrant too) was to continue his legacy and have it on a third continent.- that being the USA. So, first we started doing shows, getting our name out there and then went into opening a website www.accessoriesofold.com. The next obvious step to me was to open up a brick and mortar store where we could have the stock out for everyone to appreciate it up,close and be able to touch it. ( as touch is a major part of creativity)
It has been two years now and our lease has come to an end. I have decided not to renew it and to close down our store and move back to only being internet based and to continue with shows.
I could put it down to the economy and bad timing..who knows.
What I do know is this.. I loved each and every moment of setting it up.
I do know that it was well worth meeting all the wonderful and creative people who came into the shop and then come back always bringing friends from out of town and using us as one of their first tourist spots in Bethesda... And then not to forget those who flew from all over the USA to see for themselves all our wares.
Someone I know always says the following " life is a series of mistakes you just have to be brave enough to make some of them."
I believe this. Not to say opening was a mistake. It certainly was not.
It was on my bucket list and I have done it. Now it is time to move on and continue with other experiences. My shop is definitely one of inspirations if not the main inspiration for me starting a blog, starting our sister company www.tjomievintagestationery.com and for building onto our existing business www.accessoriesofold.com
So, for all of you that are local out there and can drive to Bethesda keep checking on my blog as we are going to be having some clearances up to when we close ( end August)
Everyone else do not fear you will still find whatever we have in our shop on line at www.accessoriesofold.com and if you need you can email me and we can set up a private viewing of stock in our warehouse facilities for wholesale.