New Year ~ A New Bella

Over the holiday I made some major decisions to change some of the things I felt were not working for me, one of which was my brick and mortar store, located in Bentonville, Arkansas. It was a difficult decision because I had put so much work into it, but I was just not happy with how things were going. As beautiful as the shop was, I realized many things during the process, one of which was that this was not something I think I really wanted to do in the first place. 

The location was not suitable at all, as beautiful as the little house was, I am just not sure that particular area is conducive to business. And honestly, it just wan't a good fit for me. The other thing I realized was that the shop was in no way what I originally had envisioned once I embarked on this journey. I spent most of my time promoting other artists, never myself, trying to help other's careers, instead of my own and while this may seem like the kind thing to do, it certainly wasn't the smart thing to do - especially when I am trying to get my own independent design career off the ground. I also realized I actually was not creating anything (except spreadsheets, inventory sheets and promos for other artists.)  I was not doing any art, and I wasn't focused on what I actually wanted to do, nor was I happy. It just wasn't working, period. 

I decided going forward into this year, I would focus on my art, my designs and my career. Looking back at the last year, it was a little disheartening to realize all I really created was a monstrous headache for myself. But, I can't change anything that was done, I can only move forward and that is what I am going to do.

This month, I have actually spent majority of my time disassembling the shop. At first I was heart broken because it was so beautiful, but the relief actually began to outweigh the feelings of sadness. Feeling that relief was complete validation for me that I was doing the right thing. I also realized, I can create the same beauty anywhere I go, because I have the talent and a talent I should be utilizing more. 

I plan on moving back into doing more graphic design this upcoming year, focusing more on my photography, fine art, hopefully get back into my sculpting, and yes, I will still design accessory pretties. I will also move back into wholesale and hopefully expand into to other boutiques. BTW - I was pretty excited this month when I actually had my first international wholesale order. 

I have many things I want to do in the future, and I honestly felt very limited with having the physical shop. I am very grateful for my local customers who did come in to see me, but just know, this is bringing me happiness and not sadness to close the shop. I feel free for the first time in a while. I also want to thank the vendors who brought their items into the shop, I did my very best to promote you guys, but I do feel it is time to focus on my work. I made a lot of great friends along the way, and for that I am most grateful!

I hope that some of you local guys and gals continue to follow and support me. It is nice to have that local connection, but I am also very grateful for my international fans and want to thank all of you for hanging around while I was creating very little. I hope to change that. You guys have been faithful to me, I hope to make it up to you all soon with lots of new art and designs.

X0X0 ~ Cynthia