hi there. i can't believe it's almost July! wow. that's a huge reality check for me. so much to do this summer. eek! do you have big plans? we sure do.
well, it's time for good news & bad news... i have a lot to share! i've been putting it off for a few weeks now because, well, it makes me sad (this first part)...
I had previously shared that my wonderful pal LA was planning to join our team here in MIssouri in Autumn. I was over-the-moon excited about this and so was she! We make a great team and everything seemed to be falling into place until major complications with the immigration process arose (she's Canadian and was trying to get permits to live and work here in Missouri with us). The whole process was a hundred times more complicated than we expected. Sadly, after much research, we determined that it's not practical for her to move here in the timeframe that we originally planned, which was only a few months away. We were heartbroken and I couldn't even talk about it at first! We're at peace with the decision now. We will continue to collaborate long distance and she will visit for special RVA projects in the future. We love her very very much! *sigh*
our story, fortunately, doesn't end there. it's one of the most magical parts of life that when something bad happens, it's sometimes immediately followed by something amazing. i'm happy to say, that's how this story goes...
a few days later i was still trying to decide how to handle the whole situation. without a full time employee it would be pretty much impossible for Red Velvet to reach it's full potential this year. i was a little stressed, to put it mildly. ok.. i was freaking out.
now, a little background to our story.... for the past three years i've been constantly tempting my sister with offers, ideas and business proposals. i've tried everything to talk her into moving home and nothing has ever worked! she always told me, "i love you, but absolutely not." so i literally had no hope of her ever working with us again, at least not locally/in person. when i told her about the above situation with LA's immigration not working out, she was bummed for me, of course. we started talking about her opening a bakery to match my boutique (in the same retail space) and she seemed a little bit more interested than usual, but i had no expectations. it was a fun conversation though, because i've dreamed of having baked goods of some sort (along with bubble tea and other sweets) in my business, but i know it would be impossible for me to execute on my own. i mean, i'm only one person and we have SO many ideas and dreams.
anyway... to sum it up, she called me a few days later and let me know that she had decided to move home to Missouri and open her business with mine!!! this was probably the happiest moment of my life... i really can't think of anything else that compares. every day since then (a few weeks now) it's the first thing i think of when i wake up and the last thing before i fall asleep. i can't believe this is really happening! it's a dream come true!!!! in this day and age families running businesses together is so uncommon. i love that and i am so excited to have the opportunity to work with my sister (and little brother now too!). we have such a beautiful dream together! Rachel, Leigh-Ann, Holly, Jeremy and everyone else involved with RV is SO happy and excited about a new season we have ahead of us! we're thrilled...
thanks for listening! elsie
yay!
i'm so happy for y'all.
can't wait to see the beautiful things y'all come up with!
-Mandi
Posted by: Mandi Cockroft | June 30, 2010 at 12:30 PM
I'm so happy it's all settled for you now!! Sad LA won't be joining you, but working side by side with your sister will be wonderful. My sister and I worked together for a year and it made us so close. Best of luck for RVA this year!
xo chelsea
Posted by: Chelsea | June 30, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Oh Elsie! I am so excited and so happy for you! Yay God for just working things out the way they are supposed to. Hugs!
Posted by: Michellene Fryson | June 30, 2010 at 12:31 PM
I am SO happy for you! You're so amazing, it's hard to imagine your biz can get any better. Congrats! -e
Posted by: emily b. | June 30, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Congratulations! It sounds like a fun + creative venture. It's great when your "work" is something you love!
Posted by: Missy | June 30, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Congrats!
Posted by: Erica B. | June 30, 2010 at 12:31 PM
OMG - first I am so sorry about LA not moving to Springfield. I know both of you were really excited about it. But everything happens for a reason and maybe that reason was this...
So ecstatic that Emma is moving back and you guys will fulfill some exciting dreams and hopes. You all are amazingly driven people and I am excited to know of the whole process. Best Wishes to future endeavors!!
Posted by: Kimi | June 30, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Sorry to hear about LA, but so happy that you and Emma will be joining forces and achieving business dreams together! It sounds wonderful and makes me wish that I had a sister :)
Posted by: Caiti | June 30, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Sad to hear about L.A. but I'm sure it will work out soon & congrats on your sister moving back & the new business venture! xo
Posted by: Liz | June 30, 2010 at 12:33 PM
Wonderful! Best of luck to all of you!
Posted by: Maggie | June 30, 2010 at 12:34 PM
Oh how exciting!! I'm tearing up for you - it is obvious how close you are with your sister so this must just be the most amazing feeling! :) I'm sorry to hear about Leigh-Ann though. :( Hopefully as time passes you can work something out. Can't wait to see your new family business come together! And I wish I lived closer so I could check it out in person. :)
Posted by: Mandy Ford | June 30, 2010 at 12:34 PM
oh no -- that is a big bummer with LA. this just wasn't the right time, but i'm sure the right time will come along one day :]
and HOW FUN about your sister!!! yay.
Posted by: Gussy | June 30, 2010 at 12:34 PM
Sad about LA but cool about Emma! Can't wait to see the new shop! :)
Posted by: Carrie | June 30, 2010 at 12:35 PM
ahh, what a dream! to own a business with your brother and sister... that's brilliant. So happy for you! that's sad about LA, but i'm sure things will all work out. congratulations!
Posted by: kathleen | June 30, 2010 at 12:36 PM
Oh! That's fabulous! I can't imagine living half way across the country from my Sissy. So excited for you guys!
Posted by: S. Violet | June 30, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Sad LA isn't moving to the States, but having some international ties is a good thing ;) Can't wait for the updates on all the baked goods and bubble tea coming to the store!
Posted by: Kami A. | June 30, 2010 at 12:38 PM
Happy for you! I could feel your disappointment and then your excitement and joy! Best wishes with it all!
Posted by: Michelle Saunders | June 30, 2010 at 12:38 PM
Yay!! Looks like everything is going to work out ^_^
Fab!
Posted by: Desiree Fawn | June 30, 2010 at 12:39 PM
That is soo very wicked awesome! I am so happy for you and inspired that dreams really do come true! Keep on truckin girl. :)
Posted by: Marie | June 30, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Yay..how exciting! A bakery alongside all your cute products would be the perfect compliment to your store :) Congrats!
xo,
Cassie
http://moonfaceon.blogspot.com
Posted by: Cassandra Marie | June 30, 2010 at 12:45 PM