First and foremost, I want to wish everyone a very happy (and slightly belated) New Year! I am very excited for everything 2022 is going to bring and have been reflecting on 2021. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all my customers!!
But let’s start in 2020.
If you ask any small business owner, it was a tough year. This also rings true for Grace and Charm, as I thrive off traveling for shows, interacting with my customers, and helping them find the perfect accessory. COVID cancelled a lot of travel plans so I focused more on local events, building social media (at least I tried) and decided I wasn't going to give up. As I look back at that year of my life - almost two years later - I realize COVID did have a positive impact on both my personal life and Grace and Charm.
Personally, it allowed me to spend more time with my three children Olivia-Grace, Elliott, and Holden. I was able to teach Olivia parts of the business as she worked alongside me at several events. Those three got a better understanding and appreciation for what "Momma" does, and I discovered all of their talents and new interests.
As 2021 came, I was super excited to get back to work and get out of the house. I was still going to local events, but I was finally able to travel again! Some of the bigger events included Vintage Market Days in Austin, Frontier Days in Wyoming (which turned out to be my best year ever, setting new record numbers) and A Christmas Affair at the Palmer Event Center in Austin.
One of my most exciting travel ventures this past year was a two-week cross country trip with my husband; we travelled from Texas for multiple stops in Wyoming, then on to Nashville. It was a ton of fun and we definitely made up for lost travel time in 2020.
Aside from all the traveling and shows, I was also able to branch out into two permanent retail store locations! In February 2021, I opened my space at Painted Tree Boutiques in North Richland Hills, Fort Worth, Texas. Then in July, I opened another space at Painted Tree Boutiques Cinco Ranch in Katy, Texas.
Grace and Charm's product line also expanded. The military jacket trend took off and I was able to expand this line from the 10 in 2019 to 50 in 2021. I added so many other products to the collection like clothes and the boho-style suede hats that everyone adores! I also meet so many new artists that discovered their talents during COVID and am able to provide support by featuring their products (handmade candles, pottery and prints).
As 2022 is beginning, I have so many fun events, additions to the collections, and news to come. 2022 is definitely looking bright, and I can't wait to see where it takes Grace and Charm!
With so much love,
Rebecca
