May 1, 2007

Elizabeth House Moving Up...Moving On...!!


Please note: I have a new blog on my Shop Talk Series. Please click on "view my profile" to access this new blog!


Have you ever wanted to do something, and you knew it was right, it was good, and even necessary...but you still felt trepidation in taking the first step? Well, I am taking a huge leap of faith and I hope you will leap with me.


Please leap with me.

I am expanding Elizabeth House! But in a manner that may not make sense, so I am going to try to explain my plans - plans I am very excited about (hence the huge grin in the photo of me with "my girls" as I like to call them).


I get emails almost everyday from people all over the country wishing they could come visit my store. I get several emails a week from people wishing I would write a book. I have stores who have contacted me, wanting to sell my Elizabeth House line of products. I have new clients that ask for my custom design work.

Well, there is only one of me (not sure if St. Louis could handle two!) and until science perfects it, I can't clone myself either. So, in order to expand my business the way I want to and in order to work on some opportunities that have come my way, I need to change the way I do retail. I am closing my retail location in St, Louis in order to expand Elizabeth House to my fullest vision.

Please trust me that there is a method to my madness! And I am truly happy with this direction that the business is taking.


My business has grown in ways that I never even imagined. In order for me to expand my private line, my baby line, and also keep up with increasing demand of my custom upholstery and bedding designs, changing how I handle the retail side of my business is just a must. This change in my business will allow me to devote more time to my custom design business and my private line of products. I will now have the time it takes to develop and grow my business.

So, how will my devoted customers continue to get the Elizabeth House signature items such as French olive oil soap, lavender soap, bun candles, sachets, lavender, baby items, Elizabeth House private line, and more? My website, http://www.elizabethhouse.us/ will have an updated e-commerce site that will allow not only my local customers, but all my new friends, via cyberspace, to purchase those items as well. I will even feature some vintage and one-of-a-kind items. This new site is due to be up and running by late June. AND.....



...I plan to do a couple of national shows around the country. If you can't come to Elizabeth House, Elizabeth House will come to you! I will virtually rebuild Elizabeth House at these shows and decorate and design it and fill it with all the goodies I find, design, and create. You couldn't keep me from creating a "store" if you wanted to! Putting a store together is what keeps my creativity alive. When I narrow down the shows I will participate in, you will be the first to know. My goal is to do one on the East Coast and one on West Coast. And a local show as well.

I have even more plans in the works, and will let you in on them as the develop. But the main plan for now is to design my business in such a manner that will provide me with quality time to work, write, and research all that is necessary for the business to take its next steps.


Owning and running a store for over four and half years has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. Never did I think that my little boutique would get such exposure. I and my store have been in over 30 magazines, several national. And now to be a contributor to Romantic Homes magazine, is a dream come true. I am very fortunate.

Owning a store is an education that no MBA could match. The daily ins and outs of running a store is a book in itself. Dealing with contractors, vendors, inventory, artists, city government, landlords, upholsters, seamstress, painters, employees, clients, delivery men, bankers, butchers, bakers and even candlestick makers is an education that would equip one to run just about any business out there. I wouldn't trade this extremely valuable experience for anything.

Out of curiosity, I tallied up the number of hours I put into my business the last four and half years and conservatively, I estimated that I worked over 15,000 hours! And that is a conservative number. I don't want to even think about how much I made an hour! Remember when I said to those of you who want to own a store? I said to ask yourself if what you want to do, would you do it for free? Because sometimes you do. Or if not free, then maybe for a mere .22 cents an hour at times. You truly have to love what you do to put up with all that goes into owning a store.

As I stated earlier, there is a method to my madness. My dear friend, prior employee, and owner of http://www.secretleaves.com/, Sharon, has been very generous with her validating comments since becoming a business owner herself. Sharon worked for me for over three years and she watched me and my "madness" daily. She has heard of all my lofty goals, dreams and plans. She has seen me work, design, and create. I've known for a long time that it wasn't a case of "if" I close the St. Louis location, but rather when. It is all part of the plan.

Sharon has only recently confessed to me that while working for me she often wondered to herself, "why is Elizabeth doing that?" or "Why isn't she doing this?" or "She is crazy, that won't work." And even, "She has so many irons in the fire, why does she do that?" She now tells me that she sees all of my "madness" so very clearly now. That it all makes sense to her now. She has told me that not a day goes by that something doesn't come up in her own new business that a light bulb goes off in her head and she thinks, "oh! that is why Elizabeth did it that way!" Like I said, she is generous in telling me how she now understands what I did when I did it, how I did it, and more importantly, why.

As Sharon likes to say: "I always kept my eye on the prize."

So you may be wondering, where am I going? What am I going to do? How do you get a hold of me? When is the last day the store will be open? Where will I live? Will I still write this blog? Will I move out of my apartment? Yes, I will be leaving my apartment behind too...it is only paint. I used to direct and perform in the theater while living in Europe. We would build very elaborate sets. It is a theatre tradition that on the last performance night, the cast stays behind and "strikes the set" which means to tear it down. And the very next day, we would begin building a new set for the next production. One could say that Elizabeth House is working on its next production.

At the very end of this posting, I answer a lot of the questions you may have and I will continue to keep you informed of my adventures as they unfold. Many times I have advised my cyber friends (readers) to have the courage to get out of the comfort zone. To step out. Have faith. Do what your heart tells you to do. Well...I am going to do just that. And boy, am I out of my comfort zone! Do I worry? Of course! Do I have all the answers and plans down? Impossible. Do I get stressed out and overwhelmed? Sleepless nights are common lately. But, more importantly, do I believe in myself?

Without a doubt. Not a single doubt.

Most of you know that I run marathons. I would like to use a running analogy to sum up this phase of my life: When I train for a marathon, I work out, lift weights, eat right, and run, run, run. Then, I step up to the starting line and wait for the starter gun to go off. It has been the same with Elizabeth House boutique. The last four and half years was a very intense "training program" with many challenges that expertly prepared me for much bigger things.

When something comes to an end, most people like to say, "that was a good run." That is not the case with Elizabeth House because it isn't coming to an end at all. After years of training, one could say that Elizabeth House is just now trained and ready enough to step up to the starting line, waiting for the starter gun. And once that starter gun fires, there will be no looking back. And what a run it is going to be!

Trust me. I am not going anywhere - but up. Things really will be "okay."

Thank you for letting me share this venture with you and for supporting me in all that I do. How very fortunate I am to have you all in my life. And being at the starting line with me. It is always nice to have someone cheering for you...and now I need to get ready to step up to the starting line. But first, I need to go pee....ask any runner what is the last thing she does before stepping up to the starting line? She reties her shoe laces, then she goes pee. I am so excited about all this - I may just pee in my pants. Or....maybe I will just go stand in line at the portapotty. It is going to be a long, exciting run. :-)

From my house to your house,

Elizabeth

www.elizabethhouse.us

Questions and answers:

What is the last day the store will be open? Elizabeth House's last day is May 25th I will be having huge sales up to that date. I may even have a back lot sale on the 26th. I will announce that sale, if I have one. I will post on this blog some of the larger items that will be on sale, should you store owners or store owners-wanna-be's may need something for your store. Please be patient and wait for me to get the photos up and prices ready in a few days. I won't be able to answer all emails quickly the next few days.

Can I still purchase my olive soap and candles? Yes. The website will be up and selling by late June.

What about my design consult gift certificate? All gift certificates will be honored as usual.

How will I get a hold of Elizabeth? You may reach me via website or phone, 314-644-0828.

Where will Elizabeth live and work? I am going to work out of my home and meet my clients in my home or theirs. I will have a workshop on site in which to paint and work. My location will be announced later.

Will Elizabeth still paint kitchens and furniture and faux finish walls? Yes! I intend to do a lot more painting!

Which national shows will Elizabeth be in? I will announce the schedule once finalized.

Will Elizabeth ever open another store? Yes. I hope to open another store sometime down the road.

Will Elizabeth still be in Chicago? Yes for now. There are some changes being made in the building that I am located in which may require me to find another location, but yes, there will be a Chicago location. More details later.

Is Elizabeth moving away from St. Louis? I have no immediate plans to leave the area. I love this city and feel at home here.

Will Elizabeth still travel to Europe? Yes! I hope to have more time now to do so. I will buy inventory to be sold on the website and in the shows.

Will Elizabeth still continue to write this blog and talk about owning a store and give store advice? Yes, I love writing. And if there is an interest in my sharing what I learned as a store owner, I would be happy to continue my Shop Talk series. Just let me know if you would like me to continue that series.

Will Elizabeth continue to show her design work? Yes. With this change, I anticipate even more time to devote to my design work.


59 comments:

Anonymous said...

c'est beau ! magnifique ! romantique

cathypentonatelier said...

I will be here whatever journey you take.. You are one of the most motivational people I have in my life and no matter what you do, I know you will do it well... I love the thought of you having more things on line for us little souls that live in foreign countries... Maybe you could come and do a show in our little Country... The thought of you writing a book puts the hugest smile on my face...I want to thank you again for helping me with my journey... Love ya

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you Cathy for being the first one to comment and it being so full of support. Like all important decisions, there is always an element of unknown. And friends like you make that "unknown" an adventure instead of something to fear. I am excited about my decision and it is YOU who inspire me to reach out and follow my dreams...to strike out onto a new adventure!
Love you too,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

The baby steps are over and now that you have found your legs it's time to run the race of your life. Of course, your faithful friends will continue to follow your journey and be right there cheering you on. You will never be alone and we will continue to seek inspiration from you.

Our joy will be seeing your success and your smile getting bigger every day (if possible).

When you're stressed to the limit and in the darkness of night worries creep in, remember you have many "friends" there to support you and your goals.

God bless your venture.

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

Congratulations! Your sheer excitement makes this a positive change; can't wait to follow your new success!

PAT said...

What an exciting time for you, Elizabeth! I'm looking forward to hearing all about each step of your continuing wonderful journey!

Congratulations and best wishes!

Pat
Back Porch Musings

secretleaves said...

Having been so intimately involved in your business and your life for the past four and a half years, I can say unequivocally that this is the right move. I can't WAIT for the online store--I think that is a really exciting development. And I think having more time for your design business is a smart move for you and for your clients. Not to mention more time for writing, photography and styling, which are really your great gifts. It's all good and I am glad to have been a part of it. This is so exciting! Love you,

Sharon

Anonymous said...

I am behind you 100% GF!!! You turn everything to gold!

Love,

C

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you my sweet friend. I am excited and I would have NEVER gotten this far without you - and that- we both know- is very true.

Love you too,
Love,
E

Carol Keller Bass said...

What an exciting adventure. Please take us along for the ride! I feel I live vicariously through you as you do what I have not quite found the courage to do yet. Please keep up your shop talk tutorials and other blogs. I can't wait to hear about your big sales. I may even venture up from Florida to take a peek! Much luck and blessings to you. It is wonderful to see someone use their gift to its fullest.

Lana Manis said...

I am so looking forward to all of your new endeavors! Yours is a style that is timeless, beautiful, and inspirational and you will will be welcomed with open arms wherever your passion may take you, of that I am sure. I can hardly wait to see the new online shop and I will be first in line for the book! I am now receiving Romantic Homes in the mail, thanks to your contributions to it.
Take Care & God Bless,
Lana

Abby Kerr Ink said...

Hi, Elizabeth--

As a shop owner myself, I have been an avid reader of your blog ever since you began it and an admirer of all of your creative talents. You have been and will continue to be a mentor-from-afar to me. Many blessings to you as you begin writing the next chapter of your wonderful, vivid story. I can't wait to see what's in store and please know that you have the support & well-wishes of many, many people behind you.

--Abby

maggiegracecreates said...

how exciting. for you and for all of us. I just recently found your blog and I am so excited to be able to watch as you grow in oyur life. I am so glad you are choosing to continue with the blog too. I'll be hanging around. watching and being inspired by you.

Anonymous said...

I think what you are doing is so exciting! I will continue to read your blog & see what you are up to & CAN'T WAIT to see your new website. I always wished I could shop at your store & now I will be able to. Best of luck to you!

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you for the encouraging words! If anyone wants to "come along on the ride" with these changes I am making, I am more than happy to share my adventures with you.

All of your comments will help me sleep better tonight! :-)
Elizabeth

The Paris Apartment said...

Wow Elizabeth! You always inspire me! Plus we have a of parallel lives...I'll be contributing to Romantic Homes too and will be doing trade shows starting in August. Best of luck with all your beautiful projects and i know i'll see you on the road!
Love
Claudia

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Claudia!
How nice to hear from you - you have the life that I hope to be a part of some day - a book, online store, your own line....you are an amazing woman and I am so very fortunate to have you on my side. I am here for you too!
Thank you for taking time to write me - what an honor!
Love,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Oh Elizabeth! What a fabulous post!!! I love how you relate your steps to running, just another step on the road... Can barely wait to see what you will create next! Please come to SAN FRANCISCO, I'd love to meet you in person and give you a big hug! Best of luck in your new adventure!

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Oh Ulla! That is EXACTLY what I want to do....finally get to meet you fabulous people and give you all a hug too!! I am really hoping that once I choose the markets around the country, that some of my readers will venture out to meet me. That would be so wonderful! Thank you so much for your wonderful email - it made my day...in the mean time...here is a cyber hug from me to you -( )- !!

Love,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, I've only recently corresponded with you. In the short time that I've visited your site & blog...you have proven to be a unique, styled, classic individual & designer. You inspire & motivate. You create & stimulate! I'm so happy to hear you are moving forward in a direction that you want to go in. So many times we let opportunity pass us by. Not you. I will continue to frequent your adventure here on the internet. While I'm only one of many, know you truly touch people in ways you'll never know. Good luck & good fortune to you!
D~

dahlias said...

Wow! Wow! Wow! How wonderful to see such a success story. I read the article in St. Louis at Home I believe it was last year and thought I need to visit this store! I have heard from multiple people I would love it, but just have not found the time...but I guess this is the push in the rear I needed. I have a shop on Main Street in St. Charles, which has been taking up quite a bit of time, but I will definatley make my way to Maplewood to see your store! Best of luck!

Jamie
dahlias

Anonymous said...

Wow you really did get energized on your vacation :)!! I'm very happy for you. It's so kind of you to share your good news. Living in Ohio I'm thrilled that now I'll be able to purchase Elizabeth House online. But this is about you not me...Bravo! Thank you for being such an inspiration. It's so nice hear good news.
Again thanks for sharing,
Kathy

paris parfait said...

Bravo! Felicitations! Am so pleased for you, Elizabeth. I'm sure you'll do well with your new venture(s). And I personally will be thrilled if you sell your stuff online, as I haven't been to St. Louis in years!

Anonymous said...

The world is yours girl........go and dance with it.

Love,
Sherrie

Anonymous said...

My dear Elizabeth, I am so happy, I can see that you know what you want and will accomplish anything. I feel that what you are doing is 100% the "right thing" I own a boutique myself and feel like I have not enough time to create more things because I need to physically be at the store, so at times it is just hard. You will be nothing but success!!!! congratulations and thank you for giving me hope that perhaps some day that might be the right thing for me to do too. CONGRATULATIONS and lots of positive energy and love!!!!

Chiara

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! What an exciting new chapter in the life of your wonderful business! Your sylish creativity and darling personality will continue to take you very far indeed!

It will be so fun to visit your online store. What a treat for those of us far from lovely St. Louis.

Please continue to share through your blog! Your writings are an inspiration and encouragement far beyond what words can express.

May God bless you,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, we are so thrilled and excited to see what this next chapter will bring for you. I filled Rob in on your news when I got home from work and his first words were "She's not leaving St. Louis, is she?" I'm so glad that so many others, wherever they may be, will now get to meet you and see how lucky all of us in St. Louis have been to have you here.
Thank you for touching so many of our lives in such amazing ways. There is no one like you! Love ya-
Tricia

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Elizabeth,

I would love to see what the next chapter in your life brings. I hope you consider doing some Texas shows. God bless you in all you do.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth, we are so thrilled and excited to see what this next chapter will bring for you. I filled Rob in on your news when I got home from work and his first words were "She's not leaving St. Louis, is she?" I'm so glad that so many others, wherever they may be, will now get to meet you and see how lucky all of us in St. Louis have been to have you here.
Thank you for touching so many of our lives in such amazing ways. There is no one like you! Love ya-
Tricia

Gypsy Purple said...

Oh my word...what exciting great plans you have...I for one will be cheering you on....and keep cheering......I`m glad you will keep on blogging, for I love reading your posts and your inspirations...I`m also a firm believer in leaping out...thinking big....living your dreams....and that is why I adore and relate to you so much.....all and great blessings to you.....you go girl

Anonymous said...

Dear Elizabeth
I have been an avid fan since I have been an avid fan since one of the first magazine articles.
Your design eye and fabulous style are flawless.If your heart is leading you then you cannot help but succeed. I wish you the best of luck in every endeavor you undertake and am holding my breath until you come to the west coast! My very best and heartfelt regards to you! Nicol

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello everyone! What a nice way to end my evening with so many supportive comments! I have to be honest - when I wrote my blog last night (actually in the wee hours this morning), I honestly did not know what to expect to read when I got up this morning. I think tonight, I will sleep better and that is because of you all and your generous support!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Ditto all of the wonderful comments. So excited for you!!!! Please continue your wonderful blog and consider coming to Texas for one of your shows! I plan on making my husband bring me to St. Louis to see your shop for my birthday this month before you close. I sent a Dallas friend who was visiting in St. Louis last week to your shop and she said it was marvelous and she surprised me with one of your yummy cinnamon bun candles. Hope to meet you later this month. You have been a great inspiration to me these past few months. May the Lord bless you richly in all your new adventures!
Patti Vaculik
ps ...loved the photos of you with your gals!

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you Patti! I hope I get to meet you too. Please know that I am closed Sun, Mon, and now Tues. I am open Wed-Fri from 10-6 and on Sat from 11-5. I appreciate the well wishes and my "girls" photograph well, don't they? They are so high maintenance -- they all wanted to put on their Sunday best and borrow my lipstick, blush....hahah.
Take care,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Elizabeth – I too being a somewhat new shop owner have anticipated every single one of your shop talks. Please PLEASE continue them with all your new adventures. You are an inspiration to us all and I will continue to be an avid fan. My husband and I were planning a trip up there this June to see you and Debbie D. We are considering a big move with our business and before I finalize plans, I wanted to come see you first as you have been a huge mentor to me these past few months. I guess we will be moving our trip up. I am so happy for you and can’t wait to watch you bloom. Bee Blessed, Amy B.

Debbie Schramer said...

elizabeth,

it's wonderful that you have so much energy and motivation towards your dreams and ideas. i am sure everything you do will be wonderful! i love your blog and your site. you are talented.

i have had a dream for years to be an interior designer and also a clothing designer. you really inspire me. i was wondering if you could suggest any ideas on how i could get into interior design professionally. i do not have any training or education in interior design but have been reading about it for years and decorating my own house. i am an artist and people have told me so much that i should also be a clothing designer. i make small natural furniture and houses. if you could look at my blog and my website, i would be so grateful. i would be so happy if i could do these things that i love. i would appreciate any suggestions you could give me on how to get started. thank you so much and i am so excited for you; will follow all your projects.....you are so talented!!!
Debbie Schramer
www.artmajeur.com/debbieschramer
http://beautiful-art.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello Amy!

What a surprise...I am continually surprised that people seem to really enjoy the shop talk series - because really, I only know what from experience...no formal training in business owning. I would love to meet you! Please call ahead and let me know when you are coming in town - I will be in and out the rest of the month.

Hugs,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

E~
Sounds like you will be entering MY world AGAIN!
We MUST work together on something sometime soon. Is it possible I'll be seeing you in Warrenton again? Would be HAPPY to welcome back a Texas girl like you...

I'm excited for you. Best Wishes Always...

Chris

Carol Bennett said...

How exciting, Elizabeth! Keep your eye on the prize, go for it!!! Your cyber friends are right behind you!
Carol
Come visit me!
http://ourreddoor.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello My Sexy Fellow-Texan :-)

Thank you for writing - and thank you for welcoming me back to your world. Yup, that is how I started out in the first place! I am very excited about my changes and yes, you probably will see me in Warrenton too! Take care and thank you for your support - means a lot to me!
A big hug,
Elizabeth

pedalpower said...

What a wonderful next step for you! I'm happy that you're going to have more time for creating. Please continue the shop talk. I'd wish you good luck, but you are so full of talent and energy, you don't need luck! I'll watch you soar!

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Debbie,

Thank you for the comment...I want to take some time and answer your questions thoughtfully. I will make it my next Shop Talk posting...by the way everyone...I have a NEW blog that is my Shop Talk blog. Just click on my profile and my blogs are listed. I will get a new Shop Talk up fairly soon.
Thank you Debbie!
Elizabeth

Tammy Gilley said...

Hi Elizabeth, I recently tripped over your blog somehow, and have been reading avidly since. Your sense of style is impeccable. And your story is inspiring. This latest step is giving my a swift kick in the hind end to take my own leap of faith. I've been putting it off long enough. Thank you!

lauren said...

How incredibly exciting for you! What an adventure you will be having! It sounds like you are going with bravery and that is the only way to go...
Run on Elizabeth, run on.

lauren Mumford

Sadie Olive said...

Wow! I wish you as much success with your next venture as you have had with your store and then some! I might say I am selfishly very happy that it means now I may purchase your goodies online! Good luck and keep us posted!

Sara

Anonymous said...

You mean there won't be any store that I can walk into in hopes of getting a glimps of your beautiful smile and seeing that blond hair of yours in person? Shoot! Here I was planning a trip from Kentucky just in the hopes to shop lift your store...I wanted to steal your heart ;-). Best of luck and wishes.
A masculine fan with a penchant for beautiful women (and also antiques) ;-)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement! It really warms my heart (which can't be stolen by the way, Mr. KY :-) And I look foward to sharing with you this phase of my business. I appreciate you all so very much.

Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Very nice blog !!! Many inspirations.

Anonymous said...

How exciting! And YES, please continue with your Shop Talk series. I am about to open my own shop (VERY tiny) but your advice is worth its weight in gold. Thank you for everything. You have helped me so much, and I know you have helped others as well. I can't wait to see what you do next. And I am so excited that I may be able to carry your line in my shop!!! Missy

Unknown said...

Hi Elizabeth,
I'm so happy for you I know the feeling of butterflies in your stomach over trying to make the right decisions in life...the right decisions for you I met you in Chicago in your "space" there. I also have a shop and sometimes dream of doing the creatvie things again instead of the bookwork! Could you possibly post more pics of your store before you close? Good luck..I'll be watching. Sue

kim, Karri and Rick said...

Elizatbeth,
I am crying, tears running down my cheeks! I have been wanting to come by and see you and tell you that you need a TV show. Yes, you are talented, but you are also so cute and funny.
Ya know, you still haven't seen Karri's finished room and she is ready to redo it now for an "older, more mature look." It's a mess right now because of finals, but you better come by and see it before we take the 'set' down.

I love you girl. I better get your autograph and a photo. Quick!!!

I will come to see you soon.

love,
Kim

Elizabeth Maxson said...

I love you guys - and yes, I need to see Karri's room! I can't believe how time flies - and you three are about the sweetest family I ever had the honor to know - and love.

You visiting me and my store over the years, meant more to me than you will ever know.

I am not going far - I will be local...and I like your idea of a TV show - any producers out there needing a design show host?? :-)

See you soon, I hope!

Love,
Elizabeth

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Elizabeth, you don't know me, but I've stopped in a few times to read your blog. What an exciting adventure you have ahead of you. I wish you the best success with your new endeavors & will definitely stop by & see what you're up to. It all sounds very exciting!

Rhoda
Southern Hospitality

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

I wish you well on your new adventure!

savvycityfarmer said...

I can already see your glistening wings readying to fly...I do believe our hearts beat at the same time...I now know your dreams and you've had a sneak peak into mine...someday mine will be reality...love to you kindred spirit.

Dora said...

What a touching post! You have all my admiration...for your talent, for your courage, for your work.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and plans. I will continue to read your blog.
Best wishes!

Mary Syron said...

Hi Elizabeth,
I remember the first time I met you in your shop--you weren't even open yet and I pecked on the window and asked to see what was going on. From that time I knew you had a special talent and had brought with you something that we've never seen in St. Louis. I've always admired your talent and your drive and ambition. Because of these traits you'll succeed in all you set out to do.
If I have any regrets it would be that I didn't get to spend enough time with you and to learn from you. I expect nothing but great things in the future for you and I will miss loooking in the shop window to see what wonderful things you've come with again and again. I sure hope you stay in St. Louis and hopefully we'll cross paths from time to time. Stay well. And as they say in theatre -- "break a leg" -- I don't know what that means but I think its a good thing. Best wishes for continued success, Elizabeth!!
Love ya,

Anonymous said...

I just drove past the store and saw the paper now covering the windows and felt sadness. I had to jump onto the site when I got home to see what was next for Elizabeth. Thank you so much for opening your heart and talent to the St. Louis neighborhood. Your presence will be sorely missed.
But I am also excited for your new venture and what is still in store for those of us who love shopping at Elizabeth House.
Blessings

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to learn of your plans, since I have been out of town during the final sale. While I am going to miss the shop in the neighborhood, I am thrilled to hear of your plans, especially to stay in St. Louis. And of course, to be able to get your wonderful lavender soaps.
You go girl!

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