Apr 3, 2014
Normally I don’t like change. It’s uncomfortable. It’s different. It’s not always fun, but sometimes it is necessary- and in this case I think it is.
I’ve been hesitant to announce this for awhile, but since it’s been rolling around in my head for almost two years, I think it’s time.
That and the fact that this weekend, “The Switch” begins. We’re moving everything out of the store, doing some renovations, then unpacking and starting fresh… With some great new products … AND a new name. There, I said it. It’s out there.
Why? I’ll touch more on that in a post later,but basically, I’m trying to plan ahead (so that we can be around for another 30 years). Sadly, the art of calligraphy is fading, and most people are under the impression that all we do is offer calligraphy classes or sell calligraphy supplies (in fact, 7 out of 10 we asked). That’s the loss of a LOT of potential customers who think they don’t need what we have to offer. It hate to think that we’re losing potential customers simply because they don’t know what we actually DO. Our “established” name is misleading, and I think if we change it now, we have a chance to still be around, even when no one knows what calligraphy is anymore.
I’m not going to reveal the new name just yet, but if you want to follow along with the construction (and get a sneak peek of the inside before the grand opening), you can follow the store on Instagram.
An Excited, Nervous, and Stressed version of myself,
Kandice
Feb 12, 2014
When I worked for a wholesale invitation designer straight out of college, my first job was “customer service”. I answered phones, took orders, did data entry and the like… and I HATED it. I was pretty eager to move up on the ladder (even an inch) just so I wouldn’t have to take those customer service calls! Paper stores would call in, irritated that they hadn’t received their order or looking to track it down, or mad that the wrong thing arrived… It was horrible! I hated having to be the bearer of bad news (“sorry, it looks like it’s not going to arrive today as planned”) and talking to a bunch of stressed out, unhappy people all day. It made me hate dealing with people. In general. I was annoyed and really unhappy working in “customer service” for those few years.
Now I get it. I see the difference. Customer service on the wholesale end is MUCH different than in retail.
Over the past 5 years on the OTHER SIDE as a store owner, I’ve changed. I’ve gone from hating that aspect of my job in general to actually loving most of it. (The funny/sad truth is that customers who say “I must be a pain” are actually not! It’s the ones who have no clue they are that are the worst! It’s a little like When Harry Met Sally and he says, “You’re the worst kind; you’re high maintenance but you think you’re low maintenance.” ) HA.
There’s still a little bit of “when is my order arriving” and “what I received isn’t what I ordered”, but now I get to call the wholesaler and be that grumpy person trying to track it down (kidding)!
The upside is I get to see the smiling face of customers when they pick up their order. I get t0 hear, “Oh, this is just perfect, thank you so much!”, and I get to be a part of the lives of these people. You know, the fun stuff!
It’s such an honor.
If it’s important, it’s worth doing on paper, so that means I get to be a part of the milestones – moving, bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, birth announcements, christenings/baptisms, birthdays, proms, engagement parties… and then the circle starts all over again! It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of the most important moments in the lives of my customers. In fact, it’s a privilege. I never knew what that felt like until now, and it feels good!
I used to hate customer service, until I actually started serving CUSTOMERS (not just store representatives). When you’re directly involved with the end-user, there’s a certain level of pride that you take in your work. It’s a reward to help these loyal folks again and again, for any occasion that they’re celebrating.
I guess I used to hate customer service, but now I think I kind of like it.
Jan 6, 2014
Well, I’ve been seeing all over Instagram and Facebook that my friends and inspirations have been choosing a word to focus on for 2014. I tried to pick one pre-year’s end, but none of them really stuck…. It doesn’t help that everyone around me seems to be wanting LESS and trying to SIMPLIFY. Sorry, but that is not how I feel about this year. I’m happy where I am, don’t get me wrong, but I want… MORE! I want more stability, more fun, more down time with family and friends, more travel, more goal setting, more goal accomplishing, more love, more happiness and more business (hey, just being honest here)!
So even though this year’s word may seem selfish, I’m standing by it- more is more, and I want it! 2014, I’m a-comin’-for-ya!
Dec 7, 2013
I found one of my favorite quotes about hospitality in Food & Wine Magazine, when they interviewed Bronson van Wyck. He said, “Hospitality in its truest form was always about giving respite to travelers. If people have traveled to see you, you want to make it worth their while.” I love that!
With Christmas just around the corner, I’m getting ready for guests. Are you?
Here’s my “Hospitality Checklist” for making sure that guests are nice and comfy when they stay in my home this holiday:
1. A welcome Basket with the basics – snacks (sweet and savory, or guest favorites if I know them), water, Blistex, lotion and allergy medicine (hey, West Texas is DRY I tell you!). I also like to include a new loofah and personalized gift of some sort (stationery or a Jon Hart airport chico are my usual go-tos). I also print a “welcome” card with my Wi-fi password and house alarm information, as well as a house key if they need it.
2. Plenty of bottled water in the fridge, as well as the guest’s favorite beverage on hand. Whether it’s decaf coffee, whiskey, Dr Pepper or apple juice, I like to have a familiar drink for my guests on hand if possible. It just puts people at ease when there’s something familiar away from home. In fact, if I know someone new is coming, I like email them a little survey to fill out. It’s super dorky, but it helps me plan! If you want a chuckle, you can see my nerdy survey here. (ha)
3. Fresh towels and sheets, because everyone likes a clean place to sleep and bathe. There’s nothing more off-putting then staying with a friend who clearly hasn’t cleaned the sheets since their last guest. I believe in a “hotel experience” – so it’s really important to me that the room is fresh and ready for guests at any time (even spur of the moment) Even if those guests are my parents (and they were here the previous weekend), I refresh the room when they leave (you never know).
4. Speaking of bathing, I like to stock my guest bathroom with a few basics: Poo Pourri (not a joke, it works), bubble bath, extra toilet paper, plenty of towels, toothpaste, floss, rubber ducky toys for the kiddos, and extra “guest” toothbrushes (these wooden ones are my faves, aren’t they cute?).
5. Food. To cook. Because there’s something really special about making a meal and eating “at home” with your guests. If you’re feeling extra hospitable, plan to have enough groceries to cook one of two menu options (just in case your guests have dietary restrictions or preferences). I’ve found that meals around the table with friends and family who come to visit is often my favorite time of their visit!
Do you have any great tips for welcoming guests into your home? I’d love to hear them!
Dec 5, 2013
I would like to be the kind of gal that waits until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas… but since I’ve been in retail, decorations at home have become less about timeliness and more about a free day to actually put them out! It’s a juggle of calendars and commitments and an 8 hour window were I can squeeze it in on my one day off a week. I know that if I don’t plan ahead, it probably won’t happen. That might seem sad, but it’s workin’ for me, and I’m okay with that.
So, here’s the thing. I don’t do “pretty” Christmas. I have plenty of decorations for my little home, but I’m just not an extravagant person, so you won’t find an abundance of fancy ornaments or over the top decorations. I don’t deck out every surface in garland and lights. I don’t put up 16 Christmas trees or even (gasp) put lights on the house (I’m not big on tall ladders). My version of “Deck the Halls” is more about the memories – an assortment of Santas given to me from my grandmother, nativities curated from estate sales or travels over the years, and other odds and ends that are sentimental, but also just blend in with my style.
Here are a few of my favorite things:
Señor Nutcracker (the official looking one with the white wooden mustache). I’m not sure why in my mind he’s a Mexican grandpa, but he is. He was my first nutcracker to “save” from an estate sale last year. Until then, I was kind of afraid of them- I had always thought nutcrackers were sorta creepy. Since then I’ve added a few more (but don’t worry, I won’t go crazy – I still think they’re creepy en masse).
My paper nativity scene. It’s from the 1950’s and my mom has one just like it. This one I got from my friend Tony, and every year when I put it out, I send him a photo. It’s such an amazing piece of history (with its spot for the “colored wise man” and all). SO crazy to think that wasn’t offensive at the time.
My tree. Now that I’m an adult, I get a real, honest-to-goodness live Noble Fir every year. I always wanted one as a kid, but my mom’s allergies were too bad – the one year we tried, that poor tree spent all of 10 minutes in the house… before it was sequestered to the back porch and eventually chopped into firewood. (sadface) Where are all the ornaments, you ask? Let’s just say having two dogs and a few unfortunate Christmases have led me to keep it simple! I only use plastic globes on my main tree (and this year I ventured out with a little ribbon- so far, so good).
My sled. Scored at a neighborhood garage sale for $20. Love it.
Ice skates. Got this pair of skates in Michigan when I went to visit my mom during one of her “nerd conferences”. I love finding cool, local antiques when I travel!
My favorite hallway. All decked out with an over-sized print of the hymn, “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come” and a nativity from my grandmother.
This picture. An enlargement of my brother and I (circa 1984?) mounted on foam core. It fits snugly inside the frame I usually keep on the mantle, but I think it adds a really fun, personal holiday touch.
My hand-carved Santas. These are whittled by artist Dan Rankin in Post, Texas. Since I’ve discovered them at Caprock Heirloom, I buy one every year. Just love how cute and unique they are!
My “monthly” themed Santas. Always a favorite at my grandmother’s house when I was a kid, she gave them to me when I bought my first home in Dallas. They’re so special to me, and I proudly display each Santa (depicting a different month) in my entry way.
Jingle all the way. This little ditty was a pinterest project from a few years ago. It’s easy to store in a Ziploc bag and re-assemble every year in my existing shadow box frame!
I may have saved the best for last… this is my favorite nativity set from my childhood. All of the pieces are made of wood, and I just makes my heart do a somersault when I pull it out. I keep this one inside a domed cheese board for a little extra protection.
So there you have it. It’s not all of my decorations, but I think you get the idea. No PRETTY Christmas for me. Less is more, well-worn is good, and sentimental is best.
As Christmas grows closer, I hope that you enjoy the season (and decorations) as much as I plan to! Cheers, friends!
Nov 30, 2013
5 Reasons to Shop Small
Today is Small Business Saturday, 
and I’ve got 5 reasons why you should “shop small” with businesses like mine (Calligraphy Etc.)!
1. Sometimes Less is More
No need to drive all over town or stroll down aisles and aisles in a big store to find the perfect gift. We’ve already hand-picked a great selection of gifts just for you in our little shop! Quality and value are important to us too, so you can rest assured that we’ve selected items with this in mind.
2. Help a Neighbor
Shopping small supports local jobs. Each time you purchase an item at a local store, you’re helping us provide a paycheck to a friend or neighbor (and sometimes in our case, a poor college kid)!
3. Show Love to Your Community
Small businesses give back to the community. We donate money and/or volunteer to benefit local charities, schools, churches and other organizations that YOU care about. Shopping small allows us to keep pouring more into the community we share.
4. Friendly is Better
At a small business like ours, you won’t be waited on by some random teenager who just “needs a job”. Our employees are bright, friendly folks who genuinely want to help you! Customer service is our priority, and that’s harder to find at larger stores.
5. Support the Dreamers
Do you have a dream? Well, small business owners do too! Shopping small helps keep the American Dream alive (and tells us that we’re doing a good job for you).
