As the Kalamazoo Living History Show approaches, I have started updating my inventory lists and begun checking supplies - gotta have enough small bags for maple cake sales! (And some big ones, too - I think my record sale is 30 maple cakes to one person.)
I need bags for the blackened beeswax ornaments and sleeve buttons, food handler's gloves for when I am handling maple cakes, and the list goes on.
I also decided that it was time to update my business tools. I headed to VistaPrint, the place where I get personalized stationery, business cards, and even my family photo Christmas cards.
It was a difficult as well as poignant choice to redo my business tools. The reason? My business is named after Abby and she has always been the figurehead of the company.
As a result, she is all over my business tools.
When Abby was living, it was fun to have people comment on my business cards and ask about her. I loved sharing about my girl and I met a lot of other horse lovers and owners as a result.
But after she died, it became painful. I didn't want to answer questions about her because she was gone and it hurt a lot to share about her. And those I did tell about her death were shocked and expressed disbelief and horror at such a freak accident.
It was all meant kindly, but it dredged up a lot of sadness for me. And I just don't want to do that any more at events.
Because I needed an outdoor sign to identify Jolis Chevaux to customers, I designed an 18th century style wooden sign that I first used at the Feast in 2024.
It made sense to put that on my updated business tools.
My notepads,
my business cards,
and the price tags/fabric information
on the hangers of clothing that I make.
I suspect that one or two of my long time customers will notice and ask about the switch, but overall I anticipate a smooth transition.
While I feel sad and nostalgic that Abby is no longer on my business tools, it makes sense to have them coordinate with the sign that identifies my business at events.
Abby will always remain the "heart" of the business, its namesake, and that will not change despite the fact that she is gone. A reminder of my sweet girl remains in the very name of the business and that is enough to lift my heart.
It will be okay.
Makes sense. Deep breath. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteShe is always in your heart, and close by. I always imagined that was you on Abby in your other logo. Not that you ever rode her sidesaddle, but that you WOULD HAVE in the 18th century. The new items are very nicely done.
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