How the Pandemic is Motivating Me

I purchased Creme de la Creme Boutique in November 2018.  When I handed over that check, I had no idea what I was doing or what I was getting myself in to.  All I knew is that I didn't want to work for someone else and that I wanted to help women feel beautiful, confident and happy with who they are.  I am a plus size woman who got tired of feeling left out of the Boutique shopping experience so I decided to bring plus size to the forefront in my store but include women of all shapes and sizes.  I also made the decision to model my own clothes because I truly believe that people want real.  I can't be young and skinny so I decided to just be me and put it out there.

The one thing I have been saying since I took over the boutique is that "I need to get online."  This has been the one thought that has consistently been on my mind daily for over a year.  I just never took the time or felt like I had the time.  Enter the Pandemic.  Covid-19.  This horrible virus has forced my hand and pushed me to figure things out quickly.  

My doors shut on Wednesday March 18th.  The fear of being a Brick & Mortar business that depends on foot-traffic, and losing that, is almost crippling.  But, it also forced me to get in to action immediately.  I swear that I have worked harder since my doors closed than I ever did before.  I have been researching, studying and searching for all of the solutions that I have wanted to implement in my business and I am making progress.  

I was texting my friend last night who also owns a boutique and I told her I felt like I had just discovered a chest full of gold because I finally found some information that I have been looking for since I took over Creme. It was one of those moments where the clouds part and the angels sing.  I kept saying "there has to be a way to do this." Well...I was right.  There is a way and I finally found it after wishing for a solution for over a year.

I am doing everything I can to survive this.  I have realized through Covid-19 just how much I really love what I do.  I love my customers who are more like family, I love being on main street in my small town, I love helping women feel beautiful.  I have to make this work and turn over every stone to make it through this.  I am praying for all of my fellow small business owners, my customers, my friends, and my loved ones.  We will come out of this guys.  I truly believe that God has pushed a reset button and given us all an opportunity to see the things that are most important in our lives.  It is bringing everyone back to the basics and I pray that going forward we will all learn from this.  We will carry forward the lessons we are learning and become better people. I hope you use this time to find your passion, or figure out what you really love, play games, watch Tiktok videos (those will have you rolling on the floor laughing), and most of all remember what is most important in your life. 

xoxo,

Shelli