Opportunity Knocked......

When you open a business , obviously your main goal is to succeed and be able to enjoy what you are doing.
You also continue to dream on how you can grow and flourish to keep the experience evolving.
I've been in this business for 25 years. During this time I have had  the joy of being able to work in many different facets.
I opened my first shop in 1987 fresh out of high school (I knew EVERYTHING I could possible need to know right???lol!) and that has created the path of this  fantastic career of doing what I love!
Along this path I designed and made every product I sold. At one point I was asked to help a friend of mine set up her show room at some major trade shows across the country. In return I was able to feature my products in a small section of the show room and take orders. Not much of a display for my things but a  presence none the less.
It was during that time I was "discovered" by the owner of a leading home decor company and I contracted with them for 5 years to design products for their company. As a designer I was also encouraged to work some of the major shows through out the country. The experience was amazing and I learned ALOT about how this business works.
All the while I did this, I would find myself imagining what I would do with my OWN showroom one day.
I would day dream about the products and how they would be displayed. I would get all excited at the thought of working with designers and new clients.
One thing was for certain: I wanted to take all that I learned and  be able to sell MY LOOK of "antiques" and use my designer eye to incorporated the right touches that clearly defines me. Every chippy, rusty, crusty side of me. I was done being in the shadows of others and wanted to be able to
"spread my wings."
Some day.
Well, I am so excited to tell you that SOME day became TO day!
At this moment I am all tinglie and pinching myself to believe it.
PINCH  PINCH PINCH!
Last week I got a phone call that put my dream into motion. The gal on the other end , Karen,  left me a message that I was thrilled to hear. She had seen my booth displays at  The Depot and The Sleepy Poet was most impressed with my products and display design.  Because of this she said that she would like to invite me to become part of the Antique and Design center in High Point NC.
I am PROUD to say that I have OFFICIALLY signed on as one of the exhibitors for the Fall Market.
I am showroom 53.
My dream is now making me a nervous wreck.

This is their ad for last years fall market.
I love the motto:
Continental ~Glam~ Industrial ~Garden ~Artisian Made ~Chic ~Glorious!
Speaking of GLORIOUS.......
take a peek at my showroom!

The back wall is beautiful brick , the floors are gorgeous hard wood  and the side walls are a wonderful neutral soft sage green. I don't have to do a thing except decorate it out!
Yep..it's as simple as that! UGH!
Right now the previous vendor has to move his things into the showroom across from me (neat stuff huh?) and then I get to get started. I already can't sleep.
I go over and over the layout in my head.
I need some big pieces for certain and have been lucky to score a few this past weekend.

I cannot wait to see these floors filled with awesome items and CUSTOMERS!
Then...maybe then will I be able to relax.
The best part of realizing this dream is that it goes hand in hand with my other dream of having my shop.
My hope is that by having the showroom I can lead designers and clients to the shop for year round service.
Mr. OTM is excited too. He has already shared some great design ideas and so far things are falling into place.
His encouragement means the world. Couldn't do it without him.
So there you have it! I just filled out the contract and put it in the mail box.
Opportunity knocked...(pretty loud too!) and I can't belive that I had the courage to answer it.
Here I come dream!