There are some days that it's very hard to believe that I've been doing this for 21 years. Today is one of them. Who knew, when I opened this shop when I was just 17, that one day I'd be here celebrating raising my shop to adulthood? I know it still surprises people ... and I'm one of them!
I had three special experiences yesterday with customers that really stand out as examples of why I do what I do. First a local shopper was in the store telling me about bringing her daughter in "the magic store" when she was young to pick out birthday gifts or use holiday savings. (We won't talk about how old I feel that the daughter is now 23 and this store has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.) I also had collectors in, the husband buys his wife a Harmony Kingdom from my shop every Christmas. Another woman stopped by, she and her siblings and parents would always vacation in Berkeley Springs and this shop was where her mother and sisters and she would take turns waiting outside while the others purchased presents for the one outside. She always tells me she still feels the connection to her mother when she's in here.
It's so very special to be part of family traditions, and it's not something I take for granted.
For 21 years, you've chosen to support my small business, whether you found us last week, last year, or have been here from the beginning.
I feel my purpose in this life and as a shopkeeper is to bring joy - by carrying something funny, by having just the right gift when you need it, or by posting something silly on the shop's facebook page - so I don't often get serious when I post.
That said, seriously: Thank You.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives. Thank you for supporting this small business. I wouldn't be here without you, and I'm very glad I am.
Since the shop is now old enough to drink, I raise my glass to all of you. And I'm going to borrow words from one of my favorite musicians (Jason Mraz) to toast:
May the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows
And may the road less paved be the road that you follow.
Thanks for following it to my door.
Cheers!
Jules
Momager Jill & Jules treat themselves to a glass of Caramel Apple Punch after the Anniversary Party
