Today, the landlord gave me my set of keys to the store. I couldn't help but relish in how it felt to hold them in my hand, and how the lock stuck a bit when I tried to take out the key. I wanted to soak up every moment of what it felt like to hold them for the first time. Ridiculous, right? Who knew keys could be so exciting??
The space I have leased is exactly what I have always dreamed of. (Ok, maybe a little smaller than I would wish, but it's workable.) It doesn't need a ton of cosmetic work, and I love that it has 12 ft. ceilings. It feels so open and airy...which was an absolute must for me.
I have already started to put together my vision for the store. The hardest part has been finding the right decor (and at the right price!) to execute my vision...and anyone that knows me knows how persnickety I can be. Plus, I am on a strict budget. Let me just say I LOATHE the word "budget." It's just so limiting. Therefore, from now on, I am referring to my "budget" as my "wealth management plan." I just feel that "wealth management plan" gives off a more abundant feel, don't you? So, I am on a strict wealth management plan. However, just because I may not have an endless bank account for this project, doesn't mean I am sacrificing one bit of fabulousness. Fabulousness does NOT have to be a luxury, friends.
There is one goal in mind for me when it comes to how E.Leigh's will be decorated...I want it to feel special. The space has to convey a certain level of specialness to anyone and everyone who walks through the door.
The E.Leigh's mission is to help every woman that walks through our door feel better leaving than when they came in. That's it. Not to sell 10 million dollars in apparel this year, (Although, that would be nice.) but to have a store that focuses on making our customers feel great about who they are and confident in their own skin. It can be hard being a woman. We don't get to wake up 15 minutes before we have to be somewhere, shower, and go. It's a process. We are taught to pick and prod ourselves to death to become this abstract person we think we are supposed to be. I know. I've been there. The worst part is that we not only do it to ourselves, but we do it to other women. It's become a vicious cycle. You deserve better. I deserve better. We deserve better, and at E.Leigh's...we will be better.
I cannot wait to share this journey with you.
I'm leaving you with a pin of Joan of Arc that I found on Pinterest that is quite fitting for how I've felt lately.
Wishing you light, love, and a fearless Wednesday...
Until we meet again...
