I never imagined when I sat down the first time to make myself a changing pad for my newborn baby, that five years later I would have made and sold hundreds of them.
Five years have come and gone and Resa Design has grown about as fast as our two kids. Many days the business felt like a third child in our family with it's constant need for attention; proud moments; thrills of growth; pains of growth; and milestones. I can't tell you how excited I would get to receive emails from customers (especially those with photos) of how our products have made them smile. It's been a honor to be part of announcing pregnancies with our sibling tees, being a newborns first outfit, or in family photos. I could go on and on. It's been an awesome journey. And thanks to so many of you who have been with us since our small beginnings.
Over the past few months I have been having this itch. I was never really sure what it was, but I felt either I or Resa Design, was supposed to move in a new direction. I tried a few things (most of which you never saw), but nothing felt like the right fit. Then, about 6 weeks ago a longtime dream of mine dropped itself at my feet.
As most of you know from my story, I've been an entrepreneur since a very young age. Despite my educational choices, that vein always ran deep in me. That's why it was easy to throw my whole heart into Resa Design. My love of all things simple and modern, designing, and raising kids, RD was an easy and perfect fit for me. Being able to work from home (for the most part) was ideal for our family and I wouldn't have had it any other way. But I've always had this urge to get back out there, in the "real world".
So backing up, I've always had this dream of having my own retail store. Over the years it's been a flower shop (but I have a purple thumb), a sewing school/fabric store, a super modern kids gear store, or even a "Resa Design" shop. So when I sat down to lunch with a local business owner a few months ago, I never expected to receive a job offer. In fact I had to ask her twice what she said. After weeks of prayer, seeking wise counsel, and talking through all the details into the early morning hours, Keith and I felt it was a perfect fit and exactly the next step (or itch) I had been feeling since the new year.
That said, I have already started this new job. I'm going to managing a local children's store. Fun right?!! Once we hash out the details, I will be sure to tell you more. What I can say is this: I am super excited, it feels like a great fit, the kids are transitioning beautifully, my house is dirtier than it's ever been, I am now officially back to being a morning person, my wardrobe is getting a clean up- can't wear pjs in my new office, the new people I've met and things I've learned while preparing for the grand opening have been amazing, and for the first time in a long time I feel like me. Not just a mom, not just a wife, not just a housekeeper, not just a cook, not just a business owner, but really me.
Because of the demands of my new position, and the conflict of interests, I'm putting Resa Design on the back burner for awhile. When this hiatus will end, I'm not sure. What it will look like when Resa Design comes back, I'm also not sure. But I do plan to blog more and keep up with the trends in kids fashion and gear, so maybe those two will come together in the mean time.
What does this mean for you, our fans and customer?
1- EVERYTHING is 30% off. All sales are final. No returns, exchanges, or refunds.
2- I'm crazy busy right now, and currently doing most of my own sewing, etc. So please allow 7-10 days for your order to be shipped (plus shipping).
3- I've got back stock of older items, seconds, samples, etc. that I will post in the store over the next few weeks. Check SALE section for these items. I will also be listing some supplies and blank tees.
4- When it's gone, it's gone. I am not ordering more sizes in tee's, additional supplies, or fabric.
5- Please be patient. I will do my best to keep up on the inventory so it's accurate. If an item is out of stock, we will issue you a refund. If we are out of a item, you may check retailers such as: Cotton Babies, Raspberry Kids, Style Kid, Spela, and others.
I don't think I can say thank you enough. You have been amazing fans and customers. It has been a privilege and honor to serve you. Thank you for allowing me to work from home and raise my boys. For that I will be forever grateful.
Thank you to our wonderful retailers who over the years have spread our name across the globe. And a million hugs to all the amazing women, some of whom I've never met, who have coached me, listened to me, and helped me along this journey- you know who you are. To my children, Hudson and Wesley, who have been raised with a mom working crazy hours, shipping packages to "babies" all over the world- I love you more than anything, thanks for being so patient, and remember you can do anything you want to with your life. Finally, to my incredible husband, Keith, who has been my rock and partner in design- I'm so thankful for all you do for our family and for me; doing life with you is the best adventure in the world.
(Getting sappy.....Holding back tears... And I'm sure only 10 of you are still reading... so...)
With love and gratitude,
Resa
Awwwh, sad to see it go, but excited for your new venture. Can't wait to hear about it in more detail. Best wishes to you, and thanks for bringing some fun and fab gear in to my kids' lives!
ReplyDelete1 of the 10. Onward ho!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey! Best wishes on a successful transition to your new job. I look forward to reading your blog on children's fashion. :)
ReplyDeleteResa- I am excited for you and hope this new position is exactly what you are longing for. God is good that way!
ReplyDeleteRandee
resa, best of luck in the new venture and i know you'll stay in touch :)
ReplyDeleteNo!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are my favorite! We have SO many of your shirts...we've recommended you to tons of friends. This makes me so sad!
Okay that being said...congrats on moving forward!
I will miss your work!
Oh no! I better stock up for birthday pictures. We will miss you but we wish you much success in your newest venture. We experienced a very difficult loss in late 2009 so we are still waiting to try to conceive again and had not needed any new Resa. Take care, Resa! Please keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in your new job. It has been fun watching your business grow, I look forward to continuing to see its transformation.
ReplyDeleteI'm all teared up--your sappiness made this prego cry =) Love you and so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI am one of the ten that read the whole thing and am also holding back tears! I am so proud of you!! I was just thinking the other day that I need to order our "4" tshirts! Maybe I should order 4,5 and 6 at the same time!! :) You are a superstar! Good luck with your new journey!!
ReplyDeleteAndrea