11 years. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing a decade ago? We do. We were raising babies. Between us, five kids age eight and under. Our two youngest were just starting pre-school and kindergarten the day we opened the shop. When we really first started? (Out of our garages-selling at Saturday markets and pop up sales) Lesli’s youngest was one and Lori’s two. Crazy, overwhelming, exhausting but rewarding times. And we never-ever, ever, ever-imagined we’d have this business that we love over 10 years after it began. Who knew when we were scrambling to cover after school care, make dentist and doctor appointments, never miss a teacher conference, rugby game or Opera Idaho practice AND keep our doors open we’d be standing here 11 years of business behind us. We certainly didn’t know when the recession hit and stores like ours were dropping around us. When a $100 sales day, being able to make rent and expenses and NOT drawing a paycheck was OK. We were just happy to be living our dream and doing what we loved and still being there for our families. (Thank God we have gainfully employed and incredibly supportive husbands).

Owning a small retail business is hard. You don’t get rich doing this. Many times you work a more than full time job and do not get a paycheck. If you’re lucky-like we are-you get to explore your passion and bring enough home to pay for the extras-ballet lessons, sports fees, school trips-every penny counts. And we have been lucky. You guys have embraced us and supported us and been there through it all.

In our 11 years in business we have watched our (individual) parents age and decline. Lesli has buried both her parents. Lori has moved hers here and taken on the extra commitments that requires. We’ve had employees who took advantage of us, employees who didn’t show up. We’ve had rumors started by folks who saw us as competition ( did y’all ever hear the one where we are a front for a drug ring?🤣🤣🤣). We’ve been broken into, had property damage, and had money taken. We’ve had customers upset because we have occasionally opened Sundays and customers upset because they think we should be open on everyday including Sunday! But more importantly? We HAVE many more customers who have become our friends. Customers who have been on this journey with us from day one. Who have laughed, cried, hugged and supported us. We have customers who clearly love shopping with us and that makes ALL of it worthwhile. It’s more than just a business to us . It’s our dream and our passion and we thank all of you for coming along on the ride. Our 11th annual holiday party is Nov. 11th. Please come see us and celebrate with us. We want to hear your first memory of our store and what you think of our evolution. We want to share a glass of wine or tea and connect. And thank you. You are why we are still here. And why we continue. You are why we have been able to live our dream even when it was really hard to remember what it was and what it could be. You made this possible ❤️. This blogging thing is a new adventure but we hope you’ll join us as we continue on our journey. Thanks to all of you for riding along with us.

Enchanting Objects