Good Evening Everyone!
It's been a busy weekend. I hope that everyone is enjoying Valentine's Day. Andrew and I are postponing our Valentine's Day until Tuesday when we're going to a concert in Pittsburgh. Nonetheless, I hope your day was special. I think no matter what, it's a good time to remember to love yourself and to love those around you. I celebrated many of these days without a significant other. And with or without, it's really just about love…everywhere.
Anyway, back to the title of my post. It's been a busy weekend. We're always busy doing things, but with Andrew's 30-Day Creative heART Challenge, I've been filling in at the store seven days a week instead of the normal six. And, he's been so into this challenge that I rarely see him even emerge from his studio room. There are a lot of great things happening. So, it's been nonstop for us both.
Also, we're taking the time to totally renovate our online store (starting from scratch with the Creative heART Challenge). It's quite the process, but, with hope, it'll make everything easier down the line. So, for now, we're still trying to manage the old online store and start the new. A bit confusing? Yeah, we know…and we're working hard to make the change-over as swift as possible.
So, "not just a store", eh? Having the actual bead store isn't all that there is to Allegory Gallery. We host a Design Challenge. Every month (is it next month already?), we release a new kit online in limited quantities. Then they have to be put together, packaged nicely, and shipped out. It's beautiful to see what people do with the things you put out into the world. It's really rewarding—thankfully, because it's not easy work…much thought and time must be put into each month's kit.
We also have a bookclub. We love reading. I'm a multiple language major, so it's obviously important in my life. But what is wonderful is that our bookclub, Inspired by Reading, takes things to another level. Not only do we discuss the books, but we also make things inspired by these books. Some people have made jewelry, of course, clothing, food, their own home-brewed beer, and so much more. It's astounding to see the talent we have around us in so many different genres. All brought out by reading the same book. And that's the really special thing…so many different designs and projects all from one book. It's really special, and it's such a wonderful way to end the month (we meet on the last Wednesday of every month).
We also try to do a new art exhibition in Allegory Gallery every two months. That requires working through calendars, scheduling an artist, making advertising, arranging food and drink for the reception, and so on and so on. It's a lot of extra work, but these are super fun events and highly rewarding. There are a ton of talented people in our own backyard. Sometimes we're the first to find them, and that's a really special thing, for both us and the artist. But, again, it's another part of Allegory Gallery that isn't tied to what people mostly know us for, the beads.
Then there is actually the store itself. I know that many people reading the blog have their own stores in some way or another. Perhaps it's an online Etsy store. Or maybe it's a full-on brick-and-mortar. Whatever it is, I'm sure you know that it takes a lot of tenderness and care. And, if you have none of these, please, take my word for it, it takes A LOT of tenderness and care!
From normal day-to-day activities, to doing taxes, to inventory, to scheduling classes multiple times a week (a HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful teachers, Alison Adorns, Laurel, and Zack!), there are always very hands-on things that must be handled. And, if you want to grow, and you want to stay on a path, that doesn't leave much time to wander away. Sure, maybe you can take a day or so for yourself once in awhile (we're taking our first one in months on Tuesday!), but you can't let any of the balls in the air drop. And, you have to keep throwing them higher or adding more to keep things growing.
And, I guess that's what I mean when I say, "It's not just a store". It's so much more. We try to make Allegory Gallery, and all it encompasses, an experience. When you walk in for the first time, you may see a bead store, some very nice jewelry, and a few pieces of art on the wall. But there's so much more to us. And, down the line, we want there to be even more. And there will be even more.
Thank you for reading my post tonight. I hope that you've been able to find something in here that reaches out to you, or that finds some understanding within you, too. I also hope that you'll take part in our journey. Check out the links and take a look at all that we do. We look forward to doing a lot more with you all.
And now, back to my online store updates…
~William
It's been a busy weekend. I hope that everyone is enjoying Valentine's Day. Andrew and I are postponing our Valentine's Day until Tuesday when we're going to a concert in Pittsburgh. Nonetheless, I hope your day was special. I think no matter what, it's a good time to remember to love yourself and to love those around you. I celebrated many of these days without a significant other. And with or without, it's really just about love…everywhere.
Anyway, back to the title of my post. It's been a busy weekend. We're always busy doing things, but with Andrew's 30-Day Creative heART Challenge, I've been filling in at the store seven days a week instead of the normal six. And, he's been so into this challenge that I rarely see him even emerge from his studio room. There are a lot of great things happening. So, it's been nonstop for us both.
Also, we're taking the time to totally renovate our online store (starting from scratch with the Creative heART Challenge). It's quite the process, but, with hope, it'll make everything easier down the line. So, for now, we're still trying to manage the old online store and start the new. A bit confusing? Yeah, we know…and we're working hard to make the change-over as swift as possible.
So, "not just a store", eh? Having the actual bead store isn't all that there is to Allegory Gallery. We host a Design Challenge. Every month (is it next month already?), we release a new kit online in limited quantities. Then they have to be put together, packaged nicely, and shipped out. It's beautiful to see what people do with the things you put out into the world. It's really rewarding—thankfully, because it's not easy work…much thought and time must be put into each month's kit.
We also have a bookclub. We love reading. I'm a multiple language major, so it's obviously important in my life. But what is wonderful is that our bookclub, Inspired by Reading, takes things to another level. Not only do we discuss the books, but we also make things inspired by these books. Some people have made jewelry, of course, clothing, food, their own home-brewed beer, and so much more. It's astounding to see the talent we have around us in so many different genres. All brought out by reading the same book. And that's the really special thing…so many different designs and projects all from one book. It's really special, and it's such a wonderful way to end the month (we meet on the last Wednesday of every month).
We also try to do a new art exhibition in Allegory Gallery every two months. That requires working through calendars, scheduling an artist, making advertising, arranging food and drink for the reception, and so on and so on. It's a lot of extra work, but these are super fun events and highly rewarding. There are a ton of talented people in our own backyard. Sometimes we're the first to find them, and that's a really special thing, for both us and the artist. But, again, it's another part of Allegory Gallery that isn't tied to what people mostly know us for, the beads.
Then there is actually the store itself. I know that many people reading the blog have their own stores in some way or another. Perhaps it's an online Etsy store. Or maybe it's a full-on brick-and-mortar. Whatever it is, I'm sure you know that it takes a lot of tenderness and care. And, if you have none of these, please, take my word for it, it takes A LOT of tenderness and care!
From normal day-to-day activities, to doing taxes, to inventory, to scheduling classes multiple times a week (a HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful teachers, Alison Adorns, Laurel, and Zack!), there are always very hands-on things that must be handled. And, if you want to grow, and you want to stay on a path, that doesn't leave much time to wander away. Sure, maybe you can take a day or so for yourself once in awhile (we're taking our first one in months on Tuesday!), but you can't let any of the balls in the air drop. And, you have to keep throwing them higher or adding more to keep things growing.
And, I guess that's what I mean when I say, "It's not just a store". It's so much more. We try to make Allegory Gallery, and all it encompasses, an experience. When you walk in for the first time, you may see a bead store, some very nice jewelry, and a few pieces of art on the wall. But there's so much more to us. And, down the line, we want there to be even more. And there will be even more.
Thank you for reading my post tonight. I hope that you've been able to find something in here that reaches out to you, or that finds some understanding within you, too. I also hope that you'll take part in our journey. Check out the links and take a look at all that we do. We look forward to doing a lot more with you all.
And now, back to my online store updates…
~William
You just reminded me of the businesses that my husband and I have owned and now being a merchant at Twisted Vine. Your heart and soul go into every venture.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you and Andrew are getting away for just a bit to decompress as we call it. Love you both and wish you continued success.
Debi, thanks so much for your kind words…we love you, too! And you are right, you must put your everything into whatever you are doing, or you're kind of just going through motions. I've gone through the motions with some of my past jobs…it's not fulfilling at all. I wouldn't trade what we're doing for anything, but, as you know, it's a ton of hard work!
DeleteYou just reminded me of the businesses that my husband and I have owned and now being a merchant at Twisted Vine. Your heart and soul go into every venture.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you and Andrew are getting away for just a bit to decompress as we call it. Love you both and wish you continued success.
You guys have such a great place in Allegory Gallery... I look forward to the next time I can get out that way to visit you! I love that you have created a true community not just in town, but much more far-reaching with the challenges and the book club. As always, I'm excited to see what y'all do next! Enjoy your date day on Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sarajo! We can't wait till you can get out this way, as well! I love seeing all our far-away friends join the online community that we're trying to create. When you have a business, it doesn't leave a lot of time for extracurriculars. So, our group of friends locally is actually pretty small (and often business-related lol). It's so great to have all these wonderful people around us that we can reach out to and interact with in so many ways. It makes "work" much less work! lol
DeleteWilliam, I knew Allegory Gallelry was composed of many things, but I had no idea about ALL of this. It’s not just a store! It’s not just an art gallery. It’s not just a bead shop. My goodness! It is amazing you two have time for all of this and it is all done so well! I have been enjoying the change in the online store due to the Creative heART Challenge, as well as reading your and Andrew’s thoughts as you each progress through your challenges. It would be nice to live closer so I could join the book club and the classes. I am thankful you offer as much as you do online. The Design Challenges are great fun and I love to see the creativity from others in the group. I did not know you hosted a new art exhibition every two months – wonderful! Your “Not just a store” is a living, breathing entity that takes time to nurture and grow. The excitement and dedication from you and Andrew shines through. It is amazing to see all you both do. Enjoy your evening in Pittsburgh tomorrow! Much deserved! ~Linda Calderon
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you so much for your kind words! And I'm sneaking away a bit to say that you can absolutely join our book club! It's world-wide, and a Facebook group. So you can still read and post about what you've made, just like the Challenge Group! When we created it, we wanted a way for all of our friends to take part! Ok, I have to run back to work, but thank you again! I love reading all these comments!! 😀
DeleteHooray! I will look for your book club on FB! Thanks for the info! I was going to suggest/ask that you offer it online, but I didn't want to suggest adding more to your already full plate.
ReplyDelete