I have been busy taking all my remaining Christmas down and putting Valentines up. Having a shop is a commitment to a never ending cycle. I consider myself blessed since my sells have not gone down with the economy. This area of Texas seems not to be affected like the national economy have been. I live very close to Fort Hood but my costumers are mostly from Belton and Temple. My costumers are mostly white females between the ages of 20 all the way to 70, which is surprising to me, that is for the older ladies to embrace Shabby Chic and my junk. Some of them have lived with the same furniture for the last 20 or 30 years and are looking for a drastic change. My fellow latinas don't come in the shop. Three years ago I went back home and decide to bring visuals(my decorating books and pictures as testament) so my family and friends will understand what my style is all about. They didn't understand what the appeal of rusted, distressed,crazed, tattered and all forms of yummy could be. They all saw junk. I was told that if a bring my business to the Island I will go out of business in no time. I wish I have the money to show them. I have make believers out of people that doubted I will make a go of my business. I was told my location is the worst, not the right building, not the right stuff,etc,etc...BUT I got the last laugh, Been there, done that for 11 years now. We survived 9/11, Katrina,Bush, etc. God willing we will be here for years to come. I'm praying for the next location since 3,000 sf don't work for me any more. I need 10,000, it will come, you will see. Lastly, I sound like a bragging queen bee. I'm not, this baby have cost me sweat, pain and tears, but the lessons, the blessings, the road here have been life changing for me, you see, I'm not all that. I started with no money, but I figure My Father in Heavens got all the riches in earth and the heavens, Nobody else have faith in the journey that I was about to embark. Why leaving a secure job and paycheck, my desk and professional clothes for painting overalls? I pray about my business for 10 years. I wanted to be still young since I know it was going to be hard work. When God opened the door for my I jump in knowing he was going to back me up. I figure that at the end of the day, if all I have is God favor I will need nothing else. Sometimes I show at the shop with a long list to do, but God have other plans that day for me. I remember praying that my place will be one of peace, that God spirit will dwell there and that people with the need of a word of comfort, or a hug will find it there. So, now you have it. That is what we do @Marta's Room. We got to have church almost everyday. Sometimes I give, sometimes I receive, Isn't GOD good?Blessings, Marta.
PD: photos of Valentines decor in two days
