Hi Grace & Fire Friends!
I love that name, Grace & Fire. I don't recall the moment it came to me but likely it was around the time when my son was an infant still getting up in the middle of the night. It's when my best ideas came to me that I didn't have the capacity to fulfill. Since, I've registered the name and held onto the domain. I've tried blogging before and while I love to write, sometimes the words and flow doesn't come so easily. The reasons for the why are vast but with the proper amount and balance between Grace and Fire, I believe it has potential to create impact.
I don't know how you feel about Saturdays, but I love them. I make cinnamon rolls for the kids before we were off to all the things. There was reflection today about how I used to put so much pressure on myself, before and the first few years of motherhood when I hoped everything was from scratch. Today it was a cylinder pop. Presence over perfection has become sustainable.
A text came in this week. A girlfriend said she loves reading my emails - thanks friend! In general, it’s become a practice to surround myself with kind encouraging people but this lovely lady really made an impact. Starting anything new has its up hill and putting myself out there on the inter web is uncomfortable to say the least - so these words of endearment were so welcomed and cause for this blog entry. Thanks for encouraging me to share.
Last week was a lot from sick kids, to crunch time on party planning, to pop ups. There are many moving parts to life right now and truly, I’m enjoying the challenge and it's complicated to manage. Meeting up with a good friend / neighbor/ mentor for lunch to plan a co-hosting bunco night was certainly a highlight. Over lunch we chatted about many topics and solved so many problems over laughter and iced tea.
Ray and I were having conversations over cocktails about the previous week and plans for the next. I had just minutes before made the downpayment on the leather bags that I will be traveling to Guatemala to pick up soon. I told Ray that I am struggling with knowing exactly how to tell the stories of the women who are making these incredibly gorgeous totes, purses, and messenger bags. Words matter and I hope to present with empowerment, and hope. It is going to be a soul filling mission trip to meet and share meals with these women and their children.
I have gone on many journeys with nonprofits in the past few years, so this trip will be similar, but I'm certain completely different. We will be working to serve malnutrition babies in a rural community of Guatemala. I've seen photos of the difference this nonprofit is making, it's meraculous. These mothers are generationally skilled in their craft and incredibly talented and now able to sustain themselves within fair trade work that they love to come together on.
As you all know, retail is not currently the Grace & Fire gig. I am reaching out and discussing possible opportunities with retailers and other businesses in the Springs. While I do sell some products to individuals and friends, it’s not my goal. Please don’t stop inviting me to your bunco gatherings or disinvite me to Cinco De Mayo in fear I might try and sell you a candle. I’m chatting about my business because I love it but it's not the only important piece of my life! I'll also tell you how funny my children are or what amazing students and humans they are. I also might brag on my husband for being such a huge support even when he also has so much going on.
While my business is an LLC and totally legit, my motivation and mission behind what I do is to create impact and generate opportunity for people locally and around the world. The sources for the merchendise I sell at Grace & Fire are from villages in Africa, Peru, Guatemala, Thailand as well as local US farms and some artisans. It is a joy to bring these cultural pieces to market and curate beautiful designs and collaborate with local businesses.
When I worked in the corporate environment so many years ago, I loved the challenge of building marketing strategies and solutions for auto dealerships but I didn’t love cars. In my own business I get to curate my style and I will tell you that everything I have in stock are all treasures I truly love! I walked into a small rock shop with my kids a few weeks ago and my son's eyes got big and he said "If I had all this, I would NEVER sell it!" - I could relate.
I’m hosting pop ups and events but the goal is to meet people, not to sell. The objective is to become part of the local community through co-ops, developing relationships and partnering with retailers, as well as meeting professionals who show appreciation to clients through gift giving. An ideal situation would be a collaborative effort where my products and skill set are utilized in ways that can support both parties.
My shop curation is not going to be the cheapest in cost but of high quality and fair trade supporting those most vulnerable. What lights my fire is offering value to businesses in addition to grace and opportunities for people in vulnerable situations. Triple wins is the goal and if I can add a fourth, even better!
I love to tell stories and I'm hoping that through this journey, the words will come. I can't wait to share with you what's coming next. Instagram is where I share most what's going on in my business and travels. Follow me here.
I have so much appreciation for you - Thanks for being here!