Grand Opening: My Yellow Umbrella Etsy Shop

Yep...I'm for real. I've been thinking about doing this for a long time, especially since we'll be relocating in June for Cowboy's residency and I will be looking for a job. So, last month, I decided to go for it, "just to see what could happen." I prayed about it, opened the shop and have spent the last month stocking it, photographing products, writing listings, deciding on packaging, figuring out sales tax questions (selling online is a whole different beast than selling at handmade markets!), calculating shipping costs, designing new logos and banners and business cards...oh, and a new web site is coming, launch date expected next week! Sigh....I've been BUSY. Last week, I had my first sale, which caught me off guard since I didn't consider the shop "ready" yet (even though it was obviously public, I hadn't even told my family about it yet!). Even still, I filled the order, got to test out a packaging idea, mailed the order and all was right with the world. Now, let me just say how grateful I am for that first order helping me work through my process the first time, because shortly after, I was contacted by a buyer for a major international women's clothing and home decor store wanting to know if I would put together a wholesale order for them. I won't name any names...but it rhymes with Santhropologie.

And then I peed my pants. And started hyper-ventilating. And fell on my face thanking Jesus for being paid such a complement. And texted my sister to ask her if she would help retrieve me from the depths of sewing hell, should this order come through, in the form of HELP. She responded with a phone call where the phrases, "what the heck?! I don't know! What the heck?! I don't know! What the heck?! I DON'T KNOW!!!!" were thrown back and forth.

I have NO idea if that wholesale order will be approved/if we will come to an agreement in our negotiations, but I have peace with how it goes either way. Either way, that's a complement and an experience and a morale boost that no one can take away!

So anyway, here I am again to explain my bad-blogger-lack-of-posting lately (oh, and was also gone to San Diego for a week and a half to visit Cowboy...blog post on the trip coming soon!). I know, excuses, excuses.

SO, as a thank you for your continual support and in wanting to welcome you to the My Yellow Umbrella Shop (EEEEEEE!!!!), you can order anything in the shop from now until 8:00 PM (CST) Sunday, November 11 and get 15% off! Just use the code "15GRANDOPENING" when you check out! 

And now, some obligatory product pictures! This is just a few items. (Click the picture to go to the actual listing!)

Navy & White Stripe Yoga Mat Bag

Typographic Grocery Bags - Complete Set

Custom Removable DSLR Bag Insert

Multicolor/Black Stripe Yoga Bag

Sparkle Non-Slip Headbands

Hand-Tied Sailor's Knot Doorstop/Paperweight

And like I said, this is only a few items, so be sure to check out the complete shop here! And don't forget, you have until 8:00 PM Sunday to get 15% off if you're looking to do some early Christmas shopping!

P.S. Next week marks the launch of all-new branding, a new web site and a VERY awesome giveaway! Stay tuned!