Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Why do I feel this way?

Okay, so I opened the first retail location for A Classy Closet Boutique on May 12th. I had the "grand opening" and everything was made "official." I went through the motions during my first weekend and after it was over, I was asked a few times "How does it feel to be a boutique owner?" It wasn't until my god sister called from NY and asked me the same question later Sunday night that I was able to come up with an answer..."like I've been doing this for years"...

I thought about the answer that I gave her and realized that it was exactly how I felt and I feel that way today. I do not feel like operating the boutique or personal shopping for my clients is anything foreign; it feels like I've been doing this forever! It's a really crazy feeling because as the days pass, people ask me how's business and I really don't have an answer...I'm kinda like...it's cool. I think my craziest thought since I opened has been that I should have been opening my 6th or 7th location rather than my first. I actually feel like I could open another store during the fall of this year and have the same feeling...don't ask me...it's my mind I tell ya'...and sometimes it just takes me all types of places and really makes me feel like that "S" at the beginning of my first name is actually branded in my chest! (LOL)

I hate the fact that most people around me think that I work all of the time and that I'm compulsive. I use the word hate because over time I've allowed their perceptions to morph into something totally unfounded only because I won't take the time to calm their concerns. The reason why I don't is because I don't care to understand their "normal" so why should I explain mine???? But I know you're like, they are just concerned because they care about you...BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!!! Every pioneer in history had people that cared about them, but they NEVER allowed those people to become a deterrent...a distraction maybe (smile)...but not a deterrent. I am who I am and these journeys that my mind takes me on only allows for one passenger...ME! So no one but my spiritual provider will understand why I do what I do, so just "ride wit a gee" like T.I.P says.

I love volunteerism and supporting great humanitarian causes. Me being a veteran only adds fuel to my philanthropic fire! With Memorial Day upon us, I called the Birmingham VA Hospital to find out if they would accept thank you cards and pass them out to the Veterans. You would not believe that after I spoke with them and they approved my project for the boutique this weekend, I could barely contain myself!!!! I WAS SO EXCITED!!!! There is nothing more gratifying than acknowledging those that have paved the way for people such as myself to enjoy my inalienable rights as an American. Yes, my ancestors were brought to this country enslaved and denied rights to live free. I thank my ancestors  for my strong heritage and all of the veterans that have served this country.

If you're in the Birmingham Area this weekend, please stop by the boutique and make a thank you card for a veteran. The boutique will be open Friday 5-9, Saturday 10-9, Sunday 1-5 and Memorial Day 10-5.  We will have all of the materials you need, but you have to been your heart...

Owner of A Classy Closet Boutique and USMC Vet...oohhh rah!