And so who is ”creations by cathy“?? Hmmm… Well, that’s kind of a long story – But here is a quick “creations” timeline…
2002: Creations was “born”. Themed Gift baskets and giftware. Mainly “home parties” at my house with other vendors/friends.
2003: Started a line of custom hand-painted glassware
2004: My first experience with a retail rental space in an actual store. “The Market at Westside Park”. General giftware. Fun just “getting my feet wet…”
2005-2007: Rented a “room” in a store (cool old house) called “Serendipity Accents”. Hand-painted glassware and cocktail themed giftware. Ya. Definitely the “party room”!!
2007-2009: Concentrated on (my high school twins, AND) expanding my customer base through a monthly newsletter and doing lots and lots (and LOTS) of shows. Lots.
2009-2013: Decided I was done moving merchandise in and out of temporary shows (Ugh!), and needed something more permanent… Moved into a brand new upscale boutique co-op called Trendz. So much fun. Amazing people… friends. A great run, and so hard to leave…
2013-2015: HUGE decision (for me!) – a semi-retirement from the world of retail…! I continued to paint custom glassware orders online/from home, but there were constant issues with inventory and supplies that made it impossible to continue with the glassware. Sadly; the end of an era…
2015: It wasn’t long before the “retail itch” started again. So much for “retirement” – HA! As of March 2015, “creations” moved into the basement space of CHARM, in Martin City. Unfortunately, this proved to be more of a “short story” than a novel. New owners took over shortly after my arrival, and the basement space was slated for (painting) classroom space. No worries, though. I found my new home at “Bella B Decor” and moved in May 1!
2016: After “Bella B” I decided to try my hand at a little farmhouse chic, and moved (back) into Trendz for awhile. It was a bit like going home, as I was able to hang with some of my peeps from the original Trendz and reconnect with old friends… xo
2017- (CURRENT): The New Year presented unexpected opportunities, as I was approached to help open a brand new 26,000 square foot retail space in Louisburg, Kansas. After 4 months of preparation, “Louisburg Market Street” opened it’s doors in late April. At that time, I was one of just a handful of vendors renting booth space. Less than one year later, we are just shy of 60 booth spaces!! We have a lil’ bit of everything – new, vintage, DIY, one-of-a-kind treasures, gift, home decor, kids, fashion.. All with ONE central checkout to make it easy-peasy for you! And we sell sell local cider (Louisburg Cider Mill) and wine (Somerset Ridge Winery). On a busy day, you might even have the option to purchase a glass of wine to sip as you peruse the many (many) booths!
So here is a toast to creating yourself, and more importantly, to RE-creating yourself…! Always. live happy
Are you still doing the handpainted glassware? If so could I see some examples?
What a wonderful gift!
I hope you are doing well
Chris
Hello Chris!!! So great to hear from you! As for your question… No. Sorry to say that I am not. As a matter of fact, I just finished writing an updated “about me” page re: what I AM doing vs. NOT doing… What timing!! Please read my new page for an update, tho!!
How is that handsome boy of yours, by the way?? We need a REUNION (for the moms AND sons!!) Don’t you agree…?
Hope all is well with you, friend… hugs – Cathy