Ten Years Ago today, I opened a little shop called Curious Sofa at 329 Southwest Blvd. in Kansas City, MO. The very first item I sold was an ivory teapot with matching cup and saucer that said PARIS on it. The customer was a stranger who just happened to walk in, not knowing this was my first sale on my first day of owning a small business. Back then, thinking ahead to a possible ten years in business was not even on my mind, but here I am.
I have written about our anniversary every year on this blog and as always there are many to thank. Currently my amazing staff: Heather Fraser (with me 6 years!), Abby Campbell (over 5 1/2), Dana Rimmer and Jessi Ahren (each over two years). This is the longest complete team I have had and it shows. I am stopped occasionally by a customer who just wants to tell me what an amazing group I have and don't I know it. If you only knew what they do behind the scenes as well as take care of all of you. They are each and every one, amazing.
As I write this I am unfortunately away from the store but my team presented me with a wonderful cake and champagne before I left for Minnesota. My dream had always been to have a full-on 1o year anniversary party, complete with a French Quartet, catering and full-on street fair weekend festivities, but here I sit!
So here is a big hug and thank you to my staff and ALL OF YOU who read this blog, shop in the store, (and now shop online!); you visit us, bring us treats and gifts, send us emails of encouragement or thank yous. No store can prosper without a fan base and we have the best.
Thank you again. They went by fast.
21 comments:
Congratulations!
Yes the passion of you and your staff really shows through. Oh how I wish I could get myself to Kansas to visit Curious Sofa in person!
Wishing you another happy 10!
Happy 10th anniversary! And I still have not managed to make it to your shop. Some day soon I hope to make the trek up there.
Here's to another 10 successful years!
Curious Sofa fed my soul and helped me get through the trauma of breast cancer a year ago. I do very little shopping anymore. After years of collecting, I have run out of space in my house for much more, but I will never give up "The Sofa" as my kids call it. I always find something charming and unusual that makes me smile and that I can't live without when I come to your shop. I wish you another 10 years (at least) of success.
Happy Tenth, Deb!!!!!!
Bravo Bravo!!! Here's to as many more happy successful years as you wish for!
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.
Happy Anniversary! It makes me even more pleased I bought something today by phone. Thanks again so much to Heather who very patiently helped me. ~Anne
Deb, Congratulations to you on your anniversary.
All of he sleepless nights and hard work have paid off.
You deserve this success.
Have a pretty day.
Kristin
Congratulations! An amazing ride! One of my bucket list items is to get to KC and visit your store. Love seeing the pictures you post, glad you are online & applaud your creativity! Here's to 10 more!!?? Have fun at CC!
How nice of you to say how much you appreciate your employees. I have been working at a small shop in my hometown for about 20 years now. Those two little words "thank you" mean more than anything! Congrats on 10 years and many more to come!
Deb, so exciting for you celebrating ten years in the biz! You deserve to celebrate this accomplishment. I'll raise a glass to you when you are in Texas and we'll definately celebrate!!
Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. What a milestone for you, your business, and your employees. Best wishes!
I remember opening a magazine (CL) and seeing you and your staff. I thought then the smiles had to be genuine...no one is that good an actor and how lucky they were to work in such an amazing, creative environment. (Your pickup was the tip off that this wasn't going to any old run of the mill store.)
Congratulations for ten years. Anyone in the business of antiques and junk knows that isn't an easy accomplishment (especially the last few years).
Debbie
Just saw an older post of yours. I luv all the Halloween displays! They are so cool looking. Thanks for sharing.....J
HAPPY CONGRATULATIONS!!! I have to tell you, I received my plate yesterday and it looks like HEAVEN. I LOVE it! THANKS!
BTW, I'm having a sweet give away for SOSOBELLA jewelry on my blog, if you get a moment I'd LOVE for you to drop by!
Happy 10th Anniversary and hope that the next 10 are fabulous ones for you and your talented team.
Leeann x
Congratulations and sooooo many more to come!
I am an avid decorator and antiquer from Finland and just wanted to leave and comment, say hello AND express my uttermost admiration! I have just spent four hours, solid, by my PC pouring over every single picture on your blog. I am in AWE and completely mesmerized by all of your creativity, talent, ideas, hard work -- joie de vivre! And that of your team as well, of course.
Given the time of year, I took especially long enjoying all the pics of the Halloween décor in the store and, really, I'm completely speechless. Every single picture seemed more imaginative, whimsy and brilliant than the previous one. Wow. That's all I'm capable of uttering!
I'm telling you, the store - especially around Halloween - would warrant a trip from across the world especially.
Warm regards!
-Marja-
Congratulations....I know what a glorious and passionate ride it has been for you personally and your fabulous staff. Heather and Abby, you have been by Deb's side for many years... her friend, co-worker and confidante. You and the others I do not know comprise a wonderful team. I commend you all. There IS only one store like The Curious Sofa. Deb... you deserve all the happiness that comes your way... and Pearlie Sue too. And... I can guarantee you the website is as good as the store for you that are not in Kansas City. Congratulations gang.....M
Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment. Cheers to many more great years.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Just browsing, trying to catch up on reading and came across this - WOW girlie - 10 years -where does time go? Congrats on a huge, huge accomplishment. I am so very proud of you and proud to call you my friend. You have done more for the design world, retail world, art world and just plain ole dreamers than you will ever know.
Know that when you put your head down on that comfy pillow of yours at night, that a "job well done" should be the last thing on your mind as you drift off - not worries, not plans, but the enjoyment that a day has ended, knowing that someone (and most likely many) has been inspired to continue, or to even start, their dreams.
Big hug - your biggest fan,
Elizabeth
Happy Anniversary Debbie. I may have just found you after 10 years but better late than never. Enjoyed looking at your site.
hugs
jeannie
Happy 10 Tenth Anniveray Debbie!!!
I wish it wouldn't have taken me 10 years to find you LOL. Well I guess a way to look at it, it's better late than never. Enjoyed searching your site.
hugs
jeannie
A little late on this, but Happy Anniversary, Deb! It makes me so happy to visit your site.
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