First you make a plan....

....then life comes along and changes it! Things have been a whirlwind of activity over the last few weeks. And if you had asked me a few months ago where I would be in July I can guarantee it wouldn't have been in a new location with a new exciting direction.  It's amazing how things can really change when you step back, stop fighting to make a round peg fit into a square hole and look at all the other options.

To be honest, I never set out to own a gift shop. I didn't want to be married to a place that required me to not only be there during regular business hours, but one that would take up my 'leisure' time as well. I've discovered over the years that the Universe has a way of putting me where I need to be and in 2006 I found myself hanging a sign on a building declaring that I was The Wren's Nest and I was open for business. And it's been an amazing ride. Such a mixed bag. No one tells you that being a shop owner can be one of the most stressful/rewarding experiences in your life. And I wouldn't have changed a thing. I'm amazed at the amount of personal growth that has come with my business adventure and the number of amazing people that have been brought into my life.

Three weeks ago, I had a conversation with another local business owner that changed the way I viewed The Nest completely. She said several things that day, but the one thing that will always stick in my mind was the comment that "Your personality makes The Nest what it is, not the building it's in." I was so hooked on the fact that I had worked so hard with Ken to make the little Maple St. building a beautiful place that I couldn't let it go and move on to bigger and better things. It was a painful decision to let the building go, but now, three weeks later, I see how it needed to happen in order for me to take my business to new heights, and explore possibilities that I hadn't seen before.

My friend Cindy Wobbe has owned and operated Mon Ami Gourmet Deli and Antiques for 14 years. Mon Ami was (and still is) my go to place when I need a break. It's this wonderful funky place filled with vintage treasures of all sorts along with a deli that offers the best comfort food around. Pair that with a good cup of tea and it's an instant mini vacation. After a long conversation one morning, Cindy offered me the opportunity to move my shop into her business and become the 'florist in residence'. It's funny how once you make a solid decision in the right direction, things just seem to fall into place. We had worked together on jobs in the past, she as the caterer with me as the florist, and it just seemed like a no brainer to join forces and make it easier for our clients to find us both in the same place. One stop shopping you might say! The area that she gave me to Nest in is perfect. All the displays that I really wanted to bring fit right in that little area, and it looks as if The Wren's Nest has always been there. I'm still in awe of the way Cindy's shop and mine have melded together so well.

The Wren's Nest at Mon Ami

It's been a month of letting go, hard work and embracing change, but I'm finally feeling very content and happy with the direction I'm going. I feel so blessed to have been welcomed not only by Cindy, but also by the wonderful group of girls that keep Mon Ami running. It's like gaining a new family and a support system that can often be missing when you're a sole proprietor. And Cindy was right. When you come into Mon Ami, you can see that I've brought the essence of The Nest with me and even though I've gone from about 800 sq feet to a space about 10x12 feet, I still have the things that make The Nest what it is; beautiful fresh flowers, a delightful selection of teas and the hand poured richly scented soy candles that are the signature of The Wren's Nest.

Every day is filled with new and exciting possibilities. The move into Mon Ami has made for a richer shopping experience. If you haven't had the opportunity to come see me at the new location (490 Hwy 101, Florence), I hope you will soon. I know you'll love the changes!