We are in the last stretch of our 3 month pop up shop in Kingsway mall. It has been an amazing experience and I am thrilled that I took the leap and tried it out.
I was asked to sign into another 12 month lease with the mall. To say I stressed over this would be an understatement. I have always wanted Elle's Closet to grow, maybe multiple locations owned by myself or maybe franchised? I don't know for sure but I know I have big dreams for it. So, when this opportunity arose I felt I had to try it. I was not ready for a second location but I felt like thats how my business has been since day 1. Pushing forward and taking leaps before I was ready. Its worked so far, so I felt I had to keep going. I am glad I did, it opened so many doors for me and I met so many amazing people! I don't know that those doors would have opened if I hadn't done the pop up. I was asked to be on the Ryan Holtz show podcast which I think was incredibly cool! I was named one of the Top 40 babes with bad ass jobs in Edmonton by Narcity Edmonton, again, so cool! I have met so many amazing ladies in the edmonton blogging community. Jen Kinal from A beautiful Inspiration is such a pleasure to work with and one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. Robyn from My Closet Journey is one of the best girls out there. She is super inspiring and a great friend to have by your side. These are just a few of the amazing ladies I have had the pleasure of getting to know personally since making the decision to pop up in Kingsway Mall.
However, all this aside. Should I stay or should I go now? The million dollar question. I have changed my mind so many times. I have talked this to death with friends, family and my husband. Will people think I failed if don't keep going? Will people think this small town girl couldn't hack it in the big city? Will I regret it if I don't keep going? Will I stop my companies growth in its tracks if I decline this opportunity? Will I be disappointed in myself for not trying? Am I being lazy by saying no? These questions, amongst others are going through my head non-stop.
I have had to talk myself and my pride into looking at the bigger picture and what is most important. I can't worry about what people will think. I have to worry about what is truly the right move for me and my family. Which is why, after many tears and late night chats I have finally come to peace with my decision to not continue on with our Kingsway Mall Location. The timing to expand into a second location just isn't right. My girls are still so young and they need me. Even if physically I don't need to be there daily, mentally I am always there. Always worrying and checking in. It's not fair to my family or my mental health right now. This was a very hard choice to make. I was/am so proud of our beautiful second store. It makes me misty eyed to think that in just 4 short weeks it will no longer be there. I just have to keep reminding myself that just because the timing isn't right for me now, doesn't mean this door is closed. I have lots of time to grow my company in the future. My girls will only be this small for so long and I don't want to miss these moments. I also have to say the biggest thank you to Lindsay Botha from Kingsway Mall leasing. She was so incredible to work with and immediately made me feel like I was a part of a family when we moved into our space. I also feel she went above and beyond to just chat with me personally about weather staying on was the right choice for me right now. I feel like I made a friend and am sad to lose that work friendship. So thank you Lindsay, you are amazing!
I will never regret our pop-up in the mall. It was so much fun being in a totally different atmosphere. It was especially fun being there over the christmas season. I love the mall and the city during December. It is so festive and bright! I really do hope and believe that we will one day have a permanent location in Edmonton. I am a small town girl but YEG holds a special place in my heart. I loved being a part of the community and the city life, I love being able to say I am a yegger. I plan to have that back again someday.
So Edmonton, this is not goodbye, its simply See ya later
9 comments
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I commend you & your honesty. As a business owner there’s so many what ifs. As I was reading I thought how brace your were to make the leap. But how much braver with the decision to not go back. Just beachside you don’t go back immediately there’s always time for later. Family first , I believe your business will grow . Now I’m gonna place an online order ?
You are amazing and never for get that. ❤️
Proud of you Michelle. It’s a heck of a lot of work and you make it look easy. Wishing you continued success in 2018!
You are full of heart, Michelle. I loved having a location in Edmonton, but at the same time I am in awe in your dedication to your family <3. The time will come for you again to have another location for your store. In the meantime, I will continue to support you by shopping on your website! I’ve never met you in person but have had many interactions with you on Instagram and have always enjoyed those small interactions. I love the products that you sell and what you stand for. All the best! Happy New Year.
I am teary eyed reading this post, because it is just so raw & true to who you are & what’s important to you & your family ! Spending those precious years with your littles really resonated with me too. You are an incredible entrepreneur & you inspire me every day the way you balance work, family & life! Cheers to an incredible 2018 for the amazing Elle’s Closet! Xo
You are so brave and beautiful inside and out my friend. I am so proud of you both for opening the second location and for deciding that now is not the right time to continue it. You know your heart and you know what is best for you and your family. I know it’s hard to make these decisions now and they feel like sacrifices but I promise the time with your girls being little will go faster than you can imagine right now. You will expand when the time is right I have no doubt! Love you girl!
We left Athabasca 14 years ago, but in my heart, even though we only lived there for 7 years, it is Home. I was so excited to have a wonderful little piece of Athabasca so close and accessible to me! I see the awesome Facebook styles you post and instantly think about when I’ll be at Kingsway next.
However, I am glad that your heart and mind were able to meet at an agreement that felt right for you. When I lived in Athabasca, my girls were babies and then 4 and 7 when we left. Now my daughters and I shop at Elle’s together and ooh and awe over different finds! You will never get that very special time back with your babies – they grow and it changes but it’s not the same. You made the right choice to savour this time in your life, and while my visits may be fewer in between, they will just be another excuse to visit the home of my heart. Well done Michelle, well done!
Michelle you are one of the most passionate, driven, beautiful, caring, smart women on the planet! I have no doubt that you have made the right decision for you and your family as that is always where your heart is. I am blessed to know you and call you my friend and I can not wait to see what is in store for you boss babe!! xoxoxo Annie
I am so proud of you and all that you accomplished! You have taken a big leap to open up the Kingsway pop up location and it looked absolutely amazing! You put your heart and soul into that location and it could be seen by many. Don’t ever think that anyone would ever doubt your ability to cut it in the big city because we all know you did! But the time with your girls you can never get back and that is what is truly so important so I am proud of you again for putting them first ? you are such an inspiration my friend!