Hi again everyone. How is your lockdown going? I'll be honest, mine has been up and down and my mood changes daily. I am quite content in my own company, and I always thought I was pretty anti-social and not particularly bothered about going out; but how funny is it how quickly that changes when you are told you can't go anywhere?! I am already planning what to do when this is all over, as I'm sure you all are too. It has also made me appreciate my local area - and reminded me I need to shop small and support local businesses as much as I can throughout the Coronavirus crisis and beyond. I am already planning lunches, evenings out and visits to some gorgeous Shropshire businesses on my doorstep that I took for granted - until I realised I couldn't visit them anymore. Some have shut down completely for the time being, and some have switched to online only, but I'm trying my best to shop small and look after my fellow independents.
I am trying to remain positive throughout this process and use it as an opportunity to reflect and grow. I am reading a book named 'The Courage to Be Yourself' by Sue Thoele which is all about personal development and growth. It's a real eye opener and is aimed at women who are often keen to people please (much to their own detriment). I would definitely recommend it as a good quarantine read. I received it as a birthday present - I think from my Godmother, last year, and it has become a real blessing to stumble across during this time - meant to be some may say.
I had temporarily closed my Etsy store and stopped making veils for a little while. This was mostly due to the fact that I was still lecturing at the college I work at part time up until a few weeks ago. Juggling the two seemed impossible. I felt quite uncomfortable going to work, to the point where as soon as I got home I wouldn't want to go out again, even to post veil orders.
Now my college has closed and it is the Easter break it has given me time to organise my thoughts. I have reopened my Etsy store and I am taking orders once again. I have had a few lovely brides-to-be get in touch, who have given me the confidence to proceed with taking veil and cape orders again. I came to realise that although many of you may have postponed your weddings, you still are in fact getting married, and many brides are using this time to suss out the fine details of their wedding day and get everything organised for when it does happen - because it will happen!
I have had to make some small changes to my production times, this is now 6-8 weeks. This is due to delays and limitations on some fabrics. Although, if your wedding is in the far future just let me know and I will keep hold of it and dispatch it nearer the time. I politely ask that (most of you do anyway!) you contact me prior to ordering so I can advise you on lead times for the particular design you would like to order. I can also take a 50% deposit now, and the remaining balance nearer the time of your wedding if you'd prefer.
I have also been working on some bridal collars that I haven't put online yet, what do you think? Isn't Dasher the best whippet model you've ever seen?
I'm really excited to start making veils again - I really miss the making and creating side of the business, although I have enjoyed using this time to nurture other aspects that usually get neglected (like my blog for example!). Please don't hesitate to email, DM, message me on Etsy if you have any queries - or just want to chat about your upcoming nuptials! I'm still here for all of your bespoke veil needs, and I can't wait to catch up with you.
XO, Jess