Heartfelt Thank You from Deborah Main

27 Nov Heartfelt Thank You from Deborah Main

Posted at 06:06h in Art by Deborah Main 0 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving to you my friends, family, customers and supporters! I couldn’t let this holiday pass without taking the time to thank you and to catch you up with what’s been going on this fall. I want to give thanks for a lot that has kept me hopping in 2014, so here goes 🙂

#1: Martha Stewart American Made Awards Competition: I’m still kind of catching my breath from all the hustle and bustle of The Martha Stewart American Made Awards competition. That was quite an intense 4 weeks this fall! Congratulations to the 10 winners. It was tough competition, but thanks to you I received 3,521 votes. I can’t thank you enough for voting – as often as you did and for encouraging others to vote.

Because of you, I was lucky enough to be a Finalist in the 2014 American Made Awards, and that was THE best way to celebrate 10 years in business!

Thank you to each and everyone of you: family, old friends, new friends, small businesses, large businesses, people I didn’t even know….you are ALL truly amazing! Below is just a partial list, as there were waaaay too many of you to keep up with, but you know who you are and how much I appreciate you and all you did! Special thanks to Brandon Smith of D Coop Media for landing a TV spot for me and for those of you who wrote a blog post. Thank you all so very much!! xoxo

#2: Jan Triplett of The Business Success Center: I’ve been remiss on keeping up with my blog, but for a VERY good reason. I’ve been hunkered down with Jan Triplett, owner of The Business Success Center here in Austin, for about 10 intense weeks refining my business model for 2015, and the next 10-year chapter of Deborah Main Designs. As most of you know, I’m the artist, and it’s challenging for me to do all the business side of my business too.That’s where Jan comes into the picture. She has put up with me arguing like all get out, trying hard to work through all the challenges that I face in my business (and that many artist-based, small businesses face when it’s time to make some major decisions). I’ve shared a little bit of this struggle on my Facebook Business page.

I’m applying for a state grant. No news yet, but I’ve put a dandy team in place should the grant come through.

I just want to thank Jan for her incredible patience and for recognizing the heart of the Deborah Main luxury brand and where I want to take it. She has helped me create a financial road map, and my team will help me get there.

Fingers crossed I get the grant. Will keep you posted.

#3: My family and friends: Being a small business owner is never easy. It takes a lot of capital, hard work, and it alters your day-to-day life with your family and friends. I just want to take a moment to thank my dear husband of 30 years, David Latimer, for putting up with me and pillows everywhere (I’m finally getting a handle on that! More exciting news coming in 2015!) and for “uncertainty”.

He’s my rock and I love him so very much. If you’re not an entrepreneur, believe me when I say it is very hard to be married to one!

He’s a saint! And my girls and son keep me going too, as they are all so creative and supportive. It is a family business that I’m trying to build for them and their future. And to my dear friends who listen to me when I need to talk about all my ideas. Y’all are the best!! Thank you!

#4: I’m back in a permanent showroom in Dallas…YAY!: Everyone probably has seen this photo before, when I showed in High Design in 2013 at the Atlanta International Home & Gift Market. (I wrote several blog posts about my experience, so please check it out here).

Well, I’m happy to say, it feels FANTASTIC to be back home, in the good ‘ole State of Texas! I used to be in the Doris Sanders Showroom in Dallas for several years (when I was first starting out; I cut my wholesale teeth with Doris Sanders showroom!) and I’m thrilled to announce that they will represent my work again starting this month. I just went up there Monday of this week and took the majority of my inventory. They have such a gorgeous showroom and carry so many fantastic brands!! Thanks to my helpers, my daughter, Qin, and Keenan (who showed Qin how to drill! Thank you Keenan!) and Sue Wyll, the showroom owner. Here’s just a few snaps of the set up.

Thanks to dear friend Brandon Smith, of D. Coop Media, who designed my booth for Atlanta (I just love the fireplace!) and BIGAUSTIN who loaned me the money in 2012 to get the custom shelving made, I am once again able to showcase my work. You’ll hear more about this when January 2015 market comes along. Till then, enjoy the pics and get ready to see a gorgeous display in the new year! Have a wonderful holiday weekend! XOPG

Oops, almost forgot! If you live in Austin, or are visiting, please stop by my studio for #SmallBusinessSaturday. I’m having a little soiree with AMAZING deals on my pillows. Lucky for you, I couldn’t possibly bring them all to Dallas!! And I am SOOOO ready to clear out my inventory and start fresh in the new year. Up to 75% off select Deborah Main pillows for Small Business Saturday. Just cleaned up my studio tonight and I’ve got such awesome new vintage fabrics that I can’t wait to start creating more of my one-of-a-kind designs. I’ve been helping my friend Heather Bache out with her sewing for the launch of her clothing line, and it has reminded me how much I LOVE to hand stitch and how much I miss it. See you Saturday! 🙂