An Important Announcement
Boy, this is a hard entry to write. I guess there’s no easy way to announce this news, so I’m just going to jump in. As of July 25, 2010 Home Ec. will be closing the doors on our brick and mortar shop and moving exclusively online.
There are many reasons I came to this (hard and labored-over) decision. Of course the fact that we’re in the midst of The Great Depression Jr. isn’t helping anyone in retail nowadays, and we are no exception, but that’s not the whole story. We could probably hold on a while longer in our current location, maybe we’d ride out the financial storms, but if I’m being 100% honest with you, I’ve come to realize that my heart is not in it.
The last 12 months have probably been the hardest of my life. In late November of 2009, my mother died suddenly after a very short illness. Four and a half months later, her mother (my last remaining grandparent) died as well. It’s been incredibly hard to absorb these blows while keeping the shop running. Anyone who owns a retail shop will tell you it’s a 24/7 kind of proposition. Your shop doesn’t slow down to adapt to your life, it becomes your life. Which is great if you’re up for it, but I am feeling a very intense need to take a deep breath and reassess how I’m living and what I’m creating.
I’ve worked in the craft community for many years now, in various permutations. From running my own accessories business to putting on craft fairs, writing for blogs and writing my own sewing book. I dreamed about having a physical outpost for all the crafty stuff I loved, but the reality of being so deeply obligated to one thing has taken its toll and I’d like to get some of that old freedom back. Freedom to make my own schedule, and to tackle new challenges (writing a second book, exploring fabric design, etc.) without being so tied to the physical shop. We will remain open to the public through Sunday, July 25 but the last week of the month will be spent packing and moving (barring one last nighttime class, part 3 of our Modern Baby Quilt class).
I want to make it clear that Home Ec. as an entity, however, is not going anywhere! We’re moving into an office space where my kick-ass helper gals will fill your orders for the fabrics, books, and craft kits we’ve always offered. Better yet, the lower overhead means we can carry a lot more of all that stuff. We’re even developing some fun new products of our own! We’ll be bringing in some guest bloggers with original projects and articles, and we’ve also got a Home Ec. podcast in the works, which will be debuting at the end of August. As bittersweet as closing our lovely space at 3815 W. Sunset Blvd. may feel, I’m re-energized and excited as all get out about what we can accomplish online. And I sincerely hope you will join us!
good luck to you! look forward to seeing you online!
I’m so sorry about your mother and grandmother. I love your shop and book and while I’m sorry to see your uber cute shop close door, I’m glad newbie crafters like me will still be able to see you online and be inspired.
Good luck with healing and all your new ventures!
So sad! It was great having a craft shop in the neighborhood and will be missed!
I love the shop, Jenny. But it sounds like this is a good move for you. Best of luck – you’re awesome!
Jenny- thanks for all you’ve done for the craft scene in LA! I’ve directly been a beneficiary of your craft-love in a few ways and I want to say thanks!
It’s been fun seeing your store and havig fun LAMQG memories in it… You are a generous soul and I hope you feel the appreciation and love for what you do.
May you get many new opportunities to create by making this change…
I’m sorry to hear about the shop, but I really admire you for being so self-aware and honest in the midst of all this stress. You rock, and I look forward to seeing where Home Ec goes next!
I happened upon your shop today after purchasing shoes for my little Henry at Wee Soles just a few doors down. Jessica was wonderful and the children feasted on cupcakes. Even though it was our first time in your adorable shop- I was SO SAD to hear that it was closing. I loved the vibe of the shop and wish you the best in the months & years to come! xoxo
Oy! I’m moving to LA next weekend and I was so excited about being so close to your store finally… But I went through my own soul-searching/revelatory period, and I’m sure you feel a big burden has been lifted off your shoulders. Honesty can have a magical effect like that.
Looking forward to what you come up with in the future! Let me know if you need any help (coming to LA for once will not be such an ordeal)!
I was just talking to a buddy of mine last week about taking a class at Home Ec. We were excited about it. Probably the only two Guys that own sewing machines. Ha ha. Jk. Well I wish you much success in life as you’ve already made a mark on the community with your presence and your ambition.
oh jenny! i’m so bummed…you will be missed in the ‘hood…you were such a valuable asset to have in silver lake! while you will be missed, i’m happy you are doing what is right for you! good luck, best wishes and big love on your next chapter!
xox
Awwww. . . you put it all so well, that I guess we’ll have to understand and accept. I will try to make it to the shop before you close. I love what you did with the business, and know you will prosper on line, and continue to grow creatively. Best to you!
jenny…
thank you for all you’ve done… your words about why you’re closing- regarding being tied to one thing, the economy and soul searching really touched home for me and my experience with my craft kitchen. i’m SO sad to see your shop go but completely understand… and a bit of insight… for me… closing my shop- though heartbreaking in some aspects to let the dream go- has changed my life for the better in so many ways— hope you end up feeling the same way.
-random nicole
My very, very, very best wishes to you. Let me know if I can be of assistance. Keep rockin’ your microbusiness and keep the Home Ec vibe rolling!
You’ll always be the queen of crafting to us! Felt Club!
[...] This was our last meeting we will be having in Jenny’s cozy & welcoming Home Ec. space.
BUT we are not loosing Jenny, that is the important thing! She will be closing her brick and mortar store but still keeping her online presence. More about her decision, here. [...]
Thank you for hosting the LMQG. You generously gave us not only a place to meet, but a great start as a guild. I am grateful for that and your warm and lovely hospitality.
I am so sorry about the losses in your family. There are no words to describe the enormous grief of losing a parent or a grandparent. And yet you have been kind and gracious throughout.
I wish you the best in any and all crafting adventures in the future. My good thoughts are with you.
Marianna
Hi Jenny. I will miss your brick and mortar shop but you definitely need to do what you need to do. I’m glad you will still be online though and I’m so happy I had the opportunity to take so many amazing classes with you and your other instructors. I’ve learned so much! Thank you for being in Silverlake and thank you for remaining online
Good luck and if you need help packing you know you can count me in!
Friend and Neighbor , I am sooo sorry to hear the shop is closing, Does this mean we need to find Murray, the tree , a proper spot in the garden ????