a store is born
The day has finally arrived. We are opening the shop today. ink & peat has been over 2 years in coming and I can't believe it is finally here. Here are a few things I have learned about opening your own shop:
1. it really is as hard as everyone says it is
2. it really is as expensive as everyone says it is
3. so far, it really is as exciting and challenging as well
4. drywall is very, very messy
5. shop-vacs really will suck up anything...watch for small children nearby
6. it is more fun to do floral design when you are not worried about ruining your dining room table
7. it is wonderful when random people walk in and say - "it smells great in here!" scent is so important
8. it is so much easier when everyone is rooting for you...thanks to all of you for your kind words and support and to all my peeps on the ground behind the scenes - you are my rock and I couldn't have done it without you...you know who you are.
Here are a few pics to show you where we are headed - just a taste - I will show you more when all the boxes are cleared....gotta go to bed - 11am opening will come very soon.
Good luck with your new venture,
Love your floral designs... love your blog,
Dee
London UK
Posted by: DeeDee | July 23, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Good luck from Italy!!
Posted by: Michela | July 23, 2008 at 02:28 AM
Hi Pam....I am so PROUD and HAPPY for you..I wish I could be there for the opening. Good luck today!!
Posted by: Janie | July 23, 2008 at 03:13 AM
CONGRATULATIONS! Wow, it really looks lovely, and so thought out. Love the chandelier. Do you sell that?
...we're in the middle of putting in new ceilings, so YES...drywall is MESSY! :)
Posted by: erin :: the olive notes | July 23, 2008 at 04:48 AM
Congrats! Best of luck!
Posted by: lucky me | July 23, 2008 at 04:49 AM
i think you should consider opening up a store in boston. good luck - - - i wish you happiness and success.
Posted by: christine | July 23, 2008 at 04:55 AM
Warm wishes and great success. Yahoo... your shop looks fab- the only thing I see missing is a sister store in Chicago!!
Congrats...
Posted by: Joyce | July 23, 2008 at 05:06 AM
Ah, looks divine and makes me miss home. Best wished on your opening!
Posted by: dishe | July 23, 2008 at 05:11 AM
Congrats! It has been so exciting to watch over the months as you have been preparing for this. I know you're glad the day is finally here! I only wish I were closer to stop by.
Posted by: Michelle | July 23, 2008 at 05:24 AM
Everything looks lovely. All your hard work has paid off. Hope everything goes as well as you have hoped for. Tell your Mom and Dad hello for me. I'm sure they are there to cheer you on.
Posted by: SANDRA SCHULZ | July 23, 2008 at 05:44 AM
Congratulations! I actually got a little teary when I read that it's today. I feel like you've been working on this forever. I'm sure it's going to be the most beautiful shop...can't wait to see it (possibly this fall).
I'd send you flowers but...you know.
Posted by: carlene | July 23, 2008 at 05:55 AM
i wish you all the luck in the world, i opened my flower shop three years ago...its been the best three years of my life. ups and downs will happen, frustration will grow, and then that one person will walk in and tell you how wonderful something is and all that frustration will go out the door. so good luck! it looks gorgeous, and most of all have all the fun in the world, laugh much and smile every time you walk into your beautiful shop. congrats!!
Posted by: morgan | July 23, 2008 at 06:03 AM
yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! goodie because i was hoping to come shopping today:)
Posted by: Chelsea | July 23, 2008 at 06:22 AM
congratulations!! i agree with christine - you do need a store in boston. then us east coasters will have somewhere to shop for everything lovely you posted above. happy first day open!
Posted by: debra | July 23, 2008 at 06:27 AM
YES! This is so exciting! Now I have something to look forward to at the end of my work day!!
Posted by: Jen | July 23, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Congratulations!!! This is so exciting!! The photos look incredible.
Posted by: Sarah | July 23, 2008 at 07:06 AM
Sending very best wishes for luck and happiness and success! It looks amazing!! Hmmm note to self plan trip to the NW to shop at ink & peat!
Posted by: Sharmyn | July 23, 2008 at 07:34 AM
I can't wait to come in this week! It looks gorgeous! congratulations!
Posted by: Katie | July 23, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Congratulations, Pam! I was in the neighborhood last month and peeked in, and even amidst all the construction I could tell it was going to be beautiful.
Can't wait to visit properly next time I'm in PDX!
Leah
Posted by: Leah | July 23, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Congratulations Pam! I'll have to stop by if I'm ever in your neck of the woods!
Posted by: Kathryn | July 23, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Good luck! I'd love to shop it - the store seems so inviting!
Posted by: Susan | July 23, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Congrats and good luck!. Love the pics. Love the blog. Love the flowers. Where did you get the chandelier?
Posted by: Lauren | July 23, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Congrats! I've really enjoyed watching the progress on your blog! You are such a talented artist, I love all of your floral arrangements. Enjoy the excitement of the first day :)
Posted by: Sarah | July 23, 2008 at 08:34 AM
So so lovely. More pictures, please!
Posted by: jennifer | July 23, 2008 at 08:34 AM
I am peeking in from the longtime lurk just to say HURRAH! for you, Pam. Your blog is so inspiring to me (and countless others, I am sure). I wish you nothing but the best and hope to see your store in person soon!
Posted by: rebeccab | July 23, 2008 at 08:58 AM