FAREWELL TO LIZZY LU'S

I think I've mentioned in an earlier post that I started a ladies' accessories business about 3 years ago.  The name of my business, Lizzy Lu's.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am the queen of accessories and after shopping at festivals, markets, arts/craft shows, I was pretty sure that I would enjoy selling accessories and would be pretty good at it.  So, my adventure as a small business owner began.

I have learned a TON of things about owning and running a business over the past 3 years.  I have met some great people along the way.  I developed a following of customers and have met some great vendors.  I really didn't expect to make as many friends among the vendors as I have.  So, that was a wonderful added bonus along the way.  You figure out what shows to do and soon discover that a lot of the same people do the same shows as you so you develop these friendships. You learn a lot from each other.

One of the best shows I did was Angleton Market Days in Angleton, TX.  This show started as a small  show put on by the city of Angleton at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds.  They had 3 buildings and a lot of area outside for vendors.  The very first show I did, 2 of the buildings were full and the third building only had about 10 vendors.  This past November, all 3 buildings were full, a covered pavilion had been added and it was full, and all the outside area offered was full.  The show in March 2014 is already full including an additional small building that will hold additional inside vendors.  WOW, has this thing grown.  The people there are G-R-E-A-T, customers, vendors, and the people who put on the show.  If you ever have the opportunity to go to one of Angleton Market Days (March or November), please do.  You will find some great things and have a great time.

The circuit of shows happens 2 times a year.  March/May and October/December.  The shows are usually 2 days, Saturday and Sunday, with a set-up day, Friday.  It is a lot of work but I found it to be a lot of fun. 

I have girlfriends who would help me on show days.  We got to have some fun girl times with a lot of laughing and some crazy experiences with customers!  Let me just say, what happens at Lizzy Lu's, stays at Lizzy Lu's! 

Anyway, the weekend of December 14 & 15 was my last show.  Forever.  For several reasons, which I won't go into, I decided to close my business.  It has made me sad.  But I am thankful for this experience.  Like I said, I have learned A LOT.  Just to show you how great the people are in Angleton, the ladies who put on that show offered to arrange a trunk show to help me get rid of my leftover inventory.  They provided a place, publicized it, furnished refreshments, etc.  Thanks to them, I am down to very, very little inventory.  Thank you so much Martha, Kaci, and Patti.

I'm not sure what I will do now.  But, I want to do something.  It may not be a business, but it will be something. I just haven't figured it out yet.

So, here's a farewell to Lizzy Lu's.  She was a good friend who I will miss terribly.