So, I'm not sure how many of ya'll have been paying attention, but if you HAVE, then you've noticed that not much has happened here in Tallulahland lately. And by lately, I'm mostly referring to the last two years or so.
There are good reasons for this, but I feel like every two or three posts or so on my blog I do one of these posts where I make some (typically legitimate) excuses for why I'm not posting, or why there's nothing in the shop, or why I haven't had a show in a while...So I'll spare you the usual reasons. Things in the boutique bow industry (heh heh) haven't been swell for the last few years. Attribute that where you will (economy, Pinterest, over-saturated market, etc). I've seen a LOT of tutu makers and bow makers at every street fair, festival and market I've been to in the last year. I hope some of them are doing well.
I realized a year or so ago, that Tallulah Twinkletoes is a lot of work, and to do it the way that meets MY standards is a *LOT* of work. Also, having five kids that are in three schools is a lot of work. And I knew something had to give. So Tallulah went to the back burner, and life continued on at its usual pace. I've had a few custom orders here and there. Done a few little shows. A few weddings. Some prom stuff. And every time I do one of these little projects, a little spark ignites in me again and I remember how much I love (and NEED) to have a creative pursuit in my life.
Tallulah has been in existence for five years now. FIVE years. That's pretty significant, I'd say. I started this business when my youngest child was a baby, and now my baby is in full day school.
So I'm at a crossroads, Tallulahfans. I have a lot of active kids with a lot of extra curricular needs. I drive them to and from school everyday, so a conventional job just won't work for my time constraints. I have an empty house during the day (other than Lucy, the wonderpup, and the laundry monster, he's always here...), and a little hole in my heart where I used to have a little friend (or five) to do things with. Basically, I need something creative to do, and I think I know what that needs to be.
I've done something I never did before, even in Tallulah's golden days (mostly because I was too busy doing shows and soirees to do it). *I put merchandise in my etsy shop*.
I've decided that I've been blessed with a talent. And I need to use my talent to bless my family. And in order to do that, I need to have a better online presence, rather than do a ton of soirees and shows, which I don't have a great deal of time for anymore.
Yes, I will continue to do shows here and there, mostly during the busy fall/Christmas season, and around Easter. I will make more available in the shop so that folks and friends around the world can see and purchase my products.
I have been blessed with some great contacts, with a few exciting photoshoots and upcoming placements in magazines (!), opening Tallulah Twinkletoes to a new market. I feel very excited about the opportunities this affords me and my business!
I am still trying to remain relevant in a Pinterest culture. I have tried to switch things up and add some new products to the mainstays, to give myself a challenge and keep things interesting. You will see some of these items listed occasionally in the shop, and I'll try to give you a heads up when I'm going to do so.
Thank you, thank you, Tallulahfans, for your support over the years. Thanks for coming to my shows, for loyally ordering my bows rather than buying some for cheaper at Wal-Mart. Thank you for inviting me to make things for your new baby, for your daughter's baptism, for prom and weddings. Thank you for bringing over a dress and asking me to make a special hairpiece, just for you. I have loved doing it, and I look forward to doing it all, a lot more.
xoxo Amberlyn
Want to see all the Tallulah goods in one place? Do you need a fancy flower or bow to complement a holiday outfit? New baby that needs a warm beanie? Need a stocking stuffer or two or maybe a Gift certificate? Come to the annual "Tallulah Twinkletoes Holiday Soiree" at my home this Thursday from 7 to 9pm and see what I have! MUCH more than you'll find in my online shop, and with special show pricing! Treats, giveaways and more! Come see it all!
