Big decisions

Two weeks ago I sent the following email to my mailing list:

Dear friends and customers,

After almost 10 years I have made the decision to wind up Townmouse. This little business has been a labour of love for me - something I've nurtured and watched grow alongside my children.

Though with 4 children now, life is extremely busy and I have decided to give my full attnetion to family for the time being. I want to find the time to sew for my own daughter before she's old enough to say, "Yuk Mummy, I'm not wearing THAT!" Which I'm sure is coming all too soon.

I will take away from Townmouse some wonderful friendships and fabulous experiences. It's been lovely to get to know customers over the years and now count many of you as dear friends.

There are still lots of classic Townmouse pieces in stock. But once they're gone, they're gone for good. So if there's a favourite piece you like, please go to the website and grab it.

This was a decision I made over a year ago, and one that brewed for a while before that. So things have been winding down since then, as I've sold through my last ranges.

I originally started Townmouse because I loved making pretty dresses. So I sold them, in order to make them, if that makes sense. With the arrival of Adelaide though, a large part of my motivation for the business was satisfied at home. And last winter, while trying to get my summer range off to the manufacturers in the middle of school holidays I suddenly realised that things were all back to front.  

I was too busy creating clothes for other people's children to make the things I wanted to make for my own. I could see that I would kick myself in years to come having spent too much time in my sewing studio and not enough time enjoying my young children.

So there you have it. Big news I guess. It's a decision I'm content with. When life is this busy you have to really love something to find the time for it. And I'd started to love it a little less.

I've been asked if I'm going to sell the business. No, I'm not. It was never about the money, and I'm too wedded to this little brand I have created. I don't want it to become someone else's, and for it to change into something I wouldn't be proud of. 

And besides, there's this little blog.  I will continue to blog - yes, definitely.  

When I sent the email above I didn't quite anticipate the response it would generate. I have been completely overwhelmed with orders.  The boys and I have been filling the post box near our house to the brim every night, and then taking the overflow of parcels down the road to the next post box.  It's been a little stressful but I'm getting there.  So until I clear the backlog of orders there won't be much happening here.  

In future expect to see more one-off creations. Looking back over my archives though, there are a few items there I'd like to make again.  

As always, lots to do, so little time.

Comments

[corrie]

Well you've done an amazing job and should be proud of the brand you created. I am struggling with 1 at school so can't imagine having 3 at schools (and different ones) and the activities and just life in general. I'm sure you will feel a weight has been lifted and lots of gorgeous things to show off on your blog.

enjoy the rest but sad to see you close the store. I am so happy without the responsibility of an online store but love doing markets and getting my fabric wholesale;)

Corrie:)

[Daniela]

Congratulations! This is a decision that you will never regret and your kids will always thank you for. I know it must be hard, but sometimes we have to choose what it really matters in life...
Wish you all the best!

[MOM]

Hallo Kristine! Really big news indeed, but if it is what your heart says to you, I think you have made the very best decision!! You will never regret it and what you created with Townmouse will last forever. I wish you very wonderful and intensive moments and experiences with your nice kids!

[Michelle]

I am glad that you recognise the right time to do this, otherwise what you loved could easily become a burden you resent. And your email spurred me on to buy my daughter the little denim dress I was always saying I would get "one day"! I am thrilled you will still be blogging though. :)

[Amellia Grosser]

Sounds like a wise decision. I love your blog- so very inspiring. So I am very happy you will keep blogging. I am making the most of the fact that my 8 year daughter still loves the liberty dresses made by me and the smocked dresses made by Granny. Although I am sure my days are numbered! My order from you arrived this morning and love the shirt I ordered for my 5 year old Henry.

Amellia

[Clare]

Hi Kris.I thought this was on the cards-you have been vanishing on and off. I completely understand the pull youve been feeling and the yearnings that began your gorgeous business.What a treat you have been providing for people all over the world!
I am delighted you will still blog.I'd miss you.
All the very best for your family fuelled future.
Clare x

[Marina]

Hi Kris. You've always been a total inspiration through your blog and I'm so glad you're continuing to show us your creations through it.... All the best, as always!

Marina xx

[Thimbleanna]

I raise my glass to your new beginnings! I've always loved your adorable creations and now I'm looking forward to many more as your children grow!

[Teresa]

I couldn't be happier for you and your family! Very wise decision indeed! Very thankful you'll continue posting...it's such a lovely blog. Looking forward to seeing all the beautiful things you'll create!

[Amy]

What a beautiful decision for you and your family. So glad you'll keep blogging. Cheers! xo amy

[Bianca]

I completely understand where you're coming from and it's great that you are following your heart! Family is the most wonderful thing, enjoy! xx

[Annabelle]

Townmouse will never go . Such beautiful classic pieces will endure forever!!

[Kathleen]

As a mother of 4 children myself I stand up and applaud your decision. Its interesting, but as my kids got older that actually needed me MORE. I mean, sure, when they are younger its the physical stuff they need you for...but when they get older...its more of the emotional support and the "nuts and bolts" of raising our children the way we believe. Its being there for them as much as you can, because you are right, the time goes by too quickly. I have never regretted my decision to quit and I thank God every day for the opportunity to be a full time mom. Your family is lucky to have you....