It’s quiet, ya’ll. Three kids are sleeping, and we know that’ll only last for about 15 minutes, so I better get an update out quickly. I’ve been quiet lately, but it’s because my mother taught me to restrict my conversation to the weather when I didn’t have anything nice to say. And there have been days, lately, where it’s been hard to find something nice to say.
Not that I’m turning into Cranky the Crankster, but I caught myself last night being plain old ungrateful. I love gratitude, ya’ll. I believe gratitude changes things. I practice it early and often. So as I puttered around my house, grumbling under my breath, I surprised myself. I actually even thought at one moment, about one particular circumstance: “I resent that.”
Really, Whitney? What right do you have to resent anything? Quick heart adjustment necessary. Bring on the gratitude. Be thankful for my husband’s job that is providing our family with health insurance, and keeping a roof over our heads right now. Not resentful of the long hours. Thankful, girl. Get on that bandwagon already.
In other news, news I haven’t been able to state without stuttering or choking, Whitney English–my first baby, my company–is officially closed. There were some glorious moments over the past decade, but the past two years have been grim. I think our customers have recognized the signs for a while, and I know I’ve done my best, but the pain of failure has stung several times in the past couple of days. Snide comments, both intentional and off-hand, have hit home. I’ve learned a lot, friends. A whole heck of a lot. And honestly, I’m a humbler, more anchored person for having gone through the struggle. I’ll talk more about my experience at the Authenticate workshop in Nashville on April 17 & 18, in case you’re interested.
I’m not leaving the stationery scene entirely, however! I’ll be helping some of the Stationery Academy alumni exhibit at the National Stationery Show this coming May. There are too many ideas rolling around in my head for me to hang up my paint brush entirely! And I’ve definitely been blessed with the opportunity to consult with some amazing creatives lately, and I’m looking forward to helping them roll out their new brands in the next couple of months. And who knows, maybe I’ll design stationery again someday.
For now, for today, for this moment, there is a necessary habit of gratitude that needs to be practiced.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I know I owe you all an announcement on giveaway winners–I’ll announce them tomorrow!
xoxo,
Whitney
Whitney, I find myself thinking the same thing sometimes and I have to stop and remind myself that I am blessed and should be thankful for everything I have. Congrats on Authenticate!
Thank you, Aelinor!!
Whitney, it breaks my heart to see your business close shop, but I just want you to know you ARE NOT a failure. You dared greatly 🙂 There is WAY better things ahead for you!! xoxox
And hooray for daring greatly, right?!?! It does make me wonder what’s around the bend. Thank you so much for your sweet encouragement!
Whitney,
I am a get papered retailer and have to say that you in no way are a failure to me! You have been a major influence in my business and I thank you for bringing your unique and preppy (yet traditional) style to the industry. I wish you all the best in your future projects and hope to cross paths some day! 🙂
Katie, thank you for your support in this comment and over the years! xoxo!
What you did with Whitney English, your first baby, is something to be so incredibly proud of! Those doors may be closing, but only for new ones to open. You are admired by more people than you even know (myself being one), so hang your head high! 🙂
Brit, thank you! I hope those new doors open soon! 😉
I want to say that Whitney English had some of my favorite designs ever… so classic yet with such whimsy. I greatly admire you and your talent!
Julie, thank you! So kind of you to say!!
Whitney, you have been such a huge inspiration to me recently! (I had reached out to you for advice on designing papers while you were facing this personal decision) I was sorry to read your blog earlier this week and learn about your difficult decision to close Whitney English. I know this is most likely one of the most challenging decisions you’ve had to make. In my eyes, and I’m certain many others, you’ve been a tremendous success! Your designs have been admired in all corners of this country! I know they made their way to Connecticut where I’m based because I’ve had the opportunity to write some of the best notes on your beautifully designed papers!
I know you will continue to be a success in your next ventures and I look forward to seeing your name attached to something beautiful and creative!
All the best,
Pamela
Pamela, thank you for the beautiful words! Truly such an encouragement!
Your stationery will be missed! I remember babysitting for a friend who sold your stationery about 9 years ago— I’d browse thru her big catalog of Whitney English designs, amazed at the color and beauty of those happy designs! May The Lord bless you with peace and direction in the days ahead!
Thank you, that’s so sweet of you to say!
Will you continue the Etsy shop?
Hi Margaret, yes, I will. The Etsy shop is a separate little business and I’ll keep it open just to keep my creative juices flowing!
So glad to hear that! 🙂