I've kind of laid low for 2016 so far....listening, planning and trying things out to see what direction to take the company in. As much as I love my shop in Winnipeg, I have come to realize that as the creator of our products, I do not want 50 shops across the nation. Managing meetings and organizing payroll and scheduling of hours, is not why I do what I do. I do what I do, because I love creating great products. I love the feedback from the thousands of happy customers we have and the wonderful support that they give me. It is amazing! I am so happy that you love what I create as much as I do.
I love the BUZZ of Holiday Markets, whether it's Mother's Day, Collective markets or Christmas Markets. There is definitely something special about them and this will be our 5th year of attending the Vancouver Christmas Market. Yes, it's stressful getting there and getting organized and it's hard work, but it is so rewarding. Meeting my customers in Vancouver, face to face, is just amazing and the Christmas spirit at that market is delightful beyond words. It is so much fun, in fact, that this year I am attending a Christmas Market in New York City as well, to see how the American population accepts my products. It's going to be scary and amazing, all at the same time. I am so looking forward to being at both markets this year!!
And you never know what opportunities can arise from meeting the movers and shakers in NYC. There's even some movers and shakers on the West Coast that I'm planning on making things happen with next year as well. That way, my products can be bought across Canada and the United States and become more accessible to people. I know that webpage shopping is difficult with scented products....it'll be nice to get past that and have them available in other shops for people to buy from, where it is easily accessible for you. Rest assured, I have heard you! These are our biggest complaints this year. - “We can't find you, we miss you and where can we get your products?” But as in all things, it takes time to process the direction that I wish to take. I now know that I'm ready for that next big step. So, as I create like crazy right now to supply my fantastic customers in Vancouver, Winnipeg and hopefully in NYC during the upcoming Christmas season.....know that I am excited to meet or see you again in person and I am working on creating great opportunities for The Hartmont Candle Company and you, next year. 2016 has been a great year so far and I have every expectation that it will continue to do so into our Christmas season. 2017 will be even better!
As always, thank you so much for your support! Your kind words and enthusiasm for spurring me on are greatly appreciated. And your sharing of your stories and thoughts have inspired me. Thanks for being patient for me while I figure out my direction too. I feel like we're all in this together and your feedback is providing me with the information I need to grow in the direction that will be the most successful, not just financially but spiritually as well. We've all got to be happy in the end.....I'm working on it! Stay tuned!