The Basketry - Forever in My ❤️
I get asked often, “How do you feel now that you don’t own The Basketry anymore?” There are many feelings around this, and I have kept those feelings to myself for a while. I am ready to write about this now!
For those of you just meeting me, The Basketry was the business I created at a very young age and grew for the last 28 years! I sold it in 2023 and have had a tough time discussing the grief surrounding it. Thank you for allowing me the safe space to share this.
There was a lot of sadness in the passing of the torch initially, even though the two amazing women who own The Basketry now are indeed the BEST two for the job. I love them, and I am so very proud of them. The grief comes because I started this little business from scratch at a very young age during an extremely difficult time in my life. If you have ever built anything from scratch, you can imagine the pride regardless of how hard it was at times.
My little shop and I have been through the best and worst times together. It became my identity and my life’s purpose. When I decided to sell, I didn’t do so because I didn’t love it anymore, I did so because it was time to retire and allow someone else to grow it further.
The Day Of The Sale
I sat at the closing table and I remember feeling extremely numb. I had often been at closing tables for real estate deals, but nothing felt quite like this. I didn’t hear anyone speak, yet everyone was talking. I got a check and didn’t even focus on the numbers. I just wanted to leave. I knew the owners were excited, and I felt an obligation to support them, but inside, I wanted to cry and run. I sat in my car alone, wondering what I “should” do next. I just signed my purpose, my entire existence away. Who was I now? For my now ex-husband, it was a celebration of success. To me, I felt like I had died. I felt alone and tired.
My Last Days of Work
It was the Saturday before Mother’s Day 2023, and I felt like I was dropping off my child that I would never see again. I felt an extreme amount of sadness. It was tough. My family and friends wanted to come to spend my last day with me, but I truly needed alone time and sleep. A few weeks had passed, and it became a little easier. I allowed myself some time to process this massive transition in my life. “This too shall pass.”
After a few months, I saw new photo sessions with the photographer, new delivery vans, and changes happening! I watched as new gifts were created, and FOMO quickly set in. I wanted to be there! Everything I watched made me feel so proud, and it was all so beautiful! While I heard many people say how different it was without me, I always replied, “It’s the same team and two amazing women, so I know things are beautiful!” The Basketry was thriving and I couldn’t have been more excited for them!
I admit it was hard to visit the shop at first, but with each step, it got easier. I mainly miss my customers and the connections we created together. I also miss my work family a lot!
As I Write This Now
I am happy and so proud that it’s doing so well. All I ever want is for any small business to succeed and thrive. It’s a difficult time to be in retail, so I ask my friends and past customers to PLEASE shop and support this beautiful business I founded.
Many of my customers have reached out about Christmas gifting, and I can’t stress enough how amazing the team at The Basketry is. They are ready to take all of the holiday stress off of you. Check out their website: www.thebasketry.com
The Basketry - Forever In My ❤️
This little shop will always hold a special place in my heart and forever be mine. I will always be protective and supportive of its owners and growth. The lessons this little shop taught me (it raised me) will forever live in my heart.
Love, Kristi