Hi friends!
Wow, it's been a hot minute since I updated last! A LOT has happened since then too...
On April 9th, Mike and I welcomed our little girl, Pearl Adelaide, to the world! Pearl was born at home, and was a healthy 7lbs. 12oz. and 20 inches long... and just perfect!
We couldn't love her more, she is just so sweet.
Both Mama and baby are doing great. I had a bit of down time for the couple weeks following the birth, and although I had not anticipated such a lengthy recovery, it ended up being a blessing in disguise. It gave me just the time I needed to adjust to being a new mama, and take in each and every moment with my precious little girl. I wouldn't trade these last few weeks for the world. I am so thankful that God works all things out for the best, even though we may not understand His plan in the moment. He knows just what we need and when we need it... and that just blows me away. He is good.
All this time away from KYEbags has been good for me. Before my maternity leave, I was really starting to feel some major burn out, and a big time lack of creativity was just looming over me. But the separation and time away has caused some new vision to begin to blossom in me, and that has been really refreshing for me. Before my time off, frustration and discouragement had taken over, and I was seriously contemplating the idea of shutting down KYEbags for awhile. Although the last year was my best sales year thus far, I felt as though the crazy work load had stolen away my enjoyment for what I do. And let's face it, when you don't love what you do, work becomes a BIG drag. I would drudge through each day, dreading each and every custom order that was pouring in, and at times, getting so stressed that I often wished there were 5 of me. I would spend half the day just trying to get through the piles of emails awaiting me each morning, shipping orders, maintaining the shop, website, etc, that I oftentimes would find the whole day had passed without an ounce of 'real' work being accomplished. I slowly began to realize that my current way of doing things just wasn't working out for me anymore.
Don't get me wrong, the growth and demand for KYEbags is a GREAT thing! And I am ever so thankful for all those who have made KYEbags more than just a dream of mine. I love that I have the option to work from home, and be a full time mama too. This is a huge blessing to me! And I am so tickled to know that so many awesome people out there want a product made by me... I find that SO humbling.
BUT, I have come to realize that I just can't do it all.... AND THAT'S OKAY. I am no longer going to allow myself to be stressed over all the things that didn't get accomplished in a day, and instead, focus on all that did get done. I am no longer going to put unfair expectations on myself, but instead, figure out what are realistic goals for me at this time in my life. I am not going to allow myself to be overwhelmed by all the things that seem to be stacked up against women trying to balance being a good wife, mama, daughter, friend, etc, with having a career, and just try to take each day at a time. Because that's all I can do.
So, that being said, there will most likely be some changes coming to KYEbags. Over the next few weeks, I will slowly be tweaking my policies, sites, etc, to reflect these changes. I admit, change hasn't always thrilled me, but I am learning to embrace change, knowing that it means growth and better days ahead. I am learning to let go of KYEbags, and let God do what He needs to through it, because I cannot do it any longer in my own strength... and burnout is not a place I want to be again. I feel a draw inside to get back to my roots, and although I don't quite know what all that means for KYEbags yet, I am trusting that still small voice inside and seeing where it takes me. And I have to say, I am excited for the adventures ahead... wherever they may lead.
As my first step in getting back into the swing of things, I have decided to run a Spring Clearance Sale. Select items are 40% off now through next Friday. That gives you a whole week to snatch up the KYEbag you've had your eye on for awhile. This is also a great time to grab a gift for all the mother's in your life... Mother's Day is just over a week away! All proceeds from this sale will go towards replacing the many supplies that need replaced in the studio before I can get back to creating. So buy buy buy!
All sale items are already marked down and ready to go, so no need to worry about entering coupon codes, etc, at checkout. Simply add to cart and you're ready to go! For any questions, you can always email me at Kylene.Brown@kyebags.com
Have a fashionable weekend!
xoxo, Kye
