Please do excuse the title of this blog update, but with the roads blocked and life completely slowed down by the weather it's difficult not to think of anything but the snow!
Last year we were snowed in, snowed out and snowed in again. I received a call from a sample-seeking client who asked me why I hadn't sent the sample. I tried to explain that the studio and I hadn't seen each other for days, she didn't understand. She didn't order. It led me to rethink our operations and free myself from the constraints of a daily commute.
On friday the last shelf went up in our new space. Saturday and sunday the boxes were unpacked. On Monday new studio life commenced. Pause for a cartwheel and applause. It's in Winchester, it's gorgeous and ready for visitors. Please do call and make an appointment to browse our ranges, it would be great to see you.
It's been utterly fantastic being able to get into the office and work. The snow has been very harsh in Hampshire and I've read the frustrated comments of other stationery tweeps struggling to get into their studio's. This is a very busy time of year and not being able to work is the worst experience imaginable. Being able to make it to my desk each morning has more than made up for not being able to travel to the appointments and meetings that were scheduled off site this week, although I'm particularly gutted to be missing out on a night in Birmingham on Saturday. My first Birmingham curry will have to wait!
Aside from the new office November has been a good month. Our figures are up on last year which is wonderful (THANK YOU!). Importantly, we've finalised our course dates and I have new details and dates ready. Please do contact me if you would like to attend our D-I-Y courses or would like further information for consideration. Our courses have run since 1997 and are great fun, really useful and will equip you with lots of industry knowledge relating to creating your own stationery.
I've also finished my own website: http://www.natalieodonovan.com/ is now live and provides an overview of, well me! The next Two by Two Weddings release goes live shortly. We are checking the links and uploading new products as I type. Thanks so much for your enquiries for next year and 2012. I've received my first booking for February 2012! Amazing.
Right, well I've posted some pictures of my new view (above), an icy inspired table plan, menu's and some gorgeous santa dust that's proving popular this year.
See you in December. Stay warm!
Natalie
