Susan and I took a little field trip this morning to Sportsman Business Park on Bainbridge Island to visit the future home of Pink Chalk Fabrics. We had a good time and realized we definitely need to get out more during the day!
When I first walked into this space I knew it was the one. As a good business person I kept my poker face in tact, pointed out the drawbacks, asked serious questions about the costs, and continued to look at extremely inferior locations. But I knew this was it. It’s always good to be thorough and as non-emotional as possible when it comes to these things, but, yes, inside I knew Suite 205 already had Pink Chalk Fabrics on the sign.
I love the aesthetics of the pitched ceiling, the clearstory windows above the entry door and the indirect North facing natural light. I think it’s so important to have a beautiful and peaceful place to work. I don’t have to clean the bathrooms myself either (yay!).
And to answer some questions before they get asked: no plans for onsite retail, we’ll continue to be an online only shop. I do look forward to offering free pick up for all my local peeps. Maybe classes in the future? I’d like to begin teaching again and I think that would fun. And definitely some type of road trip worthy annual warehouse clearance sale!
I’m proud of myself for creating this business and having the good fortune to work every day with Susan and Jacqui (and now Diana, yay!), all amazingly inspiring women who love to sew as much as I do. I’m looking forward to this next part of the adventure. It makes me a little nervous and very excited. Sometimes when we’re on the verge of the next big step it’s easy to pull back and hesitate. Hit the hold button. I’m taking a deep breath and moving forward, trusting myself to make big decisions and accepting the mistakes I’ll make along the way. The timing is right and I’m confident good things are to come. Thank you to all of you fabulous Pink Chalk Fabrics customers for making this possible. You’re the best!
Awesome! What a lovely space. And I am 100% jealous.
this is so awesome!!!!! i would definitely come for some classes
Congradulations! I didn’t even realize that you had a business, but I am happy for you! I will have to check out your shop now!
Oh lovely! I’m so happy for you. Your blog was the first I ever started reading and it’s been sooooo inspiring. Thanks for everything and best of luck in the new location.
Shanna
ps – I also love-love-love the Mail Sack and have made MANY mini ones for my daughter and her friends.
Oh Kathy, how exciting! I’m thrilled for you – this looks like a wonderful space, and I can’t wait to see pictures when it’s all filled up with gorgeous fabrics! Just wish I lived closer so I could visit in person!!
How fantastic is that! It is so inspiring to see your business flourish during this difficult time. From one small business-owner to another: You go girl!!
That looks so awesome, Kathy! Congratulations! I cannot wait to see it transformed! And I’m in total agreement with Ashley–I wish I lived close enough to take a peak in person, too!
Wow, that’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you. And very excited about the road-trip-worthy event, especially if it includes a class or two and some bargains! (Or a sewists’ retreat??) Nevermind that I live in Virginia…I’m there! Congratulations on realizing your dreams.
Woo hoo Kathy! I’m cheering you on all the way from Cincinnati. Love the idea of classes in your new digs. My niece lives in the area and I’d coordinate a family visit with a class or two at Suite 205 AND pick up my order!
Yippee! It looks F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.
Wow, it looks fantastic! I too love the ceiling, and the light is wonderful.
And it looks so BIG and ROOMY! I love having “too much” space–but I hardly ever do.
Congrats! I hope to be an early in-person-pickup customer!!
It IS a beautiful space… congrats… I am SOOOOO excited for you!
You have every right to be darn proud of yourself!! I can’t imagine how great that gorgeous space will look full of fabric!
VERY exciting! Yay! More space to store your fabric and set up some nice photoshoot shops for pattern covers. Very neat and exciting! Congratulations!
I’m jumping up and down with excitement for you! It is fantastic that Pink Chalk is growing and developing. Classes would be awesome, and I look forward to the day when I could make a road trip to a Pink Chalk event!
Congratulations, Kathy! This location has the added bonus of your girls just walking to the shop after school
Classes and seeing some of your projects first-hand would be a wonderful addition. Wishing you continued success! (And yeah to local pickup!)
This is such exciting news. Congratulations. It looks like a beautiful space.
Wow, That is so exciting!! My husband and I run a business out of our home and I have longed for the day we can move out. I love the irregular shape of the space. I haven’t commented on your blog much, but I visit often and buy from you online. I wish you much success and happiness. If I lived closer and you had classes, I would make every one!
Congrats on the new space. Very exciting.
So exciting for you! And yet, so close to me and no onsite retail! Sigh. I love the idea of warehouse sales though…
Way to go savvy businesswoman!
How exciting! Much more fun to move out instead of up/down the stairs! I’m sure Ikea is in your future! I would love to see some classes there. If you need a yo-yo teacher…congratulations!
Congratulations! That is so exciting! I can’t wait for classes. I have a whole list of things I don’t know how to do, but would love to learn…
Dang – that is huge! You must be so proud to have grown like this. Congratulations!!!
Congratulations on the next step Kathy! You have wonderful things ahead of you!
Such amazing space! Congratulations!!!! I can’t wait to see the furnished space.
Congratulations! Enjoy your success, you have earned every moment.
I can’t wait to take my first class. I think the space looks great…so big
.
Wow, Kathy, you can definitely be proud to having come so far! Congratulations! And the space has such lovely big windows. I love it. Too bad I can’t just come over one day and have a look at your wonderful new space!
Have a lovely weekend.
Congratulations Kathy! The space looks impressive!
Wow, how exciting. I can not wait to hear more xoxox Clarice
What fabulously exciting news for you. It looks like a really cool spot – enjoy the process and good for you for keeping that poker face while jumpin up and down on the inside!!!
Looking forward to hearing about the journey.
What an amazing space… it’s breathes creativity, and it’s not even finished yet. Congratulations, I cannot wait to see the process!
YOU DID IT!
I am soooooo proud of you!!!
I know how much you have wanted this and now you will have your sewing room AND your dining room BACK!
I sure wish I was there… to jump up and down, “CHEER” and help out with the move..
I know you know that I love you and think that this is AWESOME!!!!
A HUGE HUG to you, dear friend!
xoxoxox
Oh My — it’s going to be beautiful! Whoo-hoo!
Congratulations. Wishing you all the best!
this is great! congrats on your new home.
I am so thrilled for you! This is where I fantasize about being in your shoes!!! Best wishes for the transition!!!
I am so happy for you!! I wish you well through the move.
Congrats! What exciting news. I love the space and hope I can come over and say “hi” while Spencer is at New Motion! Put me to work with all those beautiful fabrics. Truly amazing what you have accomplished.
Wow! I go away for a while and look what happens! I’ve got to catch up on all things Pink Chalk Studio. Congratulations!
wow, congrats on a really lovely space! got my first order from you today – thank you!
Wow! So exciting! Congratulations- what a space.
what a great site! how exciting for you
What great space! I can just picture it full of fabric!! Your plans sound like a dream come true.
I forgot to add…I like the idea of on-site pick up, too!
Wow, that is an amazing space and you will fill it with beauty and joy-you deserve every bit of beauty and room that you get. I wish you many years of success and continued friendships along the way!
Congratulations!
From Hawaii, Congratulations on this new adventure. I have been watching you grow and it is marvelous. Keep up the good work and lots of good luck toyou and your growing business.
Barbara
Wow! Congratulations on the HUGE step forward!
(Also from Hawaii, btw. :p )