Today, exactly one year ago, was my first day of full self-employment. I'm amazed a whole year has already flown by! In some ways it feels like I only just left my old life in publishing to work full-time on the green gables but in other ways so much has happened that it feels like more than 12 months have passed.
Before I continue I want to say thank you. So many people have been so supportive in my endeavour when they could have easily said I was crazy to give up a good job to pursue my dream. You lovely readers, the friends and people I connect with on twitter and facebook have been so encouraging and enthusiastic, it makes more of a difference then you'll ever know. My wonderful family and friends have shown such belief in me and for that I am hugely thankful. And as for my hubbie. Well, there's too much to say about him – working for myself and my actual business wouldn't be possible without him. He's, well, he's more than I can put into words!
The past year has been the happiest of my working life. I'm not saying it's without its stresses, there are plenty of things to fret and worry about (and have a nervous breakdown over!) but it's different to the work stress I've felt before. Because there is so much more I want to achieve I forget how far I've already come so having a little lookback for this post was quite fun (and helpful to think of when I'm having a wobble)!
In the last 12 months my products have had more than 20 press mentions, I did my first trade fair, Top Drawer, and I'm booked to do it again in January, lots of lovely shops stock my products, I've made so many fab friends in the virtual and real world, I've developed my product range including venturing into illustration and pattern design (while sticking to my eco and GB ethos), I have pushed myself way out of my comfort zone, experienced a super steep learning curve – and I'm loving it!
So, in the name of celebration, everyone who places an order on my website, thegreengables.co.uk, before Monday 11 June will receive a free gift! And I mean a proper gift, something from my product range, so it'll be a goodie! The website has had a little revamp (that'll be the splendid hubbie at work) and includes some lovely new photos too so do take a look. AND today I'm sending out this month's newsletter which includes a special Father's Day offer only available to subscribers. You can get your copy by leaving your email address in the comments or by signing up at thegreengables.co.uk.
Goodness there's an awful lot of ! in this post, so with that chirpiness I will leave you to enjoy your day!
Congratulations Gabrielle on your 1st anniversary !! And a great post !
Ellie & Lisa xx
Posted by: BiroRobot | Wednesday, 06 June 2012 at 10:36
Congratulations on your great achievement! Here's to another great year :)
Posted by: Isa | Wednesday, 06 June 2012 at 17:28
What a fabulous year! I hope you are feeling very proud of yourself today because you should be. Here's to another amazing year - can't wait to see what you have in store xx
Posted by: cupcakes for clara | Wednesday, 06 June 2012 at 19:39
Yay! Congratulations, lovely. Am so happy i've had the chance to watch you going from strength to strength, making such a success of self-employment. Here's to year two and even bigger, better things for the green gables.
xx
Posted by: Kirsty | Thursday, 07 June 2012 at 14:55