Hi friends, its been awhile. 

I've been spending time in nature, in the studio, and with myself, listening for what comes next. The quieter I get, the more I want to simplify things. To rest. 

It seems I've burned my little self out these last several years by putting too much pressure on myself to do all the things all the time. Alone. I'm kinda done.

I just don't have the capacity to run the store, make all the things, keep the house clean, and take care of myself. Learning to ask for help is such a shift in a healthy direction! Such a gift to me! Not sure how that will shake out but its a relief just to be here!

What I've found in the silence is clarity. I no longer feel the need to do things the way others do. I've learned to place value on myself, my experience, and to stop comparing myself to others just because I perceive them as successful. That is none of my business!

What is coming in strong is an allowing. A knowing. A trust in myself that I've never had before. I'm finding my voice, my purpose, and standing steady in it all. 

I was recently catching up with a friend I hadn't seen in ages and she said I seem different. I know what she means. I feel different. All of the things I've been doing for the last 15 years, 10 years, 5 years, for my whole life, have led me to now. 

I don't have it all figured out, but I certainly feel more confident and grounded in myself than ever before.

Today I am choosing to be GRATEFUL to myself for sticking to my dream of being an artist. Not for pursuing this profession because its easy, but for staying with it when it isn't. Because I am done thinking there is anything else I am here to do. I VALUE ME. A big new statement!

I've also spent the last 5 years, of having FERN, trying to figure out how to keep the store separate from my art and personal life. Online that is. It has proven to be impossible. I merged the websites earlier this year as well as the point of sale to make my life easier in terms of inventory. IT IS SO MUCH BETTER! I also put my Alisha Merrick Art logo on my shop door and inside.

Social media is proving to be the hardest and stickiest part but I'll get there. 

All of this to say that I am looking for, and finding ways to make things easier for myself and to communicate my brand vision across all channels. I make all of the art and jewelry for the store. I curate a sustainable, locally made, selection of goods for the shop by female led businesses.  I believe in handmade, quality over quantity, unique over mass produced. Happy colors that bring joy. It all goes together. 

That is also why I am not doing black Friday sales this year, or maybe ever again. It has never felt right and my business absolutely does not have the margins for discounting that most do.

Support small, support local, support handmade. But do it year round. Like you've been doing. I'm grateful for you!

Thank you,

I love you!

Alisha