Exactly one year ago we signed the contacts to buy the vintage store that would become the new home for Red Velvet. It was an emotional day full of support, excitement and nervous butterflies. The process had happened extremely quickly and up until we were handed the keys we didn't want to get our hopes up too much. Buying a business can be extremeley complicated (much like buying a home) so we were nervous that something would happen in the last minute. Well, everything worked out and we were the new owners of a gigantic, fully stocked store.
I remember it being a scary time. We had big plans for remodeling and making it our own, but having never done anything on that level before I was a little nervous. You can see the makeover we gave the store over the next three months Here and Here. Our goal was to open at the end of October, so we had three full months to remodel the store. We had a very small budget and tons of friends pitching in... It was a season I'll never forget.
The morning after we officially purchased the store I left for LA to do a Renegade with Emma and help her move home. A few months before we bought the store Emma had made the choice to move back to Missouri to start her Sweet Shoppe in the location of our new store. I could never describe how happy this made me and how incredibly special it was to drive across half the country and help her move. Since the day she moved home, it's been the best year of my life.
Anyhow, the next few months flew by. Jeremy enlisted all of his guy friends to help move and build new displays. We filled our days with countless projects. I shared a few little peeks here on my blog and we spent about eight to ten hours every day working on the store remodel. In our 'free time' Emma and I were also conceptualizing the new website and our future plans for Red Velvet (like a first dress collection).
Our family and friends were so supportive. We couldn't have done it without them. Having them share our joy made it so much sweeter! It felt like we were all living the dream together. When I watched Rachel build the children's section, it made me so happy that this was something we could all share!
Here are the tags we designed from our family photos. We use these in the shop every day!
And here are a few peeks at one of the many photoshoots we did last year. We built this little backdrop in our studio right behind the store. It's nice having it all in one building. Sarah is our main model lady... good thing she's marrying our little brother!
Hope's note was one of my favorite 'store warming' gifts!
It honestly doesn't seem possible that all these wonderful things have happened in just one year. The store opening was magical and surreal... a little girl's dream! Getting engaged and married... I don't even have words. Seeing Emma fall in love was another highlight of the year.
There were countless other memories that made this the best year I've ever lived. It started with so much uncertainty and fear. I am so incredibly thankful for our friends, family and for my blog readers for so much encouragement. We're living our dream and I know this coming year will be amazing too..... lovelove, elsie (some photos by Float Away Studios)
that is soooo cool to look thru all these pictures from this journey!! congrats, elise!!!
Posted by: ilene | July 26, 2011 at 11:11 AM
so inspirational and makes me look forward to the day I can accomplish the things I hope for in life. Such a beautiful story!
Posted by: MARIA | July 26, 2011 at 11:13 AM
I purely love your blog and I feel like I know all of you even though that is completely not true. I am so happy that this year was so awesome for all of you! Eeee!
Posted by: Amanda | July 26, 2011 at 11:15 AM
this was a sweet post els, things have really been amazing for you this year. im so happy i've gotten a little glimpse of it!!!!
Posted by: kelsie | July 26, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Congratulations!
I'm so happy it's been a wonderful year for you and all your family, You seem to work so hard and have so much fun you deserve it.
xxxx
Posted by: Simone- Carousel Girl Blog | July 26, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Such a sweet story about an amazing year for you. Congratulations!!
Posted by: Carrie Rosalind | July 26, 2011 at 11:20 AM
I loved reading through the year as you all rebuilt Red Velvet into a beautiful, creative brand. So excited for you Elsie. You deserve it! I may not always comment, but I am always reading and getting inspired by your posts. Xoxo!
Posted by: Tiffany | July 26, 2011 at 11:22 AM
I read a quote long ago: "What if it doesn't work out? Ah.... but what if it does?" The unknown can be terrifying, for certain. But, you've shown that surrounding yourself with "dream-encouragers", and filling yourself with belief in yourself and staying afloat of optimism truly pays off. So wonderful to see a dream come true. Wait, what am i saying? Dream? DREAMS!!! Much love, and many wishes for your continued success! The best is yet to come! XO, T
Posted by: Tiffany | July 26, 2011 at 11:23 AM
This is so sweet and amazing too see how much has happened within the past year. The shop looks amazing! Good luck in the years to come :)
-Amber P.
Posted by: Amber @The Owl's Den | July 26, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Congratulations on such an inspiring year! I am so happy for you <3.
Posted by: La | July 26, 2011 at 11:30 AM
What a heartwarming post! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about all of your dreams and success over the past few years. You are so deserving and inspiring!
Posted by: Kimbercrafts | July 26, 2011 at 11:30 AM
The transformation of your shop is incredible! I remember reading those posts last year and thinking, "Oh my gosh, I LOVE THE FLORAL EVERYTHING!!!" I can't believe it's already been a year.
Congrats to everyone on the RV team. You guys are really amazing at what you do.
Posted by: katrina | July 26, 2011 at 11:32 AM
You are so incredibly inspirational! Your blog has become my favorite. Thank you for your courage to follow your dreams and take a chance! Congratulations
Posted by: Sarah | July 26, 2011 at 11:32 AM
I second everything Sarah said in her comment :) I can't wait to someday visit your beautiful store!
Posted by: Candace | July 26, 2011 at 11:42 AM
omg the drawing from Hope is way too sweet!! congrats to you guys :)
Posted by: Nelou | July 26, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Photos are beautiful. ^ ^ Love your bicycle.
Posted by: trouble | July 26, 2011 at 11:57 AM
congratulations on everything you have accomplished! may it continue to grow (:
it's inspiring to those who have similiar dreams!
all the best xx
Posted by: Aline Corrêa | July 26, 2011 at 11:58 AM
I got really emotional reading this post! It is so amazing to read your story. I'm extremely inspired and as a reader I've enjoyed being distantly along for the ride! You've accomplished so much in the past year and it's really wonderful that you're living your dream! There is so much more to come! Thanks for this little recap! Happy days <3
Posted by: Ashlee | July 26, 2011 at 11:59 AM
what a year it's been for you! congratulations!
Posted by: jamie | July 26, 2011 at 12:00 PM
My boyfriends family lives in Missouri and he's been trying to coerce me to go visit them for the last 4 years, i told him the only way ill drive 6+ hours is if we can stop by red velvet vintage (even though its an hour past their house). Looks like ill be seeing you next summer!
I've loved watching your shop grow over the last year!
<3 Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah | July 26, 2011 at 12:00 PM