When One Door Closes: Saying Goodbye To Tango & Stepping Into The Next Phase Of My Life

This evening, after a week of decompressing, I posted the following on my Facebook wall:

Last week I made the tough choice to close Tango. Owning a store downtown was the fulfilling of a dream for me and I will never regret having taken over the shop as a single mother at age 25 and creating a space that ended up being truly my own. However, in business there are always highs and lows, risks and adventures -- and after much deliberation, I knew it was time to say goodbye to the shop.

"Greatness is not achieved by never falling, but by rising each time we fall."

And so I'll rise and enjoy this new phase of life.

Thank you so much to the friends and family who have been incredibly supportive and to all who helped Tango be a special chapter in my lives. 

Last Wednesday I closed the doors and said goodbye to a part of my life that will always be special -- that taught me so much, and that I will always remember as growing experience. I am humbled and honored by the support of my friends during this time. I also shared this:

I want my friends to know that this is a choice that does not sadden me, it's a choice that I made that will open up new opportunities. I have returned to blogging full time, with my doula career flourishing too, and there are no regrets, mes amis. I'm proud to have done what I did. And I knew when the time was through. Much love.

To me, despite the fact that my store did not succeed in the greater sense, this is not a sad decision or a negative time in my life. I am excited for the chance to begin anew and face the future with a thirst for broadening my mind, feeding my soul, and encouraging -- nurturing -- new growth in not only my work, but my life, and the lives of those around me.

It really has been a season of change. Everywhere I turn, I am hearing stories of big life changes, moves, new jobs, breakups, new babies, engagements, divorces. And I'm so proud to see people thriving on change and acknowledging that without it, we'd be bored. Stale. Unhappy. Complacent. And what sort of LIFE is that?

So, cheers, dear friends. To the new. To the future. To moving on & making the most of it all.

Peace & prosperity. 

{Small Style} Thankful For Sunshine

A little snuggle at my shop. Gretchen really loves to come to work with me, but it's a LONG day for a 4-year-old so if she's coming along, I make sure it's just a few hours. She likes to help me decorate the boutique.

Sandals, Hat, Jean Shirt: Joe Fresh // Dress: H&M

Snapshots by the water at The Silver Bean, our favourite summer hangout. And now they have ice cream from a fabulous local dairy... doesn't get much better!

Hope you're having a sunny day, mes amis.

Sandwich Board Love

A little downtown love: Our latest Tango sandwich board.

Have a fabulous Thursday, friends!

Tonight my partner is out of town on business, so the little miss and I are planning a girls night -- her choice for movie & dinner, nail painting, general silliness. Can't wait!

Today Was A Big Day

Today I celebrated a huge milestone, mes amis!

Today marked one year since taking over as the owner of Tango, my clothing shop in downtown Peterborough!

I can hardly believe that an entire year has passed! This has been my busiest, craziest year ever of my life. I've worked so hard to make changes & transform Tango into my own vision. A big thank you to everyone who came out, brought me flowers, supported our indie biz, and came out to spread the love!

I'll have to admit, I'm pretty proud of our new Springtime window displays. So far, this is my favourite look! Thanks to one of my shopgals for helping out with a little window painting, and for making our Gypsy Barn sandwich board stand out!

It's SO handy to have a costume shop next door, filled with fabulous balloons for our special day!

Happy anniversary flowers from our neighbours up the street at Hi Ho Silver!

Delicious food from Black Honey -- another downtown favourite!

Sometimes I go weeks without REALLY looking at my shop from the outside, but every time I do, I'm excited to see how our displays look from a distance. It's a funny thing to be inside the shop each day, but to not always view it the way others may view it. Does that even make sense? Either way, as I made my way home after our anniversary party this evening, I was so pleased to take a peek back, to take a moment and look at my shop. My shop. Even that is still a surprise sometimes. Perhaps I forget how big of a thing it is that I've done, or I forget that I'm in a position that not many 20somethings find themselves in. 

And so I stood across the street and took a moment. A moment to breath, relax, and know that life is just incredible at times. It's so important not to let it all slide by. Enjoy ALL those moments, mes amis. 

Many thanks to my friends, family, my loving & wonderful partner and to my little girl who makes life beautiful every single day.

Peace.

PS. The other day, my amazing daughter told me that when she grows up, she wants to go to work all by herself and she wants to work at Tango. Oh my heart. I love you, Gretchen. You make my heart burst with love & possibility. 

The 2nd Annual #PeterTweeter Awards!

It's that time of year again!

Last year, some fine folks in my beloved city came up with the idea to do a local awards show based on Twitter... and so, the #PeterTweeter Awards were born! It was a roaring success & such a fun night. I was nominated for a couple categories and ended up winning:

Mommy Tweeter!

It's actually on my fridge at home, haha. Sometimes I think about framing it... it probably belongs next to my university degree, eh? 

This year, I'm up for #PeterBreeder aaaaaaaaand @ShopTango has been nominated for Best Retail! My mister, @Ricwi, and I are also vying for #BarfiestCouple, because how hilarious is that? We've got some stiff competition, but your votes could push us to the top!

If you'd like to vote, check out the link here or here!

• @sofawned for #PeterBreeder!
• @ShopTango for Best Retail!
• @sofawned & @Ricwi for #BarfiestCouple!

I know you're not all local, but if you think we're rockin' the Twitter over here, your votes would make me smile! Thanks lovelies! Also, you can vote once per day if you get really into it.

Thanks friends!

Another Little Valentine

Shopgal Steph made another appearance over at Mom Spark today.

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Winston at work, cozy blankets, clothing swaps with friends, winter nights & lots of snuggles.

{Wordless Wednesday} Pink Pup

The not-so-wordless part: Sir Winston was right at home at the big pink chair in our downtown neighbour's shop! Charm Tree Toys is the newest shop on our downtown block, just a couple stores down from Tango. The lovely owner has fallen in love with my pup, so we've been visiting a bunch! This pic was snapped the other day on one of our excursions to visit.

Funny enough, this wasn't the first time Winston had been in this particular shop. Years ago, it used to be Hot Diggity Dog, a pet boutique I worked at in my earl(ier) twenties. I took that job when Winston just just about six weeks old and brand new to my life! Such a small world. He used to come to the dog shop with me all the time, and snooze in the window. For years, people downtown recognized my pup before they recognized me. Now he spends his days snoozing behind the counting and greeting folks as they come into Tango. I love having him downtown with me! For the first little while he was a bit hyper to be at the shop all day long, but he's settling into a rhythm and now I can't imagine leaving him behind.

Much love to my Mr. Winston. The handsomest Boston Terrier in town!

Recently (Avec Gretchen & My Shop)

A Girl & Her Dog

Winston had been on a little vacation at my mom's place for the last little while, but as she's moving to a new house this week, Winston's back home. Kitten was THRILLED to see him, pounced him, purring & mewing and licking his face. It was the sweetest reunion. Gretchen's also happy to have her pal back.

Wishing my mom the best on her big move. Usually G is with her on Monday's while I'm at the shop, but she's a busy bee today, so Gretchen's hanging out at Tango with me while I tackle our IKEA purchases from yesterday. I'll share photos once I've finished a few things here.

How was your weekend, mes amis? Did you do anything holiday-esque? We attended G's 3rd parade of the year and dared to brave IKEA on a December Sunday afternoon, so that was interesting, but it all went well. Grechen's SO good in stressful situations like that. And my mister keeps me calm, so we still left smiling! Plus... it's always a bonus when all your IKEA boxed purchses FIT in the car. A win for us!

Have a great Monday, friends. Peace!

Day 22: What I Love About My Job

Being the owner of a shop means that I get to constantly flex my creative muscles, choosing lines that speak to me, finding the right fits and styles and brands with fascinating backgrounds and stories. I love carrying the most comfortable jeans in the world, Yoga Jeans, which will make you a believe if you ever put your butt in them. I love coming to work each day not knowing who I will meet or what opportunities will present themselves. I love taking a space and, bit by bit, making it my own. I love being able to employ a wonderful gal to work with me at the shop & I love being a part of our downtown. If you've been reading my blog a little while, you probably know that I grew up in this city and I really do love raising my daughter in this community. Having a shop in the middle of downtown Peterborough means a connection to the city that's tight knit and supportive. What I love about my job is the freedom to make changes, to express myself an to make Tango a place for women to come and feel at home, comfortable in their bodies & just to have a good time. I love decorating for the holidays and hosting events. It's not an easy thing to run a retail shop. It's a lot of hard work and long hours, but it's rewarding and fulfilling to know I've carved out a spot for myself, and can support my family in this way.

Thank you to everyone who has visiting my little piece of downtown. I hope you'll come say hi if you ever make it to Peterborough!

PS. To my local loves, come out to the Fashion Night for Health -- part of this year's Festival of Trees action! We'll be rockin' out at The Venue 6-10pm. See ya!

Day 20: Something That Means A Lot To Me

Becoming a shop owner has been a huge change in my life and for all of the work I've put into it, I'm grateful for the support I've been given. It means so much to be able to be the proprietor of a business, something I can grow, something which facilitates in my ability to provide for my daughter. It's incredibly, and this journey could take me so many places. Cheers to what the future may hold.

Day 18: What I Wore Today

Dress: Against Nudity // Tights: Leave Nothing But Footprints // Jacket: Gap // Purse: Gentle Fawn // Scarf: Not sure of the brand, but funnily enough, I purchased it at Tango when I was in university

Last night some gals and I enjoyed a little girls' night out together, drinks & dancing & lots of laughs. So much fun to get out and dance the night away! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend, mes amis. Peace!

Day 05: My Hometown

If you've been a So Fawned reader for a while now, then you might already know that I live in the city I grew up in. I was born in Peterborough, Ontario, I went to university at Trent, and now I'm glad to be raising my daughter here as well.

Last night I attended an event called Creative Cocktail. It's a networking event for the community, bringing media, business owners, artists, philanthropists and more, all together to meet, discuss ideas, brainstorm and mingle. I rarely have a chance to make it out to events like this, so it was nice to get out for an evening to see some of the people in my community that I love.

To everyone who said positive things about my shop, the new marketing and social media strategies I've put into place, the changes I've made -- thank you so much. It means more than you know to hear that all my hard work is being noticed.

My hometown has given me a great place to grow up, to work, to meet amazing people and raise my child.

Someday I hope I can give back to Peterborough too.

The First Snow

Last night/this morning, our city was treated to its first dusting of powering snow. I get absolutely giddy about this... it means Christmas is coming. Part of me is itching to put up a tree, listen to carols, shop, bake & bust out the sewing machine.

This will be a very different sort of holiday season for me, as this is the first year I'll be a downtown business owner. I have worked retail downtown during Christmas, but it's a whole new experience to be Head Shopstress during this time. I have one fantastic employee helping at at the shop, and with things picking up, I may be on the hunt for a website intern. We shall see!

I added twinkle lights to my Autumn decor in our windows last week and soon it will be time to switch over to a wintry wonderland of sorts. I have so many fun ideas for sprucing up the windows (pardon my pun) and getting into the spirit of things! The next two months are such a wonderful time of year, and my fingers are crossed that we're seeing a lot more snow than last year. A bleak, mild Christmas is not what I have in mind.

I want fluffy snow and sunny, sparkling days!

(And new snow tires... thanks for the reminder.)

Hope you're all having a cozy Friday, snow or no snow!

PS. I have a question  dear hearts. How early is too early for holiday themed playlists at shops? Decorating? I know my US pals might say "after Thanksgiving" but we Canucks chowed down weeks ago, so I'm in full on holiday mode as of about 11.59pm on October 31st. Anyone further than North America want to chime in too? When do stores near you (forgetting the big box stores) start decorating and pumping out the holiday cheer? I'd love your input on favourite decorating ideas, best shop atmosphere and more. I love walking into a shop and feeling just like it's Christmas Eve 24/7. It's just such a wonderful sensation and I want to create that at Tango. Thanks, mes amis! Happy 1st snow!

Autumn At The Shop

This week I started decorating Tango, getting the whole shop set for Fall. Everything about this season makes me smile and the shop feel cozier with each new addition... I can't wait to explore the rows of gourds, pumpkins and more at tomorrow morning market! And for my doorway? Two potted mum plants will be out there soon, flanking my entrance... more Autumn lovelies!

My newish chair is happy near the entrance too. I just want to curl up and read a book (and sip a pumpkin spice latte which now exists at my favourite downtown cafe).

Click here to see how else I've been Autumn-ing up the shop.

How have you been decorating and celebrating this Fall?

Summer Sale At Tango!

We're getting ready for Autumn at the shop... this means BIG summer savings for all your fabulous gals! Just wanted to share a few of my favourite pieces that are in the sale... be sure to check out shoptango.ca for more! (We also just got in a new shipment of Yoga Jeans! Without a doubt, the most comfortable jeans you'll ever put on your body!)

Have a fabulous weekend, lovelies!

PS. Tango ships worldwide. Check out our shipping page for details on FREE shipping options, no matter where you call home!

PPS. Our newest bamboo line will be on the site soon! New jewelry & accessories as too... stay tuned.

Tomorrow

Ok, ok, so I was supposed to move today, but instead I'm rockin' it at my shop, and the BIG MOVE will happen tomorrow (aka the day my shop isn't open). C'est la vie! But it ain't so bad... gives me one last night to do some last minute packing, and maybe even bring a few boxes over. But the U-Hauling will happen at 9am tomorrow. (I should stretch now.)

My view, during a break from packing a few days ago. Sunshine & popsicle snacking.

Last night we took a peek at the new place and I started cleaning things up a bit. Just a bit of scrubbing to be done and she'll be ready, set, good to go. The place is even more charming than I'd remembered and as a treat for Gretchen, there will be tiny glowing stars on her ceiling when she comes home after her weekend with fam.

Cross your fingers for a cool & breezy moving day tomorrow. I think there'll be beers on the porch, post-everything.

Peace!

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Packing, days at the shop, hanging with my girl, trip to Cobourg, new stock, patio beers, downtown, hot days, hugs & hope.