Most days I’m asked …
a) if Isadora Popper is my shop?
b) where did the name Isadora Popper come from?
c) where do I find all of this “stuff”?
And then some days I’m asked…
d) how and why did you become a retailer?
e) how long have you been doing this?
f) where did you have other shops?
Many of you may not “know” my story and I thought this might be a good time to share it…or at least answer all of the above.
a) So, yes, Isadora Popper is my shop…my umpteenth shop…some with the same name with different locations and some not. To refer to me as a gypsy would be spot on…LOL!
b) The name Isadora Popper became a nickname for me or derivatives of it…Izzy, Popper, Isadora, etc. There was a historical plaque on the building next door in Thomasville …Isadora Popper, Wholesale Wine & Liquor (1886)…and the history on it, from what I understand, was that Isadora was actually Isadore with an “e” instead of an “a” and was a man, not a woman AND was a wine and cigar merchant! With all of that said, we, among a lot of other things, also sold wine…and I believe that’s how I essentially became Isadora Popper?
c) All of this “stuff” at Isadora Popper is a conglomeration of things that I love! I’ve never been one to follow the trends or purchase things because they’re “Hot” although I have caved to a few “Hot” items only to donate them or put them on sale as they weren’t true to me…LOL!
I do a lot of research and travel to trade shows to find these treasures. And, you may or may not know this, but MOST of the items I choose for IP is purchased because of the ethics or story behind the company I’m purchasing from.
d) I had absolutely no family or personal retail history. I was working for a drywall company only to have my boss piss me off one day and I decided then and there that I would never work for anyone again…I was 28ish then. Mailboxes Etc. were a thing then and I purchased a franchise but had to wait a bit until it was built so in the mean time I worked in a couple of other Mailboxes until mine was ready. It was in a Winn Dixie shopping center…opened in September 1990 and it was fun-ish for a couple of years. But, the best thing happened, they put another Mailboxes in my “territory” and I was able to “get out” of the franchise!!! Let’s put it this way, it was a good stepping stone into retail which is what I realized was what I really liked!
e) So with all of that said, if you do the math, I’ve been a retailer for 33 years (+/-)
f) And here you have it…the list of where I’ve been :)
On retail…
Often people will say that Isadora has things they’ve never seen. With all of that said, when it comes up in conversation and it does pretty often, I say I’m a rule breaker but the reality is that I’m not a rule breaker, I’m really just not a rule follower…at times, I’ll try the status quo but generally, it doesn’t sit well or feel good and then I go back to my gut and do what I believe is right for me.
In a conversation yesterday, I’m not sure what we were speaking about but I tell this story often, I had a very small shop in Fort Laudedrale…maybe 800sf? And I had a younger girl that would come in and spend 3+ hours in my shop of good smelly stuff. She would smell and try EVERY thing and I just loved watching the pleasure she got from it all and in turn, it gave me extraordinary pleasure too! I’ve realized that the best part of IP and all of my past shops for that matter, for me is the simple pleasure, excitement, laughter, etc. that the shop provides. Honestly, money and sales are the elephant in the room because of course, I need those to perpetuate what I do but if that weren’t part of the equation, it would be even more awesome!!
So on that note...time to walk the pups!
]]>Kristina Burkey is a stationery store owner and here’s her story...which certainly I can relate to :)
I have owned Calliope in Natick, Massachusetts for 6 years now and
having established myself as a confirmed paper addict, I am asked by
people far and wide; "Where is there a stationery store near me??" or
"I'm going somewhere on vacation. Do you know of any paper shops there?"
This happens quite regularly.
When you Google "stationery stores" often what comes up is your closest Staples.
And that's not what we want. I saw a real desire from people to seek out
independently-owned stationery shops and for these shops to have a day where their
owners can wave a flag and say
"I'm over here!! Come visit!"
And so, Stationery Store Day was born.
Every year, the first Saturday in August, will be that day, and August 6th, 2022 was the very first!
Stationery shops from all over the US (and the world!) now have a day to celebrate the unique experience that is THE STATIONERY STORE.
Ok but what is it though?
Stationery Store Day, much in the way of Record Store Day or Independent Bookstore Day, is a day carved out for everyone who loves paper to celebrate and lift up the most special specialty store: the paper shop!
What should you do?
On every first Saturday in August, visit your favorite local shop! Visit a couple! If you're not sure where yours are, check out our list of participating shops. There will be special edition merch available at participating shops and maybe even some fun activities and giveaways.
It will be up to each shop as to how they want to celebrate but no matter what, it will be fun because stationery is always fun.
Support means more than spending money.
Post to social and tag your local shop or find the owner and tell them how much you love their space. If you don't have a local shop and spend all your stationery budget online, make some stories tagging your favorite online shops! |
FOR SHOPS IN YOUR AREA...
https://stationerystoreday.org/
Whether you are a shop owner or an excited paper enthusiast, I'm glad
you're here and I hope you are looking forward to celebrating the next Stationery Store Day
and every one to follow.
Do: Stick to a Budget
When it comes to stocking stuffers, it's easy to get carried away. After all, they're small and relatively inexpensive, so why not buy ten or twelve of them? But resist the urge! Stick to a budget—between $5 and $15 per person is a good general rule—and stick to it. You don't want to blow your holiday budget on stocking stuffers and have nothing left over for actual presents.
Do: Think Small... but Not TOO Small
Stocking stuffers should be small enough to fit in a stocking, but not so small that they'll get lost among the other goodies. A good rule of thumb is to stick with items that are about the size of your fist. That way they'll be small enough to tuck away but large enough that they won't get lost in the shuffle.
Do: Consider Their Interests
When choosing stocking stuffers, it's always a good idea to consider the recipient's interests. If they're into sports, look for small items like sports trading cards or keychains with their favorite team logo. If they're into crafting, look for items like beads or buttons. And if they're into beauty products, look for items like lip balm or hand lotion. The possibilities are endless! Just make sure you choose something that they'll actually use and enjoy.
Don't: Go Overboard with Food Items
While food items can make great stocking stuffers, you don't want to go overboard. A couple of small candy bars or packs of gum are fine, but resist the temptation to fill their stocking with an entire box of chocolates or a tin of cookies. They might not appreciate being given such a large quantity of sweets, especially if they're trying to watch their weight! Instead, focus on smaller food items or non-food items altogether.
Don't: Forget the "Stocking" Part
Remember, stocking stuffers should be small enough to actually fit in a stocking! So when you're out shopping, make sure you bring along a measuring tape (or at least an approximate idea) of how big their stocking is. That way you can be sure that your festive fillers will actually fit inside without causing any stuffing-related injuries. No one wants a trip to the ER on Christmas morning!
Conclusion:
With these tips in mind, you're sure to choose the perfect stocking stuffers for everyone on your list this year. Happy holidays!
What goes into making the perfect yarn for socks? Listen to The Fibre Co. founder Daphne, and in this first film short for our Yarn of the Month Amble, she describes the development process for creating this unique yarn, made especially to delight sock knitters.
I have just replenished our Amble colors so be sure to indulge...you'll be glad you did!
July's Yarn of the Month...Meadow
Our next Yarn of the Month is a truly rustic yarn with great fibre character. Being a lace weight yarn, it combines baby llama and fine Merino wool for softness, silk for its sheen and linen for the crisp hand and stitch definition - perfect for summery projects.
About Meadow
Meadow is a yarn full of possibility and subtlety. This 2-ply yarn is a heavy lace weight with incredible drape and sheen. Wonderful for wearing next to your skin in shawls, and lightweight, warm weather garments.
You will not believe how exceptionally soft it is and what remarkable stitch definition it has.
So let me introduce you to Nordic Ware - American Made (Minnesota - to be exact) and Family-Owned since 1946
Nordic Ware has been turning out iconic, quality kitchenware since 1946, when the company was nothing more than a pipe dream out of a Minnesota basement. The brand has since won over millions of avid bakers with its slew of A+ Bundt pans, baking sheets, and more.
p.s. Nordic Ware makes even me want to bake!
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June has just begun and the calendar is beginning to fill up ... and it's happening fast! Check out our latest email for details here!
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]]>Well written and thought provoking...Set in modern-day India, it is the story of two compelling and achingly real women: Sera Dubash, an upper-middle-class Parsi housewife whose opulent surroundings hide the shame and disappointment of her abusive marriage, and Bhima, a stoic illiterate hardened by a life of despair and loss, who has worked in the Dubash household for more than twenty years.
Books are available at Tia Dana at 15% off for those attending the book club...everyone is welcome!
p.s. We start off speaking about the book and then, the conversation goes awry...in a good way!
]]>This class is designed for the crochet newbee or for anyone who wants to “freshen up” their beginning crochet skills. It will be project driven with small easy to complete projects based on a specific skill. Projects should easily be completed by the next class, if not, no problem work at your own pace.
The first project will be a mug rug based on the single crochet stitch starting from a chain. It is made of 2 complementing worsted weight yarn (left overs are fine as you won't need a large amount) with a 5mm/H hook. Scissors, removable stitch markers and a darning needle will also be used.
The second project will add a colorful heart to the same mug rug pattern. This will teach adding color/yarn into a project and how to follow a graph.
The third project will be a fingerless glove using the double crochet stitch and working in the round. It will also use worsted weight yarn.
The fourth class will be a hat using the double crochet stitch. A couple of options will be available for you to choose from. The teacher will help lead you toward the one that might best suits your skills.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR CLASSES
To register for a class call 828-246-9779 with a credit card.
CLASS POLICIES
Please come early to purchase supplies if needed.
Students participating in Learn to Knit/Crochet classes receive a 10% discount on class supplies.
Class fees are refundable when cancelled up to 3 days prior to class. Please cancel by calling or email at dana@tiadana.com
Classes with fewer than three students may be cancelled or rescheduled
Should you miss one of a multi-session class you can schedule a private lesson with your instructor for an additional fee
*For other classes with Jules, please go to www.julesmakesit.com
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If you or anyone you know, may be interested in joining us...please contact Dana at dana@tiadana.com
]]>CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION...CREATIVEMORNINGS.COM
]]>CLICK HERE TO REGISTER...JULESMAKESIT.COM
]]>CLICK HERE TO REGISTER...JULESMAKESIT.COM
]]>A series of Saturday afternoon workshops featuring intermediate and advanced knitting skills. Each three hour class will offer an in-depth exploration of a single technique. Students will watch demonstrations, receive hands-on support, and knit small swatches to practice each skill.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION...JULESMAKESIT.COM
Supply List:
– First-time knitters can use needles and yarn provided by the instructor during class. At the end, guidance will be provided for purchasing supplies for your first project (optional)
– If you already have a project in mind, bring your needles, yarn, pattern, and any required notions (or, bring your pattern and get help with the rest!)
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP....JULESMAKESIT.COM
]]>A moving, funny, triumphant novel that exalts the quiet victories of the inconspicuous among us.
We are in the center of Paris, in an elegant apartment building inhabited by bourgeois families. Renée, the concierge, is witness to the lavish but vacuous lives of her numerous employers. Outwardly she conforms to every stereotype of the concierge: fat, cantankerous, addicted to television. Yet, unbeknownst to her employers, Renée is a cultured autodidact who adores art, philosophy, music, and Japanese culture. With humor and intelligence she scrutinizes the lives of the building's tenants, who for their part are barely aware of her existence.
Then there's Paloma, a twelve-year-old genius. She is the daughter of a tedious parliamentarian, a talented and startlingly lucid child who has decided to end her life on the sixteenth of June, her thirteenth birthday. Until then she will continue behaving as everyone expects her to behave: a mediocre pre-teen high on adolescent subculture, a good but not an outstanding student, an obedient if obstinate daughter.
Paloma and Renée hide both their true talents and their finest qualities from a world they suspect cannot or will not appreciate them. They discover their kindred souls when a wealthy Japanese man named Ozu arrives in the building. Only he is able to gain Paloma's trust and to see through Renée's timeworn disguise to the secret that haunts her. This is a moving, funny, triumphant novel that exalts the quiet victories of the inconspicuous among us.
Thanks!!!
]]>https://mailchi.mp/cb37843a41b2/the-week-in-between
and other stuff!
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