Finally coming together
Lately I’ve not been sleeping very well.
Of course that is nothing new for women. Ever. We just don’t sleep.
Often it is due to stress. I’ve had my share of those kind of sleepless nights.
But right now? It is due to excitement!
For THREE years I’ve been agonizing over Coco & Theodore.
Do I make doll clothes or dog clothes first?
Do I make fancy, or more every day clothes?
Why does everyone want bandanas when you can get them EVERYWHERE?
You guys… you have to understand.
I don’t get that excited about sewing normal every day clothing. Or bandanas.
Also, it’s not like I haven’t had set backs…like, you know, a pandemic shutting down my huge mega craft event that I spent about $1500 on supplies for.
For real. I did. I was ready.
What I had planned for that event wouldn’t work in the every day market.
So back to the agonizing drawing table I went.
And, of course, my son did great with his business…so I had to push mine to the back.
BUT NOT ANYMORE!!
Because now I have a HUGE HUGE announcement!
Well… In a minute.
FIRST: Let me just say that it took some crazy psychedelic heart fabric for me to find my game.
The fabric stirred what was inside me and helped me remember what I love to create the most.
And when you love what you create, then nothing but good can come of that.
I’ve been so scared to do what I love. I didn’t want to go back. I didn’t want to rebuild burnt bridges.
So I took what I love, sat and sewed for a week or two… with no plan in mind.
I just created.
(now these are more like the old me! )
And while I was creating, something else happened.
Some direction to the doll shop literally FELL INTO MY LAP.
By a miracle, I still struggle with believing it; I was granted some money to purchase a start up of several dolls.
These dolls are custom designed by a very sweet lady in the UK and are manufactured in Spain.
These are not just any doll.
The designer and I have been chatting daily and I just love her.
Her attention to detail is what drew me to the dolls.
She is still working on designing some dolls with a uniqueness all their own.
You know: dolls with birthmarks. Heart surgery scars. Cleft palate.
The first run of dolls is finished, some are on their way to me as I type.
Meet the first four LillieLove Dolls. Coco, Kalani, Orana and Brianna.
(photo credit to her fb group)
And I didn’t even notice the little Godwink there with the names.
The first two dolls: Coco and Kalani…
Well, Coco… need I say more? And she is brown haired and blue eyed! Just like my daughter.
The “Coco” in my logo is designed with my daughter in mind.
The first doll is named “Coco” and I didn’t even name her that!
My brown hair, blue eyed daughter is the great great granddaughter of Princess Kaiulani.
The second doll is of Afro Polynesian descent. Her name is Kalani.
Do you see it?
Do you feel it?
I am finding DIRECTION.
And it feels like it is meant to be.
Those names: Coco and Kalani are my Godwink that I am headed where I need to go.
So how does this tie in with my sewing?
I have been purposely working towards pushing imaginative play with my shop. It’s funny because when Stephen and I first started out three and a half years ago, this was the goal for both of us. And now we are finally full circle back to working towards that goal.
I am not going to rush in my sewing.
I still work two jobs: about 50-60 hours a week and sometimes more.
But I have to prepare for when that second job is gone, and it will be someday.
So I am taking my time and making things right.
No rushing. No mass producing.
unique.
I won’t be selling the dolls by themselves.
Rather, they will each come with one of a kind extras.
I am not saying what yet as I don’t want my ideas stolen.
(I’ve been there done that before, haven’t I friends?!)
Nope. Not this time.
Just know… that I am REALLY REALLY excited about the possibilities.
In close, I need your help.
1) Not yet, but eventually I need help in sharing my group on facebook. Our group will continue to be a Stephen and I combined effort with combined releases. We are just taking our time to make sure they are really good releases. I think I am going to do some really nice give aways here soon, and we will need help in spreading the word for those giveaways. This is what will help our business grow. So, once my dolls arrive and I get to making what I plan on making, please help get the word out.
2) Although you have been very patient, I ask that you continue to do so while Stephen and I try to work through what we are doing. I have a business plan and I have to be pretty methodical about it since I do lack the time to produce quickly.
3)When you shop with Coco and Theodore, I want it to be a very unique experience. Back in the day I was known for being very “over the top” and artsy with my creations. Its funny because in the day to day I am a plain jane. No decor in our home. Nothing but jeans and a sweatshirt almost daily. No make up or jewelry. But this is NOT my creative side. My creative side loves flair and fun. So, if you want normal every day stuff.. you won’t find it with me. I am no longer thinking that way at all. I mean.. well I guess you will just have to wait and see what I have up my sleeve. Ok?
So, tell me, what do you think of the dolls?
Wait for it… these just won’t be dolls…
OH MY GOSH I FORGOT
You have to watch this video!! It explains what else comes with the dolls (not counting what I am making). They are just so lovely…
