Saturday, November 20, 2010

Cont'd.........

Hello to all! So, it has been a few days since I blogged but I am hoping to hop right back into where we were-here we go!

We were talking about budgets, manufacturing etc (what a fun place to pick back up...) So far with Ritzy these areas seem to be the most challenging for me personally. Manufacturing is tough and everything seems to revolve around it. It is also something that you cannot personally do your self. Many things that take place I can fix, but manufacturing takes much more than just me to fix. I don't know about you, but I know that I would much rather fix things myself than to try to explain it to someone else. (I know....I know....you are thinking I am a control freak....I am sure that is another blog subject....so let's just skip getting into that right now) Bottom line.... no matter how much you may want to fix things yourself....manufacturing isn't that simple.

It takes a long time to make everything perfect, just like you want it and just like your customers expect it. Then, you get it perfect and as with everything else there is change! So, you regroup and start over. Starting over is not always fun, but sometimes it cannot be helped. There will always be change in our lives so if we can continue to learn and grow with each process it is a fun journey, but just be prepared for constant change!

One thing I can say is I truly LOVE what I do. I know that with every bump in the road I have came back even stronger than before. It is my amazing customers that have made Ritzy Baby what it is today. Thank you to all for growing with Ritzy and allowing me to continue my awesome journey! Thanksgiving is coming soon and I have so much to be thankful for. Until next time....

xoxo, Bridgette

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Owning your own business.....

So many of my customers and friends are always asking about my business venture so I thought I would share some things with my readers. I get the question "What made you start your business?" a lot. So, why not blog about it so I can share the story with those that are interested.

 First, I would just like to warn you that I am not always the most positive person to ask about starting your own business. I can truly say that this little leap of faith I took 5 years ago has been the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life. Don't get me wrong...I would never go back and change anything. I am a firm believer that each mistake I made a long the way was a learning lesson...a "what not to do next time" type lesson. :0) We all have those lessons in life, but I had (still have) a lot of bumps in the road with this venture.

 I love creating new things, I love making pretty, sophisticated things and finding great prints for boys. I love coming up with ideas that just make sense for mom and baby. That is the FUN part! The part that makes you feel good about what you are doing and the part that KEEPS you going. It is the amazing emails from customers that give you good goosebumps, that make everything worth the bumpy ride. I cannot tell you how many times I have had emails from customers that absolutely made my day or week! BUT....unfortunately there is business involved...that "icky" word that creeps up when you are trying to come up with new innovative fun designs. That word that my husband has to remind me of when I am over-budget...(which I am all too good at from what I am told) UGH---this is the part that is no fun. Don't get me wrong, I know we all have to make a living and the reason for starting a company is to make it successful, right? However, the reporting and the budgets and the manufacturing...... oh the manufacturing.... This part is the worst, it is for the birds!!!! HA! I said it! It feels good....but then it is time to get real again... I cannot say it is for the birds...this is my business. This is what I do, it has to be successful... Right? Stay tuned for more....

xoxo, Bridgette

Friday, November 12, 2010

Finally....moved in & open!

Okay, so I had no idea how little time I had....and I do admit I have totally slacked on my blog posts. Forgive me? I hope so. Well, Ritzy Baby is OFFICIALLY fully moved into our new showroom. Okay, Okay we have been in this new space for about 5 months but you have no idea how big of a job it was to get completely settled in. Ritzy was in one location for almost 5 years so this was a huge move for us. We are still trying to find a place for all of the beautiful fabrics, but for the most part...we are in. So, if you are a local customer please come and visit us in Edmond, OK!!! We are currently gearing up for a little mimosa get together on black Friday! Not only will we have yummy mimosas we will have some great deals on some RITZY! So please shout out to us on facebook or tweet us on twitter and let us know if we will see you on black Friday!!!!!  Talk to you again soon!
I will take some pictures of the new showroom to share....until then!

xoxo, Bridgette