Great things are comin'

I'm feeling optimistic about this Fall and Winter. We've had a steady pick up in business at the store lately, and design projects have emerged. We're developing a line of Photoshop templates for people to use as greetings (preview on http://shop.ekcetera.com under downloadable designs). We're also working on our signature greeting cards we spoke about in the last couple of posts. Today, we received word about a relationship with a local photographer who is interested in having use develop templates for coffee table books to offer their couples for their wedding photographs.

All of this makes me very excited for the weeks and months to come. There's a lot on the table, but I know we can do it! We'll be needing to hire an intern to help design some things and have already seen some great candidates. We'll also be needing to hire help at the store. Someone who can play more of a management role to free up my time a little. Of course, all of this comes when we're not prepared. We end up playing a little bit of catch-up. Ideally, we could have staff on hand BEFORE a surge comes so we're ready. But, those are the digs when you're in small business.

Somethin's in the air and it's not allergens!

My turn!

Gotta love Vanessa's signature line! Can't wait to see those on our shelves. In the spirit of new card lines, I'll have one as well. Here's my signature, Sentiments by Kelly.

Sincerely Yours

I'm coming out with a line of holiday cards this upcoming season. They will be exclusively sold at Ekcetera. Keep your eyes peeled for my signature line.

Sincerely yours,

Vanessa Kimball

Creative Insomnia

With this upcoming Christmas season, Ekcetera is brining our customers new lines of Christmas/Holiday designs for your family photo greeting cards or fun and trendy cards and stationery. The ball has been rolling for me and unfortuniatly I was unable to sleep last night because of it. Although this is a good thing to allow designs to fall out of my head and have them come to life, on the other end, I am yawning more this morning.

Might have to keep my sunglasses on.

Inver Grove Heights day was great on Sunday. The business expo was nice to meet people in the community and make some connections. The weather was nice and cool as you all may know. However the sun was out and keeping us warm. I was not expecting to put on sunblock in mid September on a 55 degree day. So yes I got sun burnt. Ick. I look like Raggedy Ann mixed with a racoon. My noes is bright red and I have huge white circles around my eyes. Very trendy look if you didn't know.

It was nice to see everyone out and about.

IGH Days

Come visit us on Sunday at the IGH Days Business Expo. We'll have a booth there.

More info: www.ighdays.org

Kids Crop on Friday!

We're hosting a crop for kids on Friday, Sept. 7 from 6:15 - 8:15pm.

Info: A night out for the kids to crop! Kids will complete one 8x8 layout (2 pages) and can spend the remainder of the time working on their own pages. Includes materials for the 8x8 layout. Please bring adhesive. Cost: $16.

Here's more info about the Little Scrappers Company: www.littlescrappers.com

Call to Register!

Ekcetera is located at: 5719 Blaine Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
651-552-6077
http://www.ekcetera.com
Hours: M-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 1-6pm