The Blue-Haired Shopkeeper

My relationship with By Hand began right out of college, when I was hired by Susan and Elaine.  During my first week, Susan pulled me aside.  She pointed out some of our regulars and said simply, “Take a lesson.”  I am not sure what prompted this statement.  Perhaps it was my fearful delivery of, “Let me know if you need anything,” while secretly hoping everyone would say they were okay.  Or maybe it was the same three “grown up” outfits I wore, dutifully rotated each week. 

Following Susan's advice, I paid attention and I learned.  I talked with health workers, film makers, artists, and attorneys.  I talked with people in finance, research, and education.  At By Hand, diversity and talent abound.  You're a smart bunch...confident, warm, and comfortable with yourselves.  At By Hand, I learned to be this way too.  I learned to express my opinions with confidence, to laugh at myself, and to advocate for my needs.  My signature nose wrinkle is familiar to many of you.  I am still a work in progress, but you have helped lay the foundation for the person I am and will become.   I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to help me grow from college student to the woman I am today.

For almost two decades, By Hand has been part of my life.   My journey with By Hand has been similar to many of you who first came to the shop fresh out of college, newly minted adults.  I've progressed from English major to small business owner.  Shopgirl to shopkeeper.  Along the way my hair has changed from black to blue to red to purple to black to blue again.  For many of you, I will always be the blue haired shopkeeper.

I am honored to be part of By Hand.  I hope under my and Paula's stewardship we have done right by the shop, our staff, and by all of you.  By Hand, my staff, and all of you have certainly done right by me.