Thank you, Life Has Just Begun, for sponsoring this post, part of the 2017 Shop Small Spring series. I was selected for this opportunity by Life Has Just Begun; the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
I think Mother Nature forgot it was springtime. Thankfully, Life Has Just Begun sent me this amazing hat that makes me think only of the beach and a nice frozen drink. I have been sitting in my office all week imagining myself sitting at the shoreside with a good book, a refreshing drink and the smell of the ocean and sunscreen with this custom embroidered "do not disturb" floppy sun hat. It truly says you are on vacation with nothing to worry about and boy have I needed that in my daily grind this week.
With summertime coming up quickly and our family vacation right around the corner, I could not wait for this adorable floppy hat to get to my house. The paper blend natural colored adult floppy hat is embroidered with black polyester thread and complete it with a black grosgrain ribbon. I am the type of person that could be poolside/shoreside every day, but it's hard in the middle of the midwest. I plan on repping this hat however every chance I get. I love reading in the sun and the floppy bill is perfect for helping me relax all summer long!
Check out her shop for this amazing design and many others! They are perfect for spring and summer breaks, a girl's weekend to the beach, bachelorette and wedding parties, and more!
Here is a little bit more about DJ, the owner of Life Has Just Begun:
How did you get your shop started?
Most people in my family never see the age of 60. It’s sad but true. I’m blessed to have had good health. When I turned 60 I celebrated in 5 different states. It truly was a big deal! The day after my birthday I sat at my computer trying to figure out “what’s next?” My friend asked what I wanted to do? Without a moment’s hesitation I responded, “ I want to start and embroidery business.” My son had an Etsy shop and he suggested that I set up a shop of my own. It was good advice!
What is the hardest part of owning a shop?
I try to put myself in the customer’s position. I know what it is like to see that one thing that “I gotta have” but realize that I should have ordered sooner. In my shop I try my best to make that dream come true, by rearranging jobs, schedules etc. The most difficult time is when I have to turn down that last minute job because I can’t make it work.
What is one thing unique about you?
I am a color blind female! Color blindness affects approximately 8% of men and only 0.5% of females. I think that qualifies as unique!
What is the best part of owning a shop?
The hardest part is not being able to make a dream come true. The BEST part is making that dream come true.
How did you get your shop name?
This goes back to the story of how my shop started. As I sat there after my 60th birthday, very clear that I wanted to start an embroidery business, my biggest concern was what to call it? (I found out later I really had bigger concerns but I was naïve.) My friend suggested “Life Has Just Begun” because when I made it to 60 my life did just begin!
What is one way that you keep organized?
I’ve always been a very structured, organized person. I’m a Virgo. However in the last 15 months I’ve had 3 surgeries on my shoulders, 3 accounting jobs and moved my house and studio around. My organization skills have suffered. Separating and resetting my studio and my office has helped me regain that structure that I depend on. I have designed a better work flow. I’m not finished yet but it has improved.
How do you balance family life and work life?
Again I’m truly blessed. My son, daughter in law, and two grandkids and I all live in the same house. We have done this for 12 years now. We have two kitchens, two living rooms etc. and a great back yard. I have the benefit of being there everyday to watch my grandkids grow, yet I have my own office and studio separate from the family. We have supper together many nights and almost always on Sunday. It’s our time to just be us before the new crazy week begins.
