Phew! Glad that is over!

Rumors are flying around about changes happening at Fuchsia, Inc. dba Crispina Design Workshop on Melville Street in Pittsfield! It is with good reason as things are happening that are exciting yet a little difficult to explain - and still so many 'unknowns'.

Here is a short summary:
Crispina ffrench (that's me) sold her 15 year old recycling company to Nancy Fitzpatrick, a well known figure in our community in 2003. Nancy, local philanthropist and business leader made the decision to purchase the company based on the company's need of financial and business structural support. Nancy bought-in 100% and I became Creative Director for the company founded in 1987

The support Nancy brought with her gave me confidence in the company, product, and marketability of the company and the products from it.

In the following 5 years Nancy spent more money than could be imagined on keeping the business afloat. As we entered our annual planning meetings held in February this year, it became apparent that 2008 had started with very soft sales and we needed to get all hands on deck selling.
It also became apparent, or reiterated, actually, that Nancy and I needed to get on the same page for the future of the company change course toward financial viability.

I had morphed from being Creative Director to taking on the daily running of the company. This included product development and design, supporting marketing material design, trade show booth design, set-up, selling, training and tracking employees, scheduling, purchasing, marketing, advertisement design for the studio and our retail store, working with large volume retailers to develop product for them specifically, watching our numbers, working to empower our employees, preparing materials for our home sewers, and so much more. I tried to accomplish all of this without many key tools that would have been useful. An on time budget, an annual planning meeting held in a timely manner, a business plan, clear communication with our owner. I was not able to make any financial decisions, not even able to give a hard working employee a small pay increase without verifying it with our bookkeeper and owner. This is an example of the less than empowering environment I worked inside of for much too long!

Phew! Glad that is over!

Sorry for all the people who counted on the company for a paycheck or product for their venues. I will miss our employees, customers, vendors, and all the wonderful people who came into my life through that business.

I feel strongly that something more suited to my desire will come to fruition. Stay posted here. I will be keeping my progress noted and let you all know what I am up to. Thanks to each of you for your support and friendship over the years!

In the meantime, I will be filling retail orders and doing some small local shows selling product I am making to support my next endeavor.