My Journey to Growth in a New Space

Hey girls! It’s been a while since I've written to you, and I thought to myself, why not reflect on my short but rewarding journey in retail by sharing with you some insight into what I’ve experienced so far. Although this post will be short and sweet, I hope it somehow encourages you to follow your dreams and just begin the journey even if it means starting your research and putting things aside for when you are actually in a position to begin. 

As many of you may know, I use everything lemons to inspire me and so, the lemon tree life cycle has been a staple in my life of business. It helps me to really put things into perspective and reminds me that every journey has a process, and one that takes time to bear fruits. So here goes…

1. Embracing Change and Perseverance

I began this journey with the intention to refresh my previous space I started with in February of this year, but unexpected delays altered my path - in a positive way of course! It all started with a call that a new space was becoming available and truthfully, I was fearful of the expansion but I said why not give it a try and bet on myself. After I signed the dotted line, I got straight to work and enlisted some contractor services with the thought to of course paint the space myself to lessen the costs. Of course, there were many challenges which taught me the importance of adapting, letting go of rigid plans, and trusting that things will unfold as they’re meant to. For instance, the timing of my lease aligned perfectly, opening up a new space just when I needed it most. Additionally, after laying down tiles on the floor, the tilers and I noticed the floor was extremely uneven and as a result we had to strip the entire space and level the floor which pushed back the process by 3 days. These experiences were all a reminder that sometimes delays are blessings, leading us to better opportunities.

2. Just Make a Start

I honestly cannot imagine that just beginning with a few pieces of clothing, would’ve led me this far. I therefore want to truly encourage you to take that first step, no matter how uncertain it feels. I’d also love to say thank you to you, my incredible family and friends, who without your support, I would not be here today, thriving and envisioning even more growth. Every milestone has added to my motivation, proving that persistence and community support go a long way.

3. Budgeting, Creativity, and Innovation

As I mentioned, relocating came with its challenges, especially in budgeting. Delays and unexpected costs are almost inevitable in any project. I quickly learned to pivot and find creative solutions to manage expenses. For example, I loved the clean look of marble, but the costs were high. My solution? Wrapping my tables in marble vinyl—a simple, affordable way to get that elegant finish without breaking the bank. 

4. Looking Back at How Far I’ve Come

Starting something new can feel overwhelming, but if you keep going, you’ll be amazed at your progress when you look back a few months. My space isn’t fully complete yet—there are still finishing touches to add—but I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I know I’ll reach completion in time. This journey has shown me that each small step is part of the bigger picture.

5. Growing with the Lemon Tree Life Cycle

This entire experience mirrors the lemon tree life cycle I’ve embraced in my business. Like the stages of Youth, Bud Induction, Fruit Set, Flowering and Fruit, and finally Ripening, each stage of growth takes patience and nurture. I’m in the ripening stage now, watching my dreams bear fruit, and I’m grateful for every moment of growth.

So cheers to us starting new journeys and going after our dreams. I hope that this post has motivated you to at least start whatever project you’ve been keeping tucked away in your notes app or in your thoughts!

P.S. I've got some super cute stuff in store at Haymans Market for you. Feel free to follow my journey @qudo.barbados, @shopsweetlimon and @theyellowchattelhouse.

Xoxo,

Christal-Ann