The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

No.08: When an Adventure Comes to an End – Closing the BWF Shop

Last Saturday, we sent out this e-mail:

To our Big White Farmhouse family,
It has been five years since we first had the conversation about opening a little online gift shop in honor of our great-grandmother and her beautiful farmhouse in Maine.  Five years ago, we knew nothing about e-commerce, but were driven by the idea of supporting small American artisans and providing customers with unique products from around the country.  We officially opened our doors in January 2014 and have been learning every minute since!
We have loved searching out the best new products to add to your home.  We have loved packaging up each order with care.  We have loved hearing your stories and forming relationships.  Truly, we see our business as a family endeavor and you are such an important piece.  
So it is with sad but peaceful hearts that we announce that we will be closing Big White Farmhouse on September 1, 2017.  To everything there is a season and right now, our attention is needed with our families and other endeavors.
Be sure to connect with us on Facebook or Instagram to see the latest updates.  We will be continuing to mark down products as we try to sell off our remaining inventory.  Currently you can save 15% on everything remaining in the shop with the code: CLOSING15.
We cannot thank you enough for supporting our little shop.
We are SO grateful for you.
xo, Ashley and Andrea

___________________________________________________
I’ve been wanting to jot down a few thoughts at this pivotal point in my life, but am struggling to find the words.  It’s been an emotional few days.  
I’ve been feeling all the feels: sadness (the response to our announcement has been overwhelming!), panic (is this the right decision?!) and a whole lot of peace.  Having Big White Farmhouse as part of my identity for five years, I’m simultaneously mourning while feeling inspired for the future.  Don’t you wish you were in my brain right now?!  
Starting Big White Farmhouse brought to life a passion that I never knew I had.  If you had asked me in college if I would be interested in business, I probably would have laughed in your face.  BOR-ING.  But ironically, for five years, I have been watching and trying and reading and failing in all things business.  It has been such a wild ride of self-education and I have learned so much.  I’ve loved just about every minute.
And yet.  
To everything there is a season.  To take Big White Farmhouse to the next level requires a commitment I am unable to give at this point in my life.  And that’s okay.  On the panicky moments, I keep repeating something I wrote back in January: I don’t have to try to do it all at once.  Right now, my focus is with my family and living my primary vocation well.  That’s enough.
So on September 1st, I’m officially letting Big White Farmhouse go for awhile.  Who knows what the future holds?  Maybe in time we’ll re-open as a little brick and mortar store?  My new town would be perfect!  Maybe God has something even better in store for me.  While this adventure has come to an end, the future is still bright.

Comments

  1. This very much rings as a Jonna Gaines closing her Little Shop on Bosque moment! God has a Will and a Plan and we know that only leads to goodness. 🙂

    • Yes! I had that same thought. It was surprising for me to read about Joanna closing her first shop but such a neat story.
      I was sorry to hear about the closing, Ashley, (such a great shop!) but I'm happy you have peace and am excited to see what's to come!

    • Thank you both for saying that. I've heard a little about that part of their story and it's so inspiring. For now I'll keep repeating what you said, Sarah: God's plan only leads to goodness!

  2. i so much admire how much passion and dedication you put into BWF. I was inspired by all your efforts and trying new business and promotional ideas as a small biz myself. You put your heart into it and that is so inspiring – but also so YOU. you put your heart into all things you do! xxoxo

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