Did you know…
That John and I have been running this company for 16 years?! It has been an incredible journey of ups and downs… nonstop learning and growing! It’s one thing to start a company but for sure it’s another to do that with your husband. Mind you, John is an amazing, remarkable person and truly I cannot imagine doing this without him… but let me tell you… whew… there was some head-knocking going on those first few years! We’ve evolved as a company (and couple) 20 times over, and I have no doubt we will continue to. That is part of the fun really… it’s embracing the change… even when it is not easy and is being forced onto you. It’s looking at the “how do we go forward from here” moments when you are blinded by the blizzard. It’s keeping your perspective when you could lose it entirely. It’s enjoying the everyday and the little moments, even when you want to run like hell to the next thing. I love being an entrepreneur… it pushes me mentally… and quite honestly, sometimes physically. I sleep like a rock because my brain is truly being used every minute of every day. Well… that, and the 4 little boys that rule our house… I’m pretty sleepy after putting them to bed as well!
Labels: behind the scenes, more Tracy Porter
Reader Comments
Thanks! I’m sure we are going to enjoy ‘THE BLOG’ It looks wonderful! Very useful and inspiring!
craft and decorating ideas would be great also.Thanks
Hi – I love your website… It is very beautiful and lively! I view it for inspiration and ideas. And I am very happy to see your Blog. You are a great role model for us dabbling in entrepreneurship… and I love your story on how you got started; as well as sharing your family and home with us! Do you offer tours of your Ripon studio? I peaked in the window once… it looks fab! I come to Green Lake with my family for mini getaways. I live outside Chicago. It would be awesome if you held a workshop at your studio and did a presentation like you have done on your video clips on your website! I would be there in a heartbeat! Thanks for sharing!!!
What fun! I will be looking forward to your new blog and will check back often.
I have just started purchasing your lovely dishes in the last year. Unfortunately I realized that they are not really meant for daily use, as they chip really easily. But becuase I enjoy them so much it has been ok to just use them on special occassions. I am hoping to also buy a few furn. pieces to add to my collection. I adore your designs and color palette. As an architect, I respect the design process you must go through to come up with constant ideas and applications! Hope to be a fan for many years to come!!
Good, good! Thanks so much for your awesome comments! You know, the studio isn’t open for tours yet..but I love the thought and maybe we could do a cool workshop at some point. I have toyed with the idea of a weekend camp but didn’t go anyhwhere with it. If we do, I will let you guys know through a blast and the blog. I think it would be so wonderful to have an inspiring time with creative women.We are working on more videos…I think they are a great way to tell our story . Love knowing what you want from us…I know how busy you all are, so this means so much that you take the time!!
xo,
T.
I am so sorry that are experiencing chipping! I know how terribly disheartening it is when you buy something you love and then it fails you! UGH! Please contact us and we will help you with those items. 1.866.388.7229 You should indeed be able to use them everyday ……Now….as for why that is happening! I truly wish I had a perfect answer for you and I wish I could tell that it will never ever happen again. Alas when things are made from nature’s clay (earthenware and stoneware) and fired at very high temperatures ( in order for us to use the color palette and create the unique shapes that we do) at times the product may vary ever so slightly …and the temperatures and variations/moisture in the clay can affect the final product. We shoot for 100% accuracy…but mother nature is involved, I do wish it was a perfect science. It’s close, but this is not plastic or metal and it’s very hand touched product which is why we love it so much….. but yes, while not the norm it can chip. More than anything I know how frustrating it is to be the one in your place. I do apologize for any inconvenience and hope we can help you so that you’ll continue to love all the beautiful we make!
Thanks so much for taking the time to write…I really DO care!!
The blog is a great idea! I can’t wait for your bedding line to be out. When can we expect this to hit your portfolio?
Many Thanks
Oh…the bedding! the first round samples came in yesterday! they are insanely beautiful…sure a few minor tweaks…par for the course when developing new products. So, these will be in our Spring catalog which will drop in homes early Feb.08….I cannot wait to hear what you think. Thanks so much for asking!
I love your catalogs! I am amazed at how you are able to create relaxed elegance. I have purchased a few things and am trying to create this same feel in my home. I cannot wait to see the new bedding line, as I am in the process of remodeling my bedroom. The mix of home and fashion I truly appreciate! Have you considered a drapery line as well? I would be fascinated to see what you would do. Regarding the fashion, I noticed the sandals last season, which were fabulous, but have you seen a sandal line called bo’em? They are similar but much more detail in this line, I’m sure you would appreciate them. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next, you keep my inspired!
Thanks so much! Glad you like the catalogs! Yes, relaxed elegance…what a nice way to put it. ( I may need to quote you on that one!) Yes, definetly are considering drapes etc. I love that layer of “soft” in my home as well, and I am ever searching for nice looks that are still interesting. I don’t know of Bo’em…I will check them out. I do have this thing for cool shoes…as most girls do! So glad you are inspired, loved your e-mail, thanks so much!
xo,
T.
Tracy,I wanted to respond to your question about reading Domonique Browning’s article every month. Last year she wrote an article entitled “As far as I can tell there’s not much to be said for the empty nest.” This so hit home as my daughter had just moved into the dorm and I was feeling a little lost but didnt know how to articulate it. she said it perfectly!! Nice to know someone else enjoys her also. Thanks for the interesting blog. Diane
I love your fashion sense and would love to see more fashion pieces from you; i.e., purses (I have the animal/bucket bag),coats (loved the spring/python one!),shoes (loved my turquoise sandals!, etc.
Janie in tulsa