Etsy Shop is Closing

www.etsy.com/shop/fizzyparty

In 2013 I started a new venture and opened an etsy shop.  It all started with tulle wreaths I was creating for party bloggers to use in their parties.  I expanded the shop to include tulle poms, felt banners and glittery items.

I opened the shop because I like to craft, it's fun to see my items at peoples parties, you know  I love parties and it would be a way to make some money for Fizzy Party.

I've been fortunate that all my customers have been happy with items they've ordered and have received 5 star ratings from them all.

So why have I been struggling with the decision of whether to keep the shop open or close it?

• I've been told by other bloggers that it doesn't really fit and it's confusing because it doesn't match my blog. 
• The shop has been open for almost 5 years and I've made 77 sales. That's 15 sales a year. 
• The shop is the only place I make money for Fizzy Party and with just 15 sales a year, I'm not bringing in much money.  It covers my etsy fees and blog domain fees and that's about it. 
• In order to really have a successful shop you need to really work at it.  Pushing the shop consistently, adding new items weekly and having professional photos taken. 

I've been waffling back and forth between really focusing on the shop and pushing it hard, adding new items and re-doing all the photos or just closing it so I can focus on something else. If I keep the shop open I have to seriously push the shop which will eat into the time I have to bring you party inspiration.  If I close the shop I feel like it would open up space for new opportunities.  Is keeping the shop open holding me back from pursuing something I was meant to do with Fizzy Party?

I've been thinking this over for a year, longer than I should have.  I kept it open because all those 5 star ratings meant happy customers throwing fun parties and weddings.  I've decided to close the shop January 1, 2019.  I'm hoping to sell all my remaining inventory by years end.  So fair warning ;) you'll be seeing a lot more of my shop across social media until the shop closes.

Some of you may be wondering if I feel like I've failed with my etsy shop.  I really don't.  I know I didn't put as much effort into it as I should have to really make it a success.  I had fun crafting items for peoples parties and knowing lots of fun and memories were had at those parties.  I got to create things I enjoyed creating but it's time to close this door so another one can open.   And I'm not ruling out the possibility of opening the shop again with different items to offer.

Thank you to all the customers over the years.  I truly enjoyed making your items and was so thankful for every purchase made.

5 out of 5 sta

Party Venue

Just when I was sad that all the party shops were closing in my area of Oregon, up pops Fancy That !  A shop filled with fun party items in a rainbow of colours. Back in December, yep I'm a little behind, Fancy That held an open house event at The Orenco Hotel in Hillsboro, Oregon.  I was excited to attend to see this new party shop, check out the hotel party rental space and meet the owner of Fancy That, Lisa. 

The Orenco Hotel blends in with the neighborhood by looking like other brownstones in the area. The flags at the entrance are the only thing that gives it away that it's a hotel.  This blending in gives the hotel a comfortable feel. You feel a part of the neighborhood right away.  Coffee shops, restaurants and of course, Fancy That are all within walking distance of the hotel. 

When you rent a ground floor room at the hotel you get a cozy patio area with access from the room and  sidewalk above.  Anyone walking by on the sidewalk wouldn't even know the patio was there. It's open yet secluded. 

The hotel manager gave me a tour of the rooms and the patio area which I fell in love with.  Close to the street yet cozy and secluded.  I was imaging how great it would be to sit out on the patio with friends on a warm summer night after eating dinner at a restaurant that is within walking distance.

This room is straight across the hall from the rental space.  Perfect for relaxing after a party.  The room has a small kitchen area, desk area with T.V., a couch and bed. The red door leads to the patio pictured above.

The bed in the room looked very comfortable and I imagined how nice it would be after a party in the rental space to be able to relax in this room. The colours are soothing and it was very quiet.

Fancy That had set up the rental space to help give us party bloggers, wedding planners and party stylists an idea of how to utilize the space.  We all loved the bank of windowed doors. In the warmer months the doors could be left open to let in a summer breeze.

Fancy That had set up a coco and sweets bar with products from their shop.

Little additions to your party items take them from blah to WOW!  Tags for your cups and custom candy bar wrappers are easy and make a big impact.  All items are available at Fancy That's shop.

All of us at the event kept going back for seconds and thirds of those Peppermint Pretzels. So good.

Silly Cow Farms chocolate milk was served. Remember, this was December when I attended this event. I loved the little bottles it comes in and it tastes good too. After drinking all the hot chocolate you could re-use the bottles, they're so cute.

Fancy That had set the tables with matching paper placemats and plates with hot cocoa party favors.  We all got to take a hot cocoa party favor home.

All items used on the drink and dessert table and on the dining tables are from  Fancy That which is located at 1336 NE Orenco Parkway Station, Hillsboro, Oregon.

**All opinions expressed in this post are my own and I was in no way compensated by Fancy That or The Orenco Hotel**