Sisterhood
It seems only appropriate that I write today, on the one year anniversary of us moving into our new home.
You see on October 22nd, 2018, our next door neighbor’s home caught fire. As we were trying to help put it out, the propane tanks she had stored in her home started to explode, blowing through our neighborhood, and ultimately catching my home on fire. Within minutes, we lost everything; our home, our possessions, our heirlooms, 12 farm animals and 3 pets. It was a nightmare.
Why do I bring up such a devastating story? Well, because everything, even a horrific experience, has a silver lining. And Bohemian Butterfly Sisterhood is mine.
Originally, I wanted to call this business the “Bohemian Phoenix Bazaar”. However, I was so tired of having to relive such a traumatic event that I felt “Butterfly” was lighter, and properly echoed my own transformation. Then I met all of these amazing women. My skirt sisters…. This is our Sisterhood. We all rally for each other. We are friends. We are confidants. We empower each other. We are a sisterhood, and I wanted to acknowledge, honor and celebrate this.
So Bohemian Butterfly Sisterhood was born. August 18th, 2019. Just a little over 6 months ago.
I have owned many small businesses over 30 years. I have designed wedding gowns, home accessories, costumes, fiber arts, and children’s clothing. I have specialized in retail, wholesale, and custom design. I have had shops, participated in festivals, fashion shows, big events, and small events.
This one is magic. It took root, has sprouted, and has grown organically into an amazingly beautiful gift very quickly.
We all have the wings to fly… we just need the courage to take flight. And often a little help from our friends.
Starting up small businesses is not easy. I have done this many times. Some successful, some not. But I have learned different lessons from each. I was reminded yesterday of just how “lucky” I am with Bohemian Butterfly Sisterhood.
A friend of mine recently told me that she had received a large custom order, but that it would not be paid for until she had completed it. Unless she had the funds to source the ingredients needed, she would have to refer her customer to someone else. After we talked through details, I was thrilled to be able to offer our very first micro loan, through Bohemian Butterfly Sisterhood, to fund her ingredients. Which will, in turn, allow her to grow her business.
This is just one example of what “Sisterhood” is all about.
Stepping up, when you can, to help elevate the success of another Sister in business.
Yesterday was a good day.
-Mara
