Zen Trifles.

Christmas is just under a week away and it's time I started wrapping. Scrap that. It's time I started buying! Seriously, the only presents I have bought so far are for Patches and my parents' cat Katy. I know I'm leaving it very late but I actually quite enjoy this. I like going shopping armed with a concise list and making prompt decisions about what to buy. It definitely requires having a firm head and taking a spy-like approach to Christmas-shopper hell.  Double 0 Jones. JJ's Zen guide to Queen St.
I cannot wait to give Patches this one present: It's a wooden puzzle where you hide treats inside and they have to figure out how to get them out. I think he will love this.
I'm also really looking forward to Christmas Day. For the first time in our entire relationship Kai and me are going to be having a Christmas alone. This is harder for Kai as his family are normally visiting from Greece but sadly are not able to be here this year. Plus my parents decided to have a quiet one. So we've been left pondering on what exactly we're going to do to fill the day. So far, beyond the usual, it's going to consist of trifle and cocktails. Could be interesting.
Time to reflect. Patches & Co. We've been open for just over three weeks now and with days until Christmas it seems like a good time to consider how things are going, what we've learnt and what happens next.
It's been a fantastic couple of weeks. We've had so much support, encouragement and positive feedback. I did not consider quite how much interest would be taken in what we're doing so thank you!! It means so much.
The one constructive question we've had a few times is stock and when are we getting more? The amount of products we have had on the site have been low and this has actually been quite purposeful. I have never done anything like this before, didn't know what to expect plus had to continue to maintain my regular job. My plan initially has been to promote the site to people I know and immediate social networks. This has been in order to allow me to dip my feet in, try things out, see what people think and ensure that I am able to manage the process of running an ecommerce site effectively.
It is a continual learning curve really but one which so far has been FUN!! In the last blog I made a comment about the process of setting up a business as being fulfilling for the soul. This is definitely still the case. It's just a tiny thing really, Patches & Co. But it's my tiny thing; it's Patches and Kai's tiny thing too. So, more stock is definitely coming. Gradually but on it's way!
I'm really looking forward to going to this amazing trade event in London in January. I went to the last one in September and it was fantastic research into the products becoming available, the artistic integrity and passion around from smaller traders and inspiration for where I want the site to progress to.
I would really appreciate feedback and ideas about what YOU would like to see! It all means nothing without you! Please drop us a line about anything at all at julie@patchesandco.com
Until then, have a fabulous Christmas and New Year.
Love and puppy cuddles
Julie
..and, of course, Patches XXX

In Good Company

My partner Kai knew we were going to get a dog about a year before we actually did. I didn't, despite it being me who said, one wet, tired Sunday afternoon that 'I want to play with a puppy dog' and 'I want to tickle a puppy dog's tummy' (I sometimes speak like this, you'll get used to it). The search did not actually begin until nine or ten months later, with me randomly going to the Dog's Trust website, seeing some cutesy fellows and realising that yes I did want to do this.

Then we discovered Jolene. A gorgeous Scottish Terrier at Dog's Trust who began to win our hearts. Unfortunately we did not win hers and this little lass turned out to need experienced owners who could manage her complex needs. We then came close to re-homing Arthur. He was a lovely boy and we even had a home inspection carried out by Dog's Trust to check our house was suitable. However, when we arranged a second visit with him we discovered that he too needed handling and training by someone who really knew how to manage him. We just felt we were wrong for him.

We moved on from Dog's Trust to various other re-homing centres and eventually came upon a picture of an adorable boy who was not only ridiculously gorgeous but also looked like a lot of fun.  We found out a lot more and arranged to go and see him, pretty sure he was the one. He was. He didn't pay much attention to us when we first arrived as he was far too busy playing with his toys but eventually he involved us too and started being all cuddly and lying on Kai's feet. We ended up taking him home.

It's more than fair to say that during the days that followed Patches made himself at home. He settled in so well and it really wasn't long before he'd made himself comfortable upstairs on our bed.

So that was a year and half ago and Patches has made us into a little family. We adore him and I'm pretty sure he feels likewise.

So that's Patches. But who are Patches & Co and why? Well, I've always liked the idea of setting up a business and despite the economic doom and gloom  it seems like an ideal time. I need something to focus on aside from my career, passionate as I am about it. I want to build something, even something small and spending more time with the pup is definitely a bonus. Anyway, economic downturn or not, when isn't it the right time to sell owl cushions?!

So the past few months have been all about me researching, very carefully, what running a small business would be like, what it involves and whether it's for me. It has been about getting training and support, gaining a lot of advice and help from friends and look into a whole range of beautiful products I simply must try and sell. It feels great and so far I can honestly say has been positively fulfilling for the soul.

And so, Patches & Co is born. Hi! I hope it will be a long, fun journey for which you'll join us. We'll keep you posted on what we're up to, on this ride of self-employment and all it entails.

Love Julie & Patches
XXX