New Year... New Name!

Happy New Year everyone!!  We are one week into 2011 and I already know its going to be a great year for Christine Taylor Designs!!  That's right I said Christine Taylor DESIGNS!!  I started this business 4 years ago as Christine Taylor QUILTS and have since changed the name.  

rag quilt

When I started this business I was making and selling only rag quilts.  I loved making them and loved hearing about the joy they brought to the little ones I was making them for.  When I was young we had a quilt that was at my Grandparents cottage, it was an old patchwork style quilt that we would lay on, play on and sleep with.  It always stayed at the cottage and it was for everyone in the family to use  I can still remember this quilt many many years later and its a treasured heirloom in our family.  I was inspired by this quilt to make one of my own, I started giving quilts as gifts, mostly for my friends who were having babies.  They loved them and often suggested that I sell them.  Being a stay at home mom with my first child, I found I had some time on my hands (babies sleep a lot!!) I thought I would give it a try.  The first quilt I made I sold on eBay and it started a bidding war!  I was thrilled.  That was when Christine Taylor Quilts was born!!  For many more years I made and sold over 100 quilts in all different sizes to Clients all over North America.  I loved my little business and it kept me busy! 

Hooded Towel



In 2009 I started to branch out with some other products, I experimented with patterns for things like crayon rolls, pencil crayon rolls, and purse organizers.  These items were big sellers around the holidays.  I had a great feeling about 2010 and all the possibilities that it held for me and my little business.  In April I introduced one of my best selling and most popular products, hooded towels.  These towels have been gifted for birthdays, showers and Christmas and have helped raise money for a wonderful charity, the Ronald McDonald House Hamilton.  I quickly found my business growing from a part time commitment to a full time commitment.  Luckily my Son started school in September which freed up some more time for the holiday rush, and rush it was, it was so wonderful seeing former Clients return with orders for the holidays.  I introduced many more products for the holidays, items such as mitten clips, coin purses, gadget cases, key fobs and makeup bag sets were a huge hit at the craft sales and shows I attended this past fall.  These shows allowed me to meet some of my wonderful and supportive Clients face to face which was so rewarding.

mitten clips

paperclip bookmark



camera strap cover

Now that 2011 is officially here I find myself reflecting on what a wonderful year 2010 was and wondering if 2011 will bring the same good fortune.  I have already introduced some great products like camera strap covers, note totes, the travel set, paperclip bookmarks and pacifier clips.  I have officially changed the business name to Christine Taylor Designs in all correspondence and marketing materials.  I have a brand new professionally designed logo and I am exploring some great new advertising opportunities. I have so many new ideas swirling around in my head for the upcoming shows and sales I will be attending this year.  2011 feels like it will be as good as or better than 2010 and I feel as if my hard work is finally paying off!! 

 

pacifier clip





I am so grateful to have the support of my family and the kind words of new clients and repeat customers to help me along the way.  I often try to give back by offering giveaways and deals on my facebook fan page and website.  Currently we have a contest on the go until January 15th, if you email contest@christinetaylordesigns.com you have the chance to win a note tote and a matching key fob.  You must be a member of the facebook page to win and their is an additional draw if we reach 1000 fan page members by the deadline!! 

The new year is a time to reflect on the year that has past and the potential for the coming year and I think that I have done that in this posting (sorry if I have bored any of you).  One of the big questions come January is what are your resolutions are for the new year, I usually don't make resolutions since I find people just break them mid January anyways, but I do have some goals for 2011, so here goes (please note this is so you can hold me to these), ok here goes:

• blog more (yes I jumped off the blogging bandwagon when things got busy).
• set goals and stick to them (setting goals.... check...)
• don't be afraid to face new challenges (those of you who know the obstacles I faced last fall trying to find the perfect pattern for an apron can take comfort in the fact that I will persevere).
• focus on designing new and unique products with a purpose (I consider being pretty a purpose just so you know).
• Focus on "doing my thing and doing it the best that I can 'cause that's all I can do".
• Attend more shows and sales and network with other great businesses and clients.
• Offer lots of contests and giveaways because people love free stuff (who's with me???)
• Figure out exactly how to use twitter (really people... I have no clue). 
• Use my business and products to give back to those who need a little help (check out the story on my website regarding giving back).
• Finally (for now), remember work life balance, the kids are only little once.

Wishing all of you health, happiness and success for 2011!