Inspiration goes both ways.
I don’t think any of you know this story. So, here goes…
Three years ago when I quit my day job to start my own digital marketing firm and to blog full time, you – my readers – saved Benjamin and I. You were our life boat.
Before leaving said day job, with its generous salary and benefits, I planned and saved. I had three months salary in the bank and assumed freelance income from a contract writing for WeTV and some child support would be steadily coming in for at least a few more months. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.
After I turned in my notice, two unexpected things happened. WeTV cancelled my contract due to a Website re-design and my ex stopped paying child support. Needless to say, as a single mother with no safety net, I was extremely worried.
Then, a miracle happened, you all started buying my new leaf necklaces. Hundreds of you.
That revenue kept me afloat until I picked up more freelance work. My marketing firm, Cement Marketing, consisted of me, myself and a network of contractors I could pull in if I won a project.
But, who would be my first client? Who would take a chance on me, risking her reputation and her entire digital budget?
One of you.
One of my readers.
Heather, a marketing director of Lifeline of Ohio, a non profit in Columbus charged with saving lives by increasing the number of Ohioans registered as organ donations, was my Angel at the time. Her gamble paid off, you can see the site we built and designed here. Now three years later (on Jan 22), Cement Marketing is still flourishing with five employees and over 25 clients.
Last week, Heather and I were meeting and planning for more things to come, when she showed me her wrist and a new tattoo, on top of the first.
Both are new leaves with her children’s initials. And then she told me to bring the necklaces back, “because you’re really good at that.”
You, my readers, are all my angels.
And I am taking it as a sign that I need to bring back a line of new leaf jewelry. This time, like the last time, so we can be connected somehow. We all wear those necklaces and we all believe that we are beautiful, strong mamas – and it makes our days a little bit easier, to know we are not alone.
Any ideas? Same necklaces or something different? Would you like to be able to order necklaces with charms for each child?
Give me your thoughts in the comments. What do you want to wear?
25 Responses to Inspiration
Hillary October 15, 2012
New or old, same or different. I would love one.
alaina October 16, 2012
Thank you, Hillary!
Natasha October 15, 2012
I love the original necklace. I’m not a single mom, but I am about to embark on being a stepmom and I would love to have you bring back the necklaces as I will be first in line to purchase one.
alaina October 16, 2012
Perfect idea! Thank you, Natasha.
Kristine October 15, 2012
Longtime follower, occasional commenter
I have a white-gold necklace on which I put charms. I would like a silver leaf charm to add to it, and to dedicate to my little boy and solo mamas everywhere!
alaina October 16, 2012
Okay, so charm only. Great idea!
ann marie October 15, 2012
yes:):) charms for each child.
this is awesome Alaina, because in one of my moves after my divorce, I LOST my leaf necklace:/ So happy to hear you’re bringing them back.
I loved the originals: also include an option with a fairly long chain??
thanks!
alaina October 16, 2012
I hear you on the long chain. You got it!
Christine S. October 15, 2012
Long time follower, first time commenting. I love the necklace! I like long necklaces. Any way to have a super long chain? Just a suggestion…
alaina October 16, 2012
Thank you for commenting, finally! ; ) Love the idea of long chain. I’ll make it happen.
MJ October 15, 2012
What about a new leaf charm bracelet?
alaina October 16, 2012
Yep. We had one. Can revive. Thank you!
Ann Marie Bucci October 15, 2012
I also lost my necklace so I would love to be able to order one again! It wouls be cute to have smaller leaves to represent our children with the larger one, but I loved the original.
alaina October 16, 2012
Love, love, love the idea of smaller leaves! And sorry you lost yours!
jen October 15, 2012
I always wanted to buy one of your necklaces. I hesitated and then regretted missing out! If you do any redesigning, I would prefer the option of just the pendant (no chain as I want to put in on a longer chain I already own).
alaina October 16, 2012
Jen,
I am thinking of a 24 inch chain and then an 18 inch chain option. But yes, could just sell the charms separately! Thank you for this idea.
abby October 15, 2012
I’d love to get something for the amazing and wonderful support group of single (all thru divorce), orthodox Jewish women who have become my lifeline! I love the idea of a charm on a necklace!
alaina October 16, 2012
Me, too! I am thinking something like this: http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/n245g.html
thebitchdesk October 15, 2012
I’d love a leaf charm bracelet.
alaina October 16, 2012
We had these… I think they are a great idea. And will try to find more. Thank you!
Janey October 15, 2012
Silver… Be interested in whatever you come up with but love silver..
alaina October 16, 2012
Got it! Thank you for the feedback. I love silver, too and am pondering a combo.
Allison in the MN October 16, 2012
I want to order another one for a friend! So interesting that this has been on your mind! I’m the one who emailed you wanting to know if you had any more! Great minds think alike! Even though I am no longer a single mom, I still rock my necklace every chance I get! I love it!
Stacia October 21, 2012
I just {heart} you. I do.
Cierra October 21, 2012
would love a necklace with a cross charm added to go with the leaf. To start over and keep the faith.