Wow! what a whirlwind the past weeks have been with the decision made and then the processes involved in setting up the new 'bricks and mortar' shop in Mackay Qld!
Up to now, Jenspen has been mainly online and a stall once a month at the markets, so this has certainly been a learning curve.
A couple of years ago the Lord put it on my heart to start looking for a shop. I have looked at quite a few since then but nothing came up that was suitable for a variety of reasons.
A few months ago I was shown this shop and my initial response was a firm 'No', because the shop is upstairs and I knew this would limit some people being able to visit.
I then viewed another shop that I got very excited about. To my eye it was perfect and I was excited about the prospect of setting up there. However, I soon realised that accepting it would be a financial strain and I didn't want to be worrying about this so I decided it best to let it go.
About a week later I was told that the first shop was still available and I said I would pray about it; still not overly keen on an upstairs location.
Two days later I woke up and the Lord showed me clearly that the upstairs shop was the one He had prepared for me all along!
So once the decision was made I went into action. And with the help of family and dear friends, we moved onto the premises on the 1st February 2024.
After that the focus was about setting up the shop from scratch; sourcing and purchasing shelves and putting them together! Lets just say that without the help of a friend then this just wouldn't have happened! (Flat packs and me do not work together well at all)
After this it was time to set up the library of books that have been donated to me over the past 2 years for this very purpose! As the shelves filled I started to feel excitement in my belly - I believe these books are the heart of the store and will keep it open!
And then on the 12th March 2024 we opened for business!
The other half of the store is for gifts! Gifts that I make and gifts made by others! I love to support others that do craft or art and who would like to sell their goods through the store. So far I have four sellers and two more to meet soon!
Gifts so far include cups, candles and journals etc with scripture verses on them, crocheted items, clay earrings made by two sisters and more beautiful earrings made my an Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander women.
Of course there are also my Jenspen cards - greeting cards for all occassions and my Inspirational cards that feature my own God inspired poems. And for most of my cards there is a matching A4 poster. These make a great gift together for under $10 and are easy to post!
You can view my cards here!
There's also lots of FREE secondhand booklets and bibles for sale!
If you are in the area please call in and say hello, I'd love to meet you!
The address is Upstairs Shop2/68 Sydney St, Mackay (next door to the RSL building with the big hat!)
Blessings!
Jenspen
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