Today I’m delighted to tell you my good news. On Thursday September 1st I will open a new online venture, Irish American Mom’s Giftshop.
Here I hope to share some beautiful pieces of Irish and American artwork and gifts, and help artists on both sides of the Atlantic introduce their wonderful work to a wider audience.
The Story Behind My Giftshop:
A few months ago I received an e-mail from a young entrepreneur Connor with eCommetize in Orlando. He helps create and develop online stores.
After noting how I currently host giveaways to help spread the word about Irish and American artists and writers, Connor suggested I create an online store to streamline the process for anyone interested in purchasing personally curated and hand-picked gifts.
I must confess, my first reaction was to decline Connor. What do I know about online stores? Selling through a website? Irish gifts?
Then, I paused, thought for a moment, and realized, maybe I do know a little bit about Irish gifts and all things Irish.
Overcoming My Fears:
So why would I turn down an opportunity such as this?
And the answer is fear. Yes that dreaded emotion fear, and being a true Irish woman, full of Irish guilt and fear, my knee jerk reaction was to close the door on what might be the most wonderful opportunity to come my way since the inception of my blog.
And so I asked myself what am I afraid of? And here’s what I came up with.
Firstly, I’m afraid of failure. Yes, my stubborn Irish pride and perfectionism leads to a dreaded fear of failure. But new generations of young Irish are not afraid of failure and small business opportunities. So I decided I need to overcome this ancient Irish trait, and my middle aged doubts. You know how it goes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
My next big fear is that I might alienate you, my readers. What if you abandon my blog because you feel I’m too pushy, and using my blog as a gimmick for selling, selling, selling? That is definitely not how I want readers to feel about my little corner of the world wide web.
But then Connor reassured me that I will retain control of marketing. My giftshop can live outside my blog and I can link between both sites on my terms. Whew!
And then I contemplated the fact I host giveaways for free, and promote others for free, because I love what they do so much.
Would it be such a bad thing if I made a little money in the process? I do have four kids to get through college after all. And being a triplet mom, probably all four of my kids will hit college at the same time. Yikes!
What Granny Would Have Advised:
Finally, when I realized my biggest fear is fear of the unknown, I simply decided to go for it.
I thought about how my grannies might have approached such an opportunity. One granny would have told me that ….
“Everything happens for the best.”
and
“You’ll never know unless you try.”
My West Cork granny would have been more direct in her approach. She would have told me to …
“Grab the bull by the horns, and do it.”
Or perhaps, she would have been a proponent of another bullish Irish method for tackling problems:
“There comes a time when you must
take the bull by the tail
and face the situation squarely.”
And so, I’ve decided to take the blessed bull by the horns and the tail and open my little online shop.
In Irish we say …
“Tapaigh an deis.”
(pronunciation “top-ig un deh-sh”)
Grasp the opportunity or
Seize the day
And if I still felt a little hesitant, this next Irish saying sorted my fears completely, by telling me, in true Irish fashion, to get on with life, and grasp the opportunities coming my way…..
“Here’s to it
and for it
and do it again.
For those that get to it,
And refuse to do it,
May never get to it
To do it again.”
~ Old Irish Saying
After reading that old Irish gem, who could sit back and decline a new business opporutnity?
Irish American Mom’s Giftshop Launches on September 1st, 2016:
And so, my gift shop has taken shape, and on Thursday September 1st 2016, I will officially launch it with a little giveaway.
Every time I host a giveaway I’m humbled by the beautiful comments left by readers, who frequently share their deep seated love of Ireland on the pages of my blog. I know selecting gifts, for those we hold dear, is a cherished task. I hope through my store I will be able to help Irish Americans celebrate our heritage, by curating ideas for thoughtful gifts.
Please feel free to browse through my store, but only buy if you truly love something and can afford the expense.
I am privileged to share the artistry of Ireland and America. If you’re Irish, Irish American or simply Irish at heart, then let me show you the gifts that make my Irish heart sing.
Choosing a perfect Irish gift is a way of sharing memories, of celebrating our Irishness, and teaching our loved ones about our ancestry. Please join me on my new journey.
And don’t forget to pop back on Thursday when our doors will open. I’ll add all the links needed to discover my Irish American Giftshop.
Update February 2017
I’m afraid this online venture has come to an end, and the virtual doors of my little giftshop have closed.
Due to time constraints and my limited retail expertise, I have decided to return to my original love of writing and focus on blogging rather than merchandising. Thanks to all who browsed and shopped, and supported this adventure. It was a wonderful learning experience.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Here are some other installments you might enjoy ….
Why Are Irish Americans So Captivated By Ireland
Top Ten Reasons Why Toursists Love Ireland
Ireland’s Thin Places
Wonderful news, Mairead! What an exciting adventure! I wish you all the best. I know it will be well received! ☘
Thanks so much Patricia. It’s an adventure. I’ve really enjoyed choosing items for my giftshop – so many beautiful items to choose from.
All the best, and enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
Mairéad
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As an Irish Granny, I’d just like to wish you all the luck in the world with your new venture! I hope it goes very very well for you.
Hi Anne – Thanks for your seal of approval and well wishes. Lovely to know, that as an Irish granny, you like this idea. My two late Irish grannies would have loved this giftshop too.
Best wishes, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
So excited to hear this news. I will definitely be checking out your gift shop. It is wonderful that you are helping the artist of Ireland.
Thanks so much, Becky. It’s lovely to hear such encouraging comments from readers.
All the best, and enjoy your weekend.
Mairéad
I’m excited to see what you have been buying. I know the giftshop will be fabulous.
Wonderful idea.
Best Wishes,
Kay
Hi Kay – Merchandising my store has been great fun. I hope to add more and more items as time goes by. I’m so glad you like this idea. I feel like it’s a little corner shop to live alongside my blog.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
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I am so excited!! That is wonderful news for all of us looking for something unique and connected to Ireland.
Glad you took granny’s advice!
Best wishes on your new adventure!!
Deidre
Hi Deidre – Thanks for your good wishes for my new giftshop. It’s going to be a wonderful experience sharing a little bit of Ireland with readers, and learning what gifts people like best. Thanks for stopping by.
Take care,
Mairéad
You should do very well, Mairead. We are all happy that you will have a little shop. We love all that is Irish and I always try to buy Irish things. Handmade is even better. There is no problem with the blog and the shop. Those who want to shop can and those who don’t won’t have to. I, for one, am really excited about it and I am going to Ireland next week! I will check out your shop before I go and maybe save some room in my suitcase. Good luck with your new venture. You won’t be sorry. 🙂
Hi Mary – Thanks for your sound advice about my shop and blog. I hope you have a wonderful time in Ireland. Safe travels and enjoy every moment of your trip.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
What an unexpected surprise. I know you will bring us, as you have done with your stories, the very best of Ireland’s wares and what a treat for us. I’m not able to travel anymore so this is going to be great. Best of luck Mairead. Looking forward to Sept. 1.😄
Hi Barbara – I’m thrilled I’ll be able to share a little bit of Ireland with readers like you, who can no longer make the trip across the Atlantic. I hope you’ve had a lovely summer, and are keeping well.
Blessings to you and yours,
Mairéad
Very best of luck Mairead with your new venture.
Thanks so much, Cheryl. I’m having fun looking at all kinds of wonderful Irish merchandise. There’s so much talent in Ireland, it will be wonderful to be able to share it with America.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Im so delighted to hear about your new online shop, well done, i also love the positive quotes you mentioned as well, Im on a venture my self at the moment and like you I have had it in my head for years, its a childrens book, and I was nervous too, but like you, I just put the fear behind me and bounced forward, Of course we wont desert your blog, i always enjoy it a 100% and cant pass it without reading it, all the best Mairead. x
Hi Maureen – I’m delighted to hear you too are taking the proverbial bull by the horns and committing your story to paper. I can’t wait to read your childrens’ book. Well done. You have so many stories, Maureen, I’m sure your book will be enjoyed by young and old.
And thanks, as always, for all your support.
Take care, and happy writing.
Mairéad
Thank you mairead and all the best in you’re online shop can’t wait to see it. Regards
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That is wonderful news! I look forward to shopping in your new shop. I love everything Irish!
God bless you!
Thanks, Dianna. It’s lovely to know so many people love all things Irish, just like me.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
I’m excited about your new online store as it appears by the samples you have shown in your post that what you are offering is not your typical shamrocks and green T shirts! There are many talented artists out there that have so much to offer! I can’t wait to visit your store! (Even if there are shamrocks and green t-shirts!!) Mary
Hi Mary – I’m trying to steer clear of too many shamrocks and leprechauns. Ireland has so much beautiful artwork to offer. But who knows, a special shamrock or two might find a place on my virtual shelves.
Thanks for checking out this introductory post.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
So excited about your new venture! I’m always looking for a special gift for my family.
Mairead, being the lucky recipient of one of your giveaways, The Mother of the Bride book, it was beautiful.
Good luck and I’ll be shopping soon.
Hi Pat – I’m so glad you enjoyed the Mother of the Bride book you won in our little giveaway. And thanks for your words of encouragement for my new giftshop. It will be a corner of the world wide web where we can celebrate Irish artistry and gifts.
All the best,
Mairéad
Congratulations!! I’m excited to check back and browse through all the Irish goodies!
Thanks so much, Aimee. We’ll start off on Thursday with a giveaway for a lovely piece of Irish art. I’m looking forward to this adventure.
Take care,
Mairéad
Fantastic news! I already want to buy the Irish dance earrings for my daughters feis’s!
Hi Christie – Those earrings caught my eye straight away as I was choosing items to stock. I think they make a perfect gift for any Irish dancer.
All the best, and wishing your daughter hours and hours of happy Irish step dancing. Good luck in all those feiseanna.
Mairéad
It’s not always easy finding quality Irish gifts outside of Ireland, so your venture will fill a need for many people.
But your tender, completely Irish-sounding urging ( “but only buy if you truly love something and can afford the expense”) just tickled my heart. How generous, how kind and caring of you.
I understand your basic fear of the risk, but as my old granny would tell me when I was worried about the future: Sara, don’t suffer till you have to.
Even if you fail in the venture, you will have learned much in the process. Remember Abraham Lincoln, who failed in several ventures and elections and he ended up our great president!
I know you will do well,
Sara of Pennsylvania
Hi Sara – Thanks for sharing your granny’s wonderful words of advice … “Don’t suffer till you have to.”
Such a perfect attitude for facing dilemmas – our ancestors were truly wise, with a keen sense of what’s important in life.
And thank you for reminding me of Abraham Lincoln’s trials and tribulations. He is a role model for all. Whenever I feel a little quiver of fear, I will remember his bravery and courage throughout his life.
Blessings to you and yours,
Mairéad
Excited to see your shop! 🙂
Thanks Angela.
All the best,
Mairéad
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Hello Mairead,
That’s wonderful news! I hope your new adventure blesses you and your family. I’m sure I will enjoy your shop very much!
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Hi Sinita – Thanks so much for your kind words and blessings.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
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What a wonderful idea!!!! I think you will do well with your shop! I look forward to seeing what you will have! Go for it!
Hi Maury – I’m delighted to hear from so many readers who like this idea. Thanks for your encouraging words.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Best of luck in your new venture!! Excited to see what your shop has to offer.
Kerry
Thanks a million, Kerry. Looking forward to this new venture.
All the best,
Mairéad
Best of luck what a great adventure.
Hi Lury – With so much encouragement from readers like you, I feel as if we are all going on a shopping adventure together. Thanks so much for your good wishes.
Take care,
Mairéad
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Mairead – best of luck – I trust you for the best recipes and for great chat
so why would I not trust you for online shopping. I cannot think of a
more fun and humble blog – you are tops and so it is great to think that
you will give your readers another reason to check in daily. You will be
a huge success. Wonderful news.
Martha.
Hi Martha – I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s wonderful words of encouragement. I’m so happy to hear you enjoy my recipes and ramblings. Thanks for all your support.
All the best,
Mairéad
What wonderful news, Mairéad! I am so happy for you and I know it will be a great success! Good luck!
Janine
Thanks a million, Janine.
Take care,
Mairéad
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Can’t wait! Love the St Brigid’s cross brooch. I feel confident your shop will be ethical and trustworthy. Good luck, Mairead!!
Hi Bernadette – Thanks for your vote of confidence. A trusted source for Irish gifts is my goal for my giftshop, because it’s a wild, wild world on the web these days. It’s wonderful connecting with artists and learning about their work. I hope I can fill a role where small businesses can reach a larger audience. Many of the big online Irish stores only deal with suppliers who can produce large volumes. So I truly hope there is a niche for my little corner shop.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
What a wonderful idea! I can’t wait to go shopping on your site! 🙂 🙂
Fantastic, Sophie. I’m just thrilled.
Have a great week and happy writing.
Mairéad
Wow! What a fabulous idea! I love all the pictures of everything you posted here, especially that clock!! Best of luck! I am looking forward to seeing all that you will be offering.
Hi Alicia – That clock is eye catching alright. Sometimes it looks like a crescent moon, and at other times I think it looks like a Viking ship. I hope to showcase items that are not typical, run-of-the-mill shamrock and leprechaun themed fare.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Cannot wait to explore, shop and spread the word, Mairead!
Thanks a million, Bill.
Take care,
Mairéad
How exciting! This new adventure has to be a piece of cake compared to moving to this country.
We, your readers, aren’t going anywhere. You’ll see. :0
Hi Penny – Thanks for all your encouragement and ongoing support.
Take care,
Mairéad
Your new venture, Mairead*, actually sounds much needed! There are so many of us in the Irish Diaspora who look for every link & connection to authentic Irishness we can find. All your lovely posts belong in that category, in my opinion, and I believe your new venture will be yet another extension of your sharing of your native Irish heart & gifts. God bless you in this & all things…when the Holy Spirit is leading you, you will always be just right!
Love & prayers from Me!
Hi Irishannie – Thank you for your prayers and support. I pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and I trust He is leading me where I need to go. Whether this venture is a success or a failure I know I will learn valuable life lessons along the way.
Blessings to you and yours.
Mairéad
Hi Mairead,
Congrats on your new Venture. I hope your doing real well.!! I have tried to order some of your beautiful Gifts but when I wanted to send –I realised your don’t Ship to Australia. !! What a pity but maybe later on you may do so –Hopefully.!! Its amazing when we are away from our Native Land how we cling on to everything beautiful connected with Ireland.
Blessings to you. Rosaleen
Thanks so much Rosaleen. So sorry we don’t yet ship to Australia. Hopefully once we get well established we’ll be able to expand our shipping destinations.
Best wishes, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad