Yesterday was a day that marked the end of the last 11 years of my life. It was probably one of the most difficult days that I have ever had to walk my way through. The levels of intense, fluctuating emotions and shattered thoughts have been so massively overwhelming.
In 2007, I opened my design and print business, and today… at the beginning of our 12th year, we closed our doors. It was an exceptionally difficult thing to process, however - not unlike our natural fynbos in South Africa… it needed to be burnt in order to re-germinate once more – which I am hoping it will… not in my hands, but in the hands of two exceptionally capable, talented and passionate individuals. My time in the design and print industry is now over for good – I do not think I could travel that road again… it holds way too much memory now.
It is time for me to walk a new path...whatever that may be and wherever it may lead me...
There have been many tears as my team and I said goodbye to a company that had not only earned a completely flawless reputation for customer service and delivery, but was also very much a community staple. My team have become like family to me and our customers to us. We all knew everything about them, from their kid’s latest achievements through to their pet’s names. Gifts from customers of home-baked cakes and many other treats were a common occurrence in our shop front.
We have shared countless memories together as a team and with all our customers alike… For many, we were a home away from home, for others we were an office on the go. We were a place that offered everyone a few hours to feel GOOD during their day. We listened to plenty of music (mostly my old fashioned choices featuring Elvis and the like... and often loathed by my team haha), we laughed, we moaned, we grrrrr'd, we hustled, we did it all! But mostly, we made a difference in the community and I believe we will be sorely missed by many.
Businesses like this simply don’t exist anymore…and sadly now, neither does mine.
I would like to take a moment in this post, to say thank you to my team for the endless years they have thrown into working with me to build something truly unique and beautiful! It may be over, but that does not make what we built and achieved any less amazing or worthy of praise, acknowledgement and thanks!
You guys are amazing – you gave it your all EVERY SINGLE DAY – completely unwavering... and the communities adoration and frequent verbal expression of this is a TRUE TESTAMENT to what phenomenal individuals you are! We are ALL going to do AMAZING things... KNOW THAT!!!
I love you both with all my heart, I truly do! Thank you for absolutely EVERYTHING you have given of yourselves! It will never be forgotten – and neither will you… in fact… I think a dinner is in order ;)
The swallowing process of acceptance is not easy when you have thrown your blood, sweat and tears into something for such a large chunk of your life. Time for processing, appreciation and a little nostalgia are necessary in order to move forward… but move forward we must.
I am seldom one to harp on “disaster” or “negativity” – I will afford it time enough to do what it needs to do, and then it must go! - As it will not serve any further purpose (not constructively anyway). Looking forward is the only thing that matters now...
Like I always say… things don’t always unfold the way you envision it, but how that aspect of it is handled, is entirely up to you as a person… and despite the hurt that sits in my heart right now, I WILL focus FOWARD, positively!
Change doesn’t always present itself in pretty, neat little packages with ribbons… in fact more often than not – it can be rather messy – but this does not mean that it is not for the better – whether you are able to see that in the present moment or not.
So there it is!
One end and another beginning...
Goodbye COPY CATZ
your doors may be closed, but what lay behind them will NEVER be forgotten! - Thank you for the journey :)
This was one of MANY, MANY inspirational quotes which floated around our premises, and I thought it only fitting to share it one last time...
Until next time...
Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx
Oh my! How exciting and scary and sad and brave!
I had no idea when reading your posts that your next move was such a big step. Walking away from something like that that you have loved and love. From your team and happy customers. Bravo to you!
I am reminded of the Hero's Journey and so excited for you as to what comes next. Surely it will be truly magical after such a courageous letting go.
And there was I thinking we were in a similar boat. Hilarious! My letting go is tiny in comparison. I've been working creating a drop shipping business for 18 months which finally took off late last year. I stopped doing it because I wanted to be free over Christmas and family birthdays to focus on what really matters.
I've been struggling ever since to get going again but my heart is not in it. The only attraction is the big money that can be made but it's not a big enough motivation to keep me in the game and yet . . . I still haven't quite let go of the idea.
When I first discovered you an Steemit and read your post about moving on I had no idea who you were or how big you are here. I offered you support in any way I could which, had I known your credentials, I would probably not have done being only a mini minnow.
So I am glad I didn't know.
I can't wait to see how your journey unfolds. You're a star and an inspiration! 🌟 😍
Thank you so much for your kind words honey - and yes... the reality of the matter is... if your heart is no longer in something, there is no point even bothering because it will never amount to anything! I was TIRED, EXHAUSTED, STRESSED and a million other negatives.... business in South Africa has been EXTREMELY hard for small to medium businesses in the last few years and although we were actually quite stable in that respect, all the stress literally drained the passion out of me.
I am extremely excited moving forward though.... and it is SO good to feel passionate again :)
Those of us who work for ourselves; who step outside the box and decide to forge our own paths... we do end up with a special relationship with our "babies." And that makes the intense feeling surrounding the final day somewhat harder for others to truly grasp.
I know you'll be fine, in time. But also give yourself permission to full experience what happened; both what you accomplished, and what you just left behind. I'm not big on self-pity and boo-hoo stories, but something like this IS a "loss," and that's why I say "allow yourself to experience this as the loss it is." And THEN move on to new shiny horizons.
Love & hugs!
Absolutely @denmarkguy... thank you for that and yes - I have been doing that the last few days, hence my large absence.... I needed time for me.
I am very happy and extremely EXCITED looking forwards.... I know that there is a LOT of awesomeness awaiting me :D
Thank you for your ALWAYS kind and reassuring words. They really do mean a lot to me!
It can be very difficult to let go of something after so many years. I've been there so I understand. But the lessons learned, the experiences gained, and the friendships made stay with you. May these and everything you have gained stay with you as you move forward into life's next phase. All the very best to you.
Thank you!!!!!! and yes, you are SPOT ON in your approach.... could not have said it better myself. Thank you :)
"your doors may be closed, but what lay behind them will NEVER be forgotten! - Thank you for the journey"
This is quite emotional for me to even make a comment, i have been weak and sober since i saw the post since yesterday. I wouldn't to say anything but my mind has not been free since yesterday. I just hope you get yourself together soon. May things happen for a reason.
They absolutely happened for a reason @tyrex :) and despite the sad and emotional aspects of it all, I am quite happy to close that chapter in my life and move forward :)
@Jaynie, you'll be killing it at whatever it is you put your mind to. Just a blip on the radar! It was a meaningful experience where you learned a lot and had great times. It seems like you already have an intensely positive attitude toward the change. So long as you keep your spirits up, things will be great.
To new beginnings!!!
I agree 200% @chrismccron and as you now know.... I am EXTREMELY excited moving forward. I was very passionate about my business for a very long time, but... when passion dies, it no longer serves you any purpose as an individual.... I feel passionately replenished already for what lies ahead of me :)
Thank you for your always positive outlook too.... it is a breath of fresh air in a world riddled with so much of the opposite. ;)
This is really emotional, thank you for sharing!
From my side I can say only that everything that happens happens for good. I have experienced that on my own- last year when my life has crushed- all my dreams just broke in one day and I had even no motivation to wake up and go to work or just do something- this has been for good, now I see that. Sometimes you need to say good bye to take a deep breath, to remember all good and really to see how much do you have in your life to be thankful for and this would be the wonderful beginning of the upcoming journey! Good luck, steeminians believe in you!!
Thank you!!!! I love your positive attitude! and yes, I am very excited for the way moving forward.... everything happens for a reason ;)
I've tried a half dozen times to find the words for an adequate response, but they're failing me today (I think my muse is on vacation - LOL!). Sending lots and lots of good juju to you and the crew from Copy Catz (OMG, so much LOVE for that name!).
Thank you so much hon!!!! YOU WONT BELIEVE ME.... but my team and I had that song on our playlist in the shop and we OFTEN hit the play button on it at the end of the day! Not a word of a lie ;) MWAH!!!!!!!!
LOL!!!
One of the greatest lessons I have learned in life is that you can never know what may happening in your life.I have waved goodby to so many people hoping they will never come back but they come back. Thank you for sharing your life journey with us. But there is a saying “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”Thomas Merton
Such a beautiful quote, thank you for your kind words! :)
Time for a new adventure @jaynie, sometimes in order to achieve bigger and greater things we have to let go no matter how hard it is. But given your motivation you will make a success of whatever it is you set your mind too.
Very true @claudiaz xxx and thank you for your positive opinion of me. Means a lot moving forward to have the support of such amazing people. MWAH!!!
like they say here "abrasos y besos" which means hugs and kisses to you too.
🙏🏼 Two quotes comes to mind, the first is from my favourite Stoic philosopher Seneca.
What rises from the ashes reaches more exalted heights than what was burnt.
And the more contemporary:
Smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
Compelling story needless to say, you're a good writer.
Thumbs up for your mind-set and the quotes (especially the Neil Patrick Harris ;) )
Otherwise, if you're into travelling, vlogs, fitness, self-development etc feel free to check out my channel, in any case keep up the good work and I'll see you around! :)
Both GREAT quotes @williamwest - but this was definitely my best:
Thank you for the compliment re. my writing and for the support ;)
I will be sure to check out your blog...
Closing Time
Semisonic
Best of wishes on your new begining, I have no doubt you'd do better as the "later is alwwys better than the former"
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you ;)
Very touching, thanks for sharing your story. Wish you success in all your future ventures in life!
thank you
Life is like that. Good times and bad times are all mixed with life. Everything is easy to forget. But the time of happiness is not easily forgotten.
so true!
@jaynie In any kind of service related industry, the truest measure of succes is the acknowledgement you get from your customers and you seem to have done great on that fronto with your shop. It's rather sad that you had to leave it after so long. It's evident from your pictures and your write up that even those who worked there had a great time...If business was lacking because the model was outdated, perhaps you could have tried diversifying into different things - your customer would still have kept coming (great service is rare).. Al the best with whatever new ventures you get into...
PS: We had communicated recently on discord after I joined your channel... used to wonder if the admin of the channel would be typically doing outside managing the appreciator channel.. :)
Thank you for your input. Much appreciated. As for the business, the landlord, did not renew my lease and to be quite frank, I was not interested in moving.... as I have been planning to bow out soonish anyway. I have been in that industry for 17 years now. 11 with that business. I gave my team everything in the shop. Equipment, stock - all of it. They will be moving forward with the same client base, just under a new name, so they have none of the financial baggage that I carried.... so not completely gone, but the end of an era for me.
As for me, I am quite happy to close that chapter, the time had come for me to move onward.... and I am VERY excited about it :)
well jaynie you are inspiration! great to read your article!i am happy to follow!stay bless
Thank you very much x
Finding a new road is a difficult thing to do. :(
It certainly can be, but I am actually really excited about my road moving forward, thank you though x
Best of luck on your new venture
Thank you, I appreciate that xxx
Very inspirational, brief and lovely post.....You really have a good heart.... @jaynie.
Please i love to join the steemit bloggers on discord again because it seems my access to the steemit bloggers on discord has been denied.
I love the steemit bloggers family so much and don't want to lose the connection
I have with this wonderful family.
I will be very grateful if you help me to join the steemit bloggers on discord again.
Thanks. @jaynie.
Thank you for your kind words @emmanuelchamp - I will make contact with you on discord...
Wow. This is really inspirational and emotional. This happens when you meet friends that turn to family without deliberate plan.
Well some memories are good to have cos later few years to come, when you have a nostalgia remembering those memories, you can't help but to smile or laugh out loud.
May the new Path you'll find lead you to a play of unending joy.
Thank you ever so much for your lovely wishes x
old is gold but dear hope for the best I believe you will get more success in life@jaynie
Thank you xxx
Copy catz is a genius name for a copy shop :)
What's next for you then?
Is the shop going to continue running with the new owners?
My mom actually chose that name 11 years ago :) and yes, my team will be continuing with it.... under a new name and new location... so not entirely "gone" :) As for me, I have decided to become a full time Steemit Blogger now :)
Change doesn’t always present itself in pretty, neat little packages with ribbons…
Wow! I don't think I'd be able to deal with the emotional baggage of it all! So many memories but yet as change has it, so much to look forward to! Thanks for doing what you do. You have a lovely copy shop and a lovely team. All the best!
I appreciate that, Thank you so much @maxyong ;)
so touching. sorry but i have to ask you, why close down such a wonder setup, decision or it was beyond your control?
It was a little beyond my control... as the landlord did not continue the lease, and the prospect of moving, did not interest me at all. I was already looking at moving on anyway, it just happened a little sooner than I originally anticipated...
You actually ended with it and began with a new one, nice and inspirational
:) Thanks dear!
What a beautyfull way to honor the process @jaynie. Deeply inspiring <3 Thank you for sharing so openly and authentically.
Bright Blessings, Lots of Love & Respect
Namaste
Yeah. You said it all. It's deeply inspiring
Thank you. @jaynie's post has offered me a very fresh perspective from which to view many things in life :)
Thank you x
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and kind words @reiki-trail - it means a lot to me. Much love to you! xxx
My pleasure :) Thank you also for the love SiStar <333
Namaste
I can only imagine how sad and scary it must feel to go through something like that. Life throws us hills and valleys for sure. My prayer is that you look back on this time one day as the beginning of something awesome, not just the ending!
Thank you for your lovely words @stephanation. Yes it was a very emotional thing to go through, but I am definitely VERY excited for the way forward :)
I hope you do not give up easily. life It's hard But if we Want to try again god will definitely help his servant who again need it @jaynie
Oh I NEVER give up @asof4 ;) and I am very excited moving forward now. Thank you
we are in a period of great transition as the digital revolution unfolds.
True Story! VERY exciting times!
it is definitely a sad moment, i feel you!
but hey, with every day that closes, another opens... steemit and steemitbloggers ;)
Yip! and I am SUPER excited as I walk through this new door! Thanks @mcfarhat!
It's really difficult when you leave your team with whom you have worked for around 11 years, but I think whatever happens to everyone, something good is waiting for them. I want to wish you are your team all the best for all your future endeavours. Thanks for sharing this post, it's really emotional because when I had resigned from my job back in 2016, it was really tough to apart from my team, because you share food, feelings, each other's workload, crack jokes, sometimes frustrating moments with each other. But separation is part of life because there is an new entrance is waiting.
Have a great day and stay blessed.
Quite right.... saying goodbye to my team was definitely the hardest part :( Thank you for your support @chireerocks
You're Welcome. ☺️
This post has received gratitude of 4.93 % from @appreciator thanks to: @jaynie.
So emotional, you have actually reminded me a lot of things. You've made me think of mum that a last saw two years back. sometimes, we should take hard decisions and i believe this is what you did. i believe your customers will miss you. I do always like my daily work at the shop and you have taught me to give out my best to make my work a memorial not only for me but also for the customers.
Be strong @jaynie.
Wow jaynie, from the first day i walked into your channel i was drawn to you even without words, i want you to know that you are tressured and great moments you shared shall be with you, but i welcome you unofficially and officially to steemit!
Its a new dawn for you @jaynie
I appreciate that, REALLY! ;)
Thank you
Thank you for your lovely words. Much appreciated
You're right- amazing customer service is hard to find these days and good for you for maintaining it for so long. Good luck on your new path.
Too true and thank you for the kind words x :)
Ending things especially those that you build with a lot of hard work, sweat and blood is never easy, but yeah sometimes you just gotta do something. I am happy seeing your optimistic outlook towards this and everything else in life. Wish you only the good things in life. <3
Thank you so much hon xxx and yes, I am looking forward to the way forward :)
So sad to close a door on such an important time of your life. Best wishes for the future, whatever you choose for it to be. Elvis rocks!
Thank you for your kind wishes xxx
nice post sister,this is life once will be end but once will be beginning
hopefull all of steemit user help me,i want to success in this patfrom.i want to create good contain for every steemit user.
advance thanks for all user to support me in steemit
steemit is very helpful...now it is very essential for us.thanks for sharing.........
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so this is what influence your blog to be so stunning, you're in the industry! Well, they say when one door closes, another opens! what's the next plan?