Hard times for many in this economy, but Close To My Heart papercrafts is here for the long haul!
"...preserving our memories is not a fad."
Jeanette Lynton, CTMH’s founder and CEO, addresses the hard times in our economy on her blog and I want to pass on her heartfelt message.
Creativity Now and Always
by Jeanette Lynton
First off, preserving our memories is NOT a fad. It's one of the most important things we do in our journey here on earth, and it's as key as breathing and as sustainable as family. In the past few years, we have seen scrapbooking come into the spotlight and many flocked to set up shop and design products to capitalize on it. While we at Close To My Heart have welcomed the focus on scrapbooking over the past few years, we know that even when the hubbub fades, the core and relevance underneath the hype remains. I have been in the industry for nearly 30 years—LONG before it was "trendy"—and plan to be in this essential industry for decades to come.
Because Close To My Heart will be here for the long-term, we have run our business differently than many others. We are not leveraged to the hilt or financed by outside investors. I have always believed in organic, cash-based growth, and the simple provident rule of spending less than I earn. It's a principle I've applied to business and it's ensured that Close To My Heart operates profitably. We have been profitable month after month, year after year. Our credit rating is excellent, and this protects our commitment to delivering a wealth of diverse, beautiful products at competitive prices while providing secure commission checks for our Consultants, employees, and vendors.
Second, yes, the industry is changing. I welcome and embrace that! In my 30 years in business, I have seen many changes and they almost always yield fresh directions, new products, and a new crop of crafters. Change always brings opportunity! I have long said that as long as little girls are born with hands, they will want to create. I am grateful to be a part of such an important contribution to society and know that this will continue.
Ultimately, I invite everyone—whether you are an existing Consultant or customer, a past purchaser, or even if you have never purchased a Close To My Heart product—to get to know us again for the first time. Close To My Heart is strong. Papercrafting, memory keeping, and creativity are more important than ever before and we provide unique, diverse products for every style and ability of crafter. Close To My Heart is committed to scrapbooking, and if it's a passion you share, then YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
Jeanette Lynton-My Hero...
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,
they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom.
- Marcel Proust
I am really happy you shared this info from Jeanette. CTMH has treated me very well as a consultant, and I know other consultants agree. I LOVE papercrafting. One of the reasons I do this is that it is a creative outlet for me, and also allows me to focus on something fun for a while. It is a release for me and I love trying new papers, techniques, etc. For years I have loved to help my friends when they have a challenge! I have received emails from consultants from other companies saying: "Scrapbooking the craft isn't as trendy as it used to be -- and thank goodness!" Well, "trendy" is not the word I would use, but it is a growing and changing industry, in exciting ways. I did not start out in this craft, but because it was trendy, but because I LOVE it! Follow your heart!!!
ReplyDeleteI am really happy you shared this info from Jeanette. CTMH has treated me very well as a consultant, and I know other consultants agree. I LOVE papercrafting. One of the reasons I do this is that it is a creative outlet for me, and also allows me to focus on something fun for a while. It is a release for me and I love trying new papers, techniques, etc. For years I have loved to help my friends when they have a challenge! I have received emails from consultants from other companies saying: "Scrapbooking the craft isn't as trendy as it used to be -- and thank goodness!" Well, "trendy" is not the word I would use, but it is a growing and changing industry, in exciting ways. I did not start out in this craft, but because it was trendy, but because I LOVE it! Follow your heart!!!
ReplyDelete