One Year Older
When I opened this shop two years ago, I was afraid to even think two years ahead. Every day was a new adventure and a new challenge and as a newly minted, kind of naïve shop owner in New York City I knew better than to make any big plans right away. The entire idea of this shop was only a farfetched dream for a long time. I'd romanticized the idea so much in my head and described what I'd imagined this shop to be so many times that having it actually become a real thing hardly felt any different--almost as if I was just living in my own head. It wasn't until recently, when I first received a copy of a book with my name on it that it really dawned on me that this is something greater than a crazy idea in my head.
These days I arrive every morning to our office to meet any of the three amazing women with whom I spend my days here. We take turns spending time in the shop where we are thrilled to meet so many different people everyday--people who come to experience the shop but also to hear our stories and suggestions. In our office down the street we pore over ideas for Instagrams, new products and projects for the future. Knowing that there actually, really, really is a future is a big deal for me. This thing is a real, working business, even if it is an unconventional one. With the kindness of the media, the customers who continue to so loyally support us and the stationery community who have welcomed us with open arms we've been able to succeed without most of the things the internet says are necessary for running a successful retail business. For this, I am more grateful than I can express with words.
As for the future, I've learned that maybe I was right not to plan too far in advance because if anything that's happened in this two years has taught me anything, it's that things happen in their own time. I'm a person who makes lots of lists and seeks the security of plans but just about everything I'd dreamed about years before this shop existed have already happened. For now I think I'll just hang out here for a little bit, do my job and just let things happen.
Photo: Recent antics in in the shop--a leopard printed Caitlin photographing a flat lay with my awkward arm.
Comments
Larry Myers-McElwee
April 01 2017
Caroline,
Caroline,
N.E. Patriots pencil-users aside, I join my voice to the chorus of those wishing you a long and fruitful dream-like life. Work this joyful, inspirational, and delightful beyond measure, is a rare commodity and even rarer pleasure to behold.
Can’t wait to dive into your singular and important new book!
AND, make my first – but not last – order!
Julie
March 24 2017
I will see you when I am in New York in May! My granddaughter is already asking for more of your pencils.
Happy Anniversary! (a little late)
Rick M Singel
March 21 2017
Caroline, I am a micobe-sized customer of yours, but I adore your concept! I am a pencil nerd from WAY back and I write best with one. Oh yeah, I have ballpoints and fountain pens, but nothing feels like a pencil. I am a dentist and I write my charts in pencil. Shhh, tell no one. My Board in Ohio will put me in shackles!
I thank you for the insight and the courage to open and run your store. An incredible, heart-warming story.
Entrepreneurs are my most favorite people!!
Limner
March 19 2017
Congratulations! I am so happy for y’all. You’re on my blog because I am crazy for good pencils. I tell anyone who’ll listen to give pencil a chance.
Be well.
Chris Edmonson
March 19 2017
I received my first order of special edition gold Blackwing pencils yesterday. They arrived wrapped so beautifully, and with a personal note! I first used Blackwing pencils working in a museum library that had leather-topped tables, and required use of #2 pencils. Such a joy to use. Now, 40 years later, a museum co-worker sent me your website and I love, love your shop/website. Any chance you might carry those European note books with not lines, but small grid pages? My last one, bought in Berlin and made in France, is “Clairefontaine.” Happpy anniversary!
Brad from Brisbane
March 18 2017
So very pleased to see a dream for you come true and get better and better. An inspiration for many. Been to your “shop” (really much more than that) several times on trips to NYC and it’s one of the truly unique retail experiences in the world – truly. I’ve purchased more pencils and gear online than I’ll ever need but who cares !! It makes me and I’m sure so many others around the world happy.
Don’t stop … go hard.
Eugene from Australia
March 17 2017
My wife of fifty years has just started her new project of studying French and has often spoken of how she loves to use pencils in her work. I got on line, found your lovely pencil site and ordered my first selection which arrived on your anniversary day: gift wrapped and with a cheery note from Caroline. Long may this gracious service and perfect product last and thank you for the gleam I spotted in my wife’s eyes when she opened the surprise packet! Eugene
Paul Miller
March 17 2017
I, too, love what you do to promote pencil awareness. It was not too long ago that I thought a pencil was a pencil. Now, when I order pencils from you, I have a chart on which I rate the pencils on how I like them. I even printed your picture that had the different types of pencils (ranging from 4H to 6B) and intend to hang it in a frame on my wall.
Happy Anniversary!
Richard
March 17 2017
You make New York…strike that…the world, a better place. Love those pencils…wish you also sold fountain pen ink.
Kelsey
March 17 2017
I just wanted to say ever since I discovered you in my Real Simple magazine, I have become hooked! My house is getting over-run by pencils and I love it. I love supporting small businesses and thank you so much for showing me that even people that just write, can have really cool pencils and swag!
harvey kanter
March 17 2017
While I enjoy the warm spirit in which you serve up your pencils et al, I want you to know that a middle school girl with a learning disability (dyslexia) gets part of what I order and is delighted with same. i THINK THAT YOUR PENCILS BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN HER RIGHT AND LEFT BRAINS. tHANKS FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO.
Rosalie Kicks
March 17 2017
I love your shop so much. Happy Anniversary old sport!
wrangler steve
March 17 2017
Nothing makes life finer than the personal touch of the Pencil Ladies and the precious products they send our way…Viva the Ladies and their lovely work!
Jerry Bowin
March 17 2017
Happy Anniversary Ladies!
Stephen
March 16 2017
Happy Anniversary!
Case Writes
March 16 2017
I just ordered more pencils and always sing your praises!!! My daughters love your stuff!!! Congrats on your second year!!!!!!
Case
Korina
March 16 2017
Happy second birthday! You are doing a great job – love my pencils!
John Zanardelli
March 16 2017
Happy #2 birthday, Caroline! Congratulations on your ongoing success…I absolutely love all of the pencils, erasers, notebooks, etc, that come from your store…all wrapped to perfection with a nice note…I am certain you’ll be successful for many, many years to come…have fun and just let it happen!
Nicole Shea
March 16 2017
Right On CW and team! Obsess over your instagram and offerings! You are at the top of my next visit to NYC list. Nice job! Happy Second Birthday!
Vik
March 16 2017
You and your store are awesome. Keep it up on behalf of the silent pencilnerds everywhere.
Comments
21 Comments