stephmodo: A La Modo + Anthropologie

A La Modo + Anthropologie

• 11 April 2013



Hello, hello!  It's been awhile, now hasn't it?  Perhaps some of you wondered if I was returning to my blog! Well, I am definitely still here and have so much to share with you; but first, let me explain why I've been away for a few weeks.

A couple of months ago, a buyer from Anthropologie approached me on Etsy about carrying my deluxe pie box kits and color block utensils online.  Needless to say I was ecstatic!!  I've worked hard to create these pie boxes over the last couple of years and it feels like an absolute dream to have these original packages for sale on one of my favorite sites.  Even if they don't sell well for some reason, I still consider the collaboration a career high.   This opportunity created an increased incentive for me to officially copyright my boxes through a patent attorney (email me if you need a rec), rebrand (new logo designed by Rachel Jones), and increase product offerings.  I've been meaning to tackle these projects for some time now, but this experience gave me the kick in the pants I needed!

When I think about my products joining the ranks of all the other beautiful things on Anthropologie's site in about 3 weeks or so, I feel a combination of emotions--shock, honor, gratitude, disbelief and frankly, a bit of anxiety.  Putting yourself or your work out there can be a bit frightening, although I do believe these types of feelings are indicative of being on a path to grown.  I appreciate Eleanor Roosevelt's advice to, "do one thing every day that scares you".  Wise words indeed.





I shipped the order just last week, so the few weeks prior were pretty intense.  Our family life was turned upside down and we did our best to get through with as little upheaval as possible.  I survived with help from a few good friends, my husband, and divine intervention.  The hardest part was dealing with an increased workload on top of existing family life.  Just because I was dealing with a momentous project didn't mean my children's lives stopped--they still needed to be fed, bathed, dressed, schlepped, tended to, read to, listened to, etc.  Nights became later and later and one by one balls started dropping.  My home fell apart, my time in the kitchen was minimal, routines were neglected and I know my children sensed I was distracted, even if I tried to do all my work while they slept.  I learned many important lessons throughout the experience--one being that no one can do it all.  When you choose to take on a project, albeit worthwhile, something has to give.  In fact, some things have to give.  I am so grateful to have this awareness now.



Now that picnic pie box kits and utensils have arrived to distribution centers, I am appreciative for the sense of normalcy that's already being restored to my life.  It will take a little time to put everything back together, but I don't have any regrets.  I am excited to clear out the bedroom (a.k.a. my warehouse), work on decorating my kids rooms finally, choose a laundry solution (thanks for all the tips!!) and get back into the kitchen.  It turns out, it's the simplest things that bring peace and happiness to my life {note to self}.

Last weekend I mentioned the Anthropologie collaboration on instagram / facebook and I want you to know how much I appreciated all the well wishes.  They truly warmed my heart, so thank you!

28 comments:

  1. This is amazing for you! Good work!

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  2. I've been a follower for so long, and I'm really excited for you! What an amazing opportunity!

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  3. I am so extremely excited for you!!!! My mood instantly changed to elated when I read this! How exciting!

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  4. soooooo exciting. you deserve it! congrats!

    also ... will you be blogging from france? i dreamed i was in france last night. but i am most definitely not in france. but happy you are!

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  5. lbartone@bellsouth.netApril 11, 2013 at 4:45 PM

    The pie boxes are sooo fantastic! I ordered them two different times from you several years ago and am actually using the last of the ones I have for a yummy dessert tomorrow for my bridge club. Congratulations on the Anthropologie coup!

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  6. I, too, have followed you for a long time and could not be happier for you. Congratulations!

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  7. welcome back! such exciting news!

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  8. Wow what an honor!! I love Anthropologie!! I'll check out your pie boxes!! They look so cute!! =)

    Ergo-Blog

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  9. I adore my little pie boxes from you - have kind of been hording them because I love them so much.
    I am soooo happy for you! What a dream come true!

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  10. Steph!!

    I am SO psyched for you!! This is so amazing.

    Love you!

    Jaime

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  11. Congrats Steph! Cristina & I both enjoyed seeing it all come together, and I'm sure they'll fly right off the shelves!

    Maybe when they reorder, we can have a double date & paint spoons together ;)

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  12. Thank you all for being excited with me! I still can't believe this is happening! I feel so grateful.

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  13. I work at night and know exactly what you mean by your children noticing your distraction. I need more sleep! Congrats on a great achievement :)

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  14. That is fantastic! Congratulations!

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  15. You are amazing! And so grounded. I hope we can have some Brubaker time in 2013! xxoo

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  16. A BIG congratulations! I also appreciate your honest view on the experience: taking on projects as someone who is hands-on and engaged in family life and what the give and take of working while running a family is really like (although worth it). This was good for me to read.

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  17. So exciting, Stephanie! Congratulations!! xo

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  18. Congratulations! What an amazing opportunity.

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  19. What a lovely, fantastic opportunity for you! Congrats a million times over!

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  20. So happy for you! This is huge!

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  21. I absolutely LOVE your new logo! I can't think of a more perfect design and name for your product!
    Well done! (and mucha suerte!)

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  22. so awesome... love these pie boxes! they are killing me with cuteness! congrats on the anthropologie gig! ^__^

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  23. A huge congrats!! it is so well deserved!

    and congrats on making it through the craziness too. happy to hear things are settling back down a bit!

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  24. WAhoooooooo! Couldn't happen to a sweeter soul.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a line. I really appreciate it!

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