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We are celebrating 3 years this week at Darn Knit Anyway. Wow. This is where people would usually say the time has flown by. It really hasn’t. I can’t believe how much work this little business is and I feel like I have aged a decade.
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Being a small business owner is tough. I have to be an expert at everything. I not only need to know the specifics of my business (yarnie stuff), but I need to know about computers, cash registers, taxes, finances, budgeting, window washers, workmans comp insurance, website development, photography, Stillwater politics, credit card processing…the list goes on and on.
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My hope was that I would enjoy doing this “job” for the rest of my work life. But the truth is, there are parts of this job that I am really bad at and that I just don’t enjoy. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to admit my weaknesses.
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I have learned my limitations in these 3 years. I have learned to ask for help when I need it. So, I asked for help. I asked Jennifer Krueger for help!
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I am excited to announce that Jennifer is now a partner in my business. Darn Knit Anyway now has 2 owners…count ’em 2! Jennifer is a dot the i’s and cross the t’s kind of girl. Completely the opposite of me:) She has a business background and a desire to help me craft my vision for the future of DKA.
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There are lots of great things that I have hoped to do in our store and now I have the time to do it!
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So, what will be different? Nothing really. In addition to Jennifer and me, you’ll still have all your favorite peeps helping you. Our beloved Carly will still be teaching, writing patterns and helping you with knitting problems full time. Krishell, Heather, Kay and Kim will still be around winding your yarn and oogling over your projects. Our shelves will still be full of yarn! We’re working on getting our fabric wall full again with fun new fabrics. We’re also dipping our toe in the embroidery waters, online store (I know I’ve said that for a while now my out of town friends), working on a yarn club for next year, getting more swag and working on bringing cool instructors in for workshops. Whew.
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So, join us in welcoming Jennifer as an owner in Darn Knit Anyway. On Friday, October 12th from 5-8 we’re going to have a casual 3 year anniversary open house. Come share a cocktail, have a snack and give Jennifer a hug.
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Thanks for your support over these 3 years. I have loved every…well almost every…moment of it. I don’t regret a second.
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There are good things in store for year 4!
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I for one am glad you are in business. I love that you let our ASG neighborhood group meet at your store and love the fabric and yarn you carry. I used to love knitting and seeing all the great yarns you carry makes me want to get back to it. Maybe after I’m done being president of ASG and have some free time (what is that anyway?). At any rate congratulations on 3 years! That’s an accomplishment and we love that you are there.
I am so glad I am not the only one feeling overwhelmed at all the aspects of running a small business. But even better that you reached out for help and got it! Congrats on making it to year three! one of these days I will make it to Stillwater for a visit.
Congratulations! I hope this lets you get back to the things you love. I look forward to meeting Jennifer the next time I am there! Cheers to my favorite shop and wishing DKA many more crafty and creative years.
Congratulations on 3 years! Love your shop and everyone there, always so warm and welcoming.
So happy that you do recognized your limitations beFORE they put you in the loony bin or you are so stressed out and have no time to spend with family. So great to have your priorities in order.
And a big WELCOME to Jennifer. Can’t wait to meet her or perhaps I have and just need to put a name with a face.
Congratulations! Best wishes for many more years of success!
Congrats on 3 years!! So glad you started this and hope to see many more anniversaries. Wish I could be there Friday, but won’t be home back to the Cities until after you’re done. Will definitely be in later in the weekend. Welcome aboard, Jennifer, glad you could join Aimee and DKA. Best wishes!
Congratulations Aimee! I too love your shop, but the ladies who lovingly assist me on my projects are why I keep coming back. You have a great group of gals supporting you and it shows that you all have fun each day. I look forward to many more years ahead visiting, chatting or just hanging out and knitting. Welcome to Jennifer too!
My daughter, mother-in-law, and everyone I know loves Darn Knit! You are a jewel in our Stillwater community. Thank you for hanging in there Aimee and Carly- – -you two are the best and are so appreciated!! I’ll be contacting you soon to plan a Brownie outing. Love your ideas, creativity, and willingness to go the extra mile for all of us. Wish you the best 3rd year!!
WHOO HOO! Congrats on a fabulous three years, and Jennifer is AWESOME! YAHOO! Happy birthday, DKA!
Congrats to ALL of you and the new owner. Will try to swing by soon. My fall knitting project is still tucked away but won’t take long to finish. I’ll be looking for something new to help fill the long evenings. I always enjoy my visits to DKA!
Joan
Best darn knit shop in the area. I’m from Wis. and love the drive into Stillwater, even if I have to come in the long way. It’s you, Aimee, and your great staff that make the shop such a winner. Having a partner will give you time to actually enjoy the business, and maybe even sit down and knit something now and then – although you seem to do that anyway. Keep it going.
Aimee — Congratulations to you and your accomplishments and HARD work these past 3 years. Happy Birthday to DKA. I am certain that Jennifer (like your customers and peers) has already figured out what an amazing individual you are. Here’s to continued success and some extra time for you to start writing that book! LOL.
Aimme, Carly,Jennifer, ,and everyone . Thanks for a fun time at your party Friday night. we were happy to celebrate Your 3years. and Welcome Jennifer, to you team. And hope you all have many more great years too. See you soon.