(found in China)
Demdaco Appreciation Week continues with another giveaway (see below!). Today I’d like to celebrate the account executives (the sales force – the people who sell the product to retailers) and the retailers. Both are super key to the success of the products and I’m incredibly grateful to them for their passion about the KRR line.
Demdaco has about 100 account executives throughout the US who sell the product to retailers all over the country (they are employees of Demdaco and sell all of the Demdaco product lines). Without their passion and commitment to the KRR line, it would be a bust. They have embraced the products and have sold it with much passion and success these last couple of years. I am incredibly grateful to them.
(They like to have fun, a few of the account execs with me on the right)
I’ve met many of them and let me just say that they are a group of people who know how to work hard, but they also play hard, too. They are hilarious! They connect with their retailers, they help with displays, they problem solve, and provide the very best customer service to their clients. These are passionate people that I feel lucky to have on my Demdaco team.
They are also so, so kind. Above is Lee, one of the account exes/sales force. He made me cry when we met – he told me a touching story of how selling the line to his retailers has boosted his own personal/family abundance. He thanked me. I thanked him. It was a lovefest for a few moments there. I think of him often. He reminds me that the people selling the line believe in it, they celebrate it, they market and sell and talk about it. Without their commitment, without their work, the products would simply not be in boutiques and stores. Super powerful….seriously grateful. It makes me think of the mutuality that is such a big part of Demdaco’s culture and mission. Huge HUGE appreciation for all that they do!
Isn’t this a fantastic retail display? Thank you to
the SQUARE NEST in Salt Lake City, UT!!!
At the same time, without retailers buying the line from the sales force, the line would be a flop. I thought it would be fun to highlight a few of the retailers who have supported the line with their fantastic displays. I’ve
often highlighted many retail displays as you send them to me (you send them to me on
facebook, on
twitter, to my email – love!) and I’d like to share a bit more today as we continue to celebrate Demdaco and the team that make all of this possible. Our retailers are very much a part of that team! The photo above and the one directly below are from
the SQUARE NEST in Salt Lake City, UT – I love love the way they’ve styled + displayed the products!
I love retailers. I love that their boutiques and stores are often their big dream, their leap into what is possible. I love that they have so much to choose from and they are choosing the KRR products. I love that they take pride in displaying the products in fun, artistic ways. I love that they get into it!
Big thanks to the ladies at
Joyworks in Snohomish, WA for their continueed support from the beginning. I LOVE how they accent the products with paintbrushes strung together (so clever!)!
Another creative display from
Joyworks – love this idea.
I love that retailers are the last stop for the products – the place where the products finally land and hopefully enter the heart of another, a customer looking for that perfect gift, either for themselves or another.
I love that they sometimes get so excited that they decorate their homes with the products! The photo above is a gorgeous display of family photos, and art on the wall. I heart lept when I saw this – so cool.
Amanda and her Creekside Gifts team also do a great job at displaying the products. Thank you,
Creekside Gifts! This display creates such an impact!
Northwest Art + Frame in Seattle, thank you for the awesomeness of your store display! Holy smokes!
What I also love about retailers is that they often keep up with things as they unfold, both in their lives in and in mine – while babies are born, while new art is made, while new product is introduced, while life shifts up and down for all of us. There is a meaningful community that forms when you start to feel like you are supporting (and being supported by) people and businesses that get you and embrace you as a friend.
I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the retail team at Garden Gallery Iron Works in Woodburn, OR. I met their family, their customers, talked with their staff, spoke of the meaning behind my work, and hugged many many dear people who I knew understood me because they understood my art. And that feels really special across all retailers – they are a HUGE part of the Demdaco team + I can’t thank them enough.
We’re giving away a little something special everyday this week in honor of Demdaco Appreciation Week here on the blog. Feel free to enter each day’s giveaways! We’ll be picking winners next week, including the winner to the all expense paid trip with me (see Monday’s post to enter that giveaway)!
For today’s giveaway:
*One lucky commenter will win $50 to spend on whatever they wish in the online shop.
*Another lucky commenter will win an original painting by me!
*TWO WINNERS!!!
Giveaway rules:
* To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post. We’re celebrating the good folks who sell the products and retail stores today, so tell us your favorite retail store in your area! Or not…tell us anything – we’re easy peasy!
* Just one comment per person, please.
* We’ll announce the winners soon.
* Go!
PS: If you haven’t already, be sure to enter all the giveaways this week. We’re offering a giveaway every day, including an original painting every single day!
Giveaway #1: original painting + all expense paid trip!
Giveaway #2: original painting + $75 to spend on products
Giveaway #3: original painting + $100 to spend on products
My favorite store is not very orginial but I love it anyways. Anthropologie evokes all kinds of emotions from me. Literally just saying the name of the store I get happy. I love the displays, how every store is different and how they celebrate local artists. I am in awe at the creativity each and every time I step in there. I could pack my bags, move in and live in the store. It is just so wonderful:)
I want to celebrate "La Boutique" a new shopping adventure that just opened up in my hometown of Breaux Bridge, LA. I say adventure but it pulls together many different lines of retail catering to the wants and needs and of the people who live in the town. Great concept, great people, and great shopping!
What a fun group of hard working people! I love that you gave a shout out to all the folks behind the scenes. My husband has been in sales forever, and I know how much it means to get that appreciation.
My favorite shops lately, are in the Agoura Antique Mart- It's a grouping of antique shops with a lovely blend of "old and new". Great gifting- home decor heaven.
Just love all of the visual displays you've shared, that the shops create. Art inspiring art- LOVE IT!
I want to celebrate Pomme in Denver! It is in the Wash Park neighborhood and they sell beautiful, wonderful gift and specialty items! Thank you so much for the chance to win and for sharing your artistic abundance with us!!!
Hi Kelly Rae,
We live in a small farming community in Southeastern Washington so there's not a lot to choose from. We did just get a Hobby Lobby so that will be my choice. To my knowledge we have don't have a store here that carries your products. If we do, I'd sure like to know about it! I live in the Pasco, Kennewick, Richland area known as the Tri-Cities.
Thanks for running this appreciation week! I have learned so much by reading your articles and listening to your videos every day. Wow! I am really impressed with Demdaco! They have a great attitude!
xo, Karen
My fave store in my area, Kamloops B.C. Canada is called castles and cottages. It's just awesome!!
I don't have a local store; I found you when I was traveling in Gruene, Tx. The moment I read your affirmations I knew I had to have one & so I bought it. I follow your blog & wait for the day I have extra money to buy so many of your pieces.
I know this is a strange one, but I really enjoy going upstairs to the shop in Market Street (grocery store). They have a mixture of kitchen things, and gifts like metal wind-up toys, pretty crosses, wacky holiday figures, & a few goodies in the KRR collection. I love that they have a little bit of everything & I look forward to seeing what's new.
There is a cute shop in Waxahatchie, TX where I have seen your beautiful work. The store is a treasure trove of goodness. All kinds of finds every time you turn around. Don't you just love shopping and finding beautiful things!?!
there is a sweet little store that sells your products as well as other licensed gifts from other mixed media artists, located on the famous St George street in my favorite weekend destination St Augustine, FL. every time we go there I have to visit and just soak in all the creative goodness there. So inspirational and super fun!
My favorite shop is a store called A Different Point of View
I got my first KRR product as a gift, but now you can bet I'm going to try one of the stores nearby that you mentioned.
My favorite place in all the world is Hood River, Oregon. It offers amazing views, great beer(!), and quite a few great shops. The one I like is Twiggs. They should definitely carry your product Kelly!
i've seen your products in our hallmark store in tigard, or…and seeing that pic of the bag in china gave me an idea…it would be cool to have a special krr bag that your pretty things go in…even a reusuable one! loved the display in salt lake!!! how that must make you on cloud nine to see stores display your art!
One favorite store: "Patina" in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Your products are everywhere along with a bunch of other wonderful, bright, fun items.
Another favorite store: "i like you" in NE Minneapolis. The store is a great supporter of local artists!
Oh and a shout out to Ann Arbor– where I first found your stuff in shops like "Falling Waters" and "Crazy Wisdom Bookstore"
I really like a store called Garden Gate in Arcata, CA. They have great kitchen, home and garden stuff, plus jewelry.
Thanks for sharing. As always you inspire many…
This may not count but I love ETSY! So many creative and inspiring goodies all in one place:)
I hate to say it, but my favorite retail store is Target. I can't go in that damn place without coveting things and eventually buying them.
Well I live in the UK, and so miss out on some of those great retail stores you have in the states, but I do love popping into Hobbycraft to pick up some creative bits.
day 5.. your week of celebrating has come to a close .. its so nice you are doing this kelly!!!! i am goin to cont. to paint and and perfect my styles etc.. i will cont to look to my fellow women artists for inspiration and drive.. i love that we can share with each other here online ,facebook, and thru our blogs as this sisterhood of artists is the best place to be.. i want to cont. to share my gift of art with others and to hopefully someday be able to do just that to create art to sell ..and im not asking to make millions but just want to be able to count on my talents , on ME, and no one else …to provide for me and my family.. some comforts etc.. pay the bills .. i will cont to move forward by taking classes and hopefully i will someday be able to share with others like you have done here .. hats off to all of you out there who love to do what you have been given .. the talent of making , creating, sharing art . in whatever way.. thanks kelly and demdaco for sharing … jaci
oh my, I must be getting old or needing more sleep…I had to go dig a bag out of the closet…Impressions!
Does Etsy count as my favorite retail store? Because I think it is. 😉
KRR found me even in Porterville ca at Special Occasions on our main street. Great store… So many of my favorites are going out of business… I try to buy local when I can!
I love Llantrisant Gallery at Model House where I help out occasionally. It's a little independent gallery run by my friend and it's very much not a white-box type of gallery. It's friendly and sells lots of local products as well as fair trade and just lovely things.
in san francisco, one of my favorite stores is called urban bazaar. i love how the two owners are so enthusiastic, friendly and passionate about supporting handmade, independent artists as well as fair trade products from developing countries. each time i shop there i know i am supporting artists, which is a wonderful feeling.
a favorite place to shop for gifts is actually far far away in another state. it's a little bookstore called changing hands in tempe, az and i always go there when i visit my mom. they carry your items and i'm always so happy to see them up close! 🙂
My favorite store is Goodwill. Our town has the nicest one I've ever been to. The clothes are all organized by size, then by color. They always have cute outfits on display, just like a boutique. It seems I always find what I'm looking for – and end up with plenty of things I wasn't looking for. So fun!
I love your style & colour in each piece created. (not sure if you are selling in Australia) if not you should :):):) Happy days to you and your team who create all this beautiful works xxx
my fav shop is called monsoon. They have the most beautiful clothing, fabulous patterns and cuts! unfortunately now that Ive moved countries I can't shop there any more 🙁
x
What you have accomplished with your art career is both fantastic and inspirational
Ooh there is a fun store in Denver in the Cherry Creek area, I always go when I visit my friend. I just love your work!
Swoon….all those yummies…I wish there was a store in the Seattle area like Utah, or maybe there is?
thanks for showing us these displays. wow – what an impact!
Oh my goodness…my favorite retail store is probably this little one called "Cozy Cottage" (Loveland, Colorado.) I've bought a few things there, but am definitely hoping to get some bigger pieces soon! I love a store that inspires me. 🙂
I can see your creations a mile away once I walk into a store Kelly. They speak to me as soon as I walk through the doors. I want to shout out one of my favorite stores who carry your line and that is Tree of Life Book Store in Marion, Indiana.
keeping my fingers crossed to win!
♥Lee Ann
Metropolis in Seattle (Phinney Ridge neighborhood) would e a great place for more KRR products.
Thanks for the opportunity. Such an interesting, rarely seen side of things you are sharing. Happy Birthday!
My absolute favorite store – sunnyside cottage in sonoma county carries your art. They have it cleverly displayed and I just found your book, taking flight there. I am inspired by your work – it speaks to my spirit. 🙂
You are an amazing painter and have such amazing products. It's wonderful of you to highlight the team that works so hard for you.
Practice invites Perfection: so practice joy, appreciation, gratitude, caring, & love! I love how you show your licensing companies so much respect, honor, & support! You encourage me with your art, products & your blog to become disciplined in the art of gratitude= Thank You Kelly Rae!
The first time I saw the KRR collection was at "Hello…the House" a beautiful home and gift boutique in my little town of Lander, WY. I immediately connected with the mixed media style and then I read the words… I was hooked. I had just moved home after the end of a 6 yr relationship and was feeling more than lost. I read the words on the canvases and take a little step towards whats next.
And when I read your bio on the back about being a social worker, I was even more drawn to your artwork. I got my bachelors in Social Work and worked in a community mental health center for 5 years. I love the profession, but felt too sensitive to handle all of the sadness and injustice. I left counseling to find something that reminds me of the beauty that surrounds us. And thats where I am now. Searching for what that is. I know it involves art. and community. My dream would be to have an open studio with a large table full of supplies. A place to come and create. That simple. A place to be creative. thoughtful. artistic. a place to be your most authentic self.
My favorite store here in Ocala, is "Your Heart's Desire" They carry your line. Its a wonderful store! I love to go there & take my time to explore ad read all the wonderful items in there. I always leave with a treasure & a smile. Maggie 😀
Wow! I am loving the posts this week. I wish I had a local shop that carried your work…luckily, i occasionally come across a few pieces here or there and drool 🙂
I love seeing your work at Paper Caper in Lake Oswego OR, they always have everything displayed so nicely (although your work is so beautiful it displays itself!). I love going in there when I want a new KRR piece. Love love love them!!! 🙂
It was so inspiring to see the retailer's displays! My favorite picture was the wall of family photos interspersed with KRR delights! I am afraid most of my spending goes to crafty items, so Hobby Lobby is my favorite local retail store, and Oozak.com and Dick Blick are my favorite online stores!
I saw your products in a local (Sacramento) Aaron Bros. It was fund to see them in person.
I live in a small town with not too many small independent retail stores that carry art/gifts. However we do have 2 quilting stores, so lucky for me I do venture into those when looking for inspiration! Thank you for sharing yours and Demdaco's Success.
Love your work! You have inspired me. I bought some vintage wallpaper and want to try a "layered painting". I see my pictures everyday and I smile everytime I see them.
Danielle
My favourite store would have to be ADArt they are the only store in Tasmania to stock Golden Paints, plus I was get inspired when I go in there 🙂
Doodlets in Santa Fe. The best little doodlets to be had can be found here!