(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
I love all the creative store displays and especially the home displays. I believe there is a store in the Kansas City area but I don't know where. After seeing all these wonderful creative products, I'm going to have to find out where the nearest dealer is to me. Happy Birthday and congratulations of your success as an artist!!
i've only recently discovered your stuff and your art, and i totally love it! 😀
I haven't seen Demdaco here in Australia – I might just have to do some hunting!
I usually have to buy your products online. My mom buys most of them for me. (Thanks mom!) I wish my city had a place that carried more of your products. Maybe soon they will. There's a darling little shop in Heber Springs, Arkansas called Becca's that I purchase some. Her displays are beautiful – but it is your work why wouldn't it be.
My favourite store in Mandurah, Western Australia is a delicious little boutique call 'French Fairy'.
My fav store is calledwild goose and it carried your wonderful art!!! ElmA
I love Avalon Bead Shop in Gainesville, FL. The staff is always so friendly and knowledgeable, and they have a great selection of metalsmithing supplies and tools. I love stopping by! 🙂
Kelly Rae, I just want to tell you what an amazingly giving and talented person you are. You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your journey with Demdaco with us and for sharing yourself with us the way you do.
Well, here in LaGrange, GA, we have a few cute shops like Plum Southern and Maizin Grave and in Newnan, GA there is the Vintage Flea – I would like to be these stores 'when I grow up"! 😉 xo Renee
My favorite retail store is the Christmas Collection. It is my ole time favorite season! I love collecting Cherished Teddies. I started collecting them when my son was born almost 16 years ago. Each little figurine means a lot to me and brings such joy in my life, just like what your blog, products and Demdaco!!
Oooh I love Salt Lake City, lots of cute little gallery/coffee and boutique shops. I was there for 3 weeks earlier this year (I'm from Australia). I actually bought one of your prints from a small boutique shop in Moab, which led me to your blog! Thank you for all of your inspiring posts 🙂
This week has added so much positive inspiration for my creative dreams. Thank you.
Unfortunately I have yet to stumble upon a local store that sells KRR products in my area (Niagara Falls, NY). That's why I'm so thankful for the online shop 🙂
Mindy
We have a lovely book & gift & coffee store called 'The Story Tree' in our small town. The owners are good friends of ours and are brilliantly gifted at creating community – the shop has a large back section they have turned into a cosy kid friendly area that we hang out in – always finding a friend there. It has been such a gift to our community as a place to form connections and find beautiful things. Must go write them a thanks note!
The Barn in Dennis has an awesome display of KRR products. Love that place!
I was so happy last year while on vacation in Cape May NJ when I walked into this great gift shop called Across the way and spotted your line of goodies…..I quickly snapped a picture and sent it off to ya…..I had just finished your book and e course and was soooo happy to see your inspiration in the shop…..looking forward to another visit this summer and will be happy to pick up some more of your pieces….
Oh Sorry- didnt mean to post twice 🙁
Kelly- I first discovered your art about a year ago. I was in the midst of what I call my 'quarter life crisis'- trying to decide if I wanted to move across the country and pursue a PsyD. During this time a friend came to visit and we went to a little mountain town in CO called Idaho Springs. We spent the afternoon going in all the little shops on main street. The last shop we went into had your products and I was immediately taken by them (I don't know the name of the store sadly)! I felt how I felt when I discovered Sabrina Ward Harrison's work- they completely spoke to me on the deepest level. Although I wanted to, I didn't buy everything, but went home and looked you up. Discovering your blog and art and reading about your journey/story changed my path and direction in life (and I don't say that lightly). It opened up a whole new world for me. I decided to take the year to decide if I really wanted to do a PsyD or if I wanted to pursue dreams that were more true to me and my heart. Thank you!!!
Okay… This is another AWESOME posrt. For me I have to say my favorite store is our local Anthro. I go in there and walk out more inspired then… well then I can believe. It is just an awesome place.
Thanks again for the chance to win yet again. 🙂
The first time I discovered your art- it changed my life! A little over a year ago I was in the midst of what I call my 'quarter life crisis'. I was trying to decide if I wanted to move across the country to pursue a PsyD or what I would do in place of it. My friend was visiting from out of state and we went to a little mountain town in CO called Idaho Springs. We were going in all the little shops on main street and the last store we went in had your products (I dont know the name). I was immediately drawn to them, the art, the color, the words. And each piece spoke to me in ways that few pieces ever have (it felt like the first time I discovered Sabrina Ward Harrison's work). It really did change my life. After that day in that shop, I went home and looked you up. Finding your blog and art and reading your journey/story opened up a whole new world for me. I ended up deciding not to move and pursue my PsyD, but instead take the next year or so really trying to find my true dreams and journey again… all because of your art 🙂 Thank you!!
I'm really impressed with the store display in Utah. Amazing. What a joy to be able to share messages and remind people to believe in themselves and embrace the happiness of the day. Your reminders to them in the form of your products is inspiring to me. This partnership with DEMDACO helps you help others. I love that they will learn to listen to their whispers as I've learned.
i want to celebrate a place in north manchester IN the kenapocpMocha coffe shop. i grew up in small town manchester and now live in a big city. one of my favorite things to do when i go home is go to the mocha for coffee and lunch. you just cant get the same small town coffee shop feel in a big city. the mocha uses locally grown food and also has a place for local artist to hang art work. it is one of the first places i hung my art work after college. it holds a speical place in my heart and shows me small ideas can grow big with the right kind of support.
how inspiring…wow…your journey is just amazing…from tip to toe…keep on keepin` on…play well…
My favorite local store is a cute little home and garden store called Lilly's. They carry unique items and are always so friendly! Thanks for the chance Kelly!!
what a thrill it would be to work with a company that great! I would love to see one of the displays.It must be overwhelming to see your work in the shops Kelly rae…beautiful!
Today I celebrate my own store:
Fuss It Up! Designs… Boutique & Art Studio!
It's just a baby in the retail world and also serves as my art studio, making it my favorite place in the world!
My favorite retail store is Shop Around the Corner in Palm Harbor, FL. They are a non-profit store that benefits Neighborly Senior Services. Many of the employees are volunteers. They carry beautiful gift and decor items and I purchased my first piece Kelly Rae wall art from them!
One of my favorite places is just around the corner. I love Carlisle Gifts in Plain City, Ohio.
It's a beautiful store with lots of pretty "eye candy". Just walking through the place and seeing all the wonderful products inspires me and makes me happy. Sometimes I walk through just because I need a little joy that day.
And yes, they do carry a number of products from Damdaco, including Willow Tree as well as your inspiring line.
I live in a small town in northern california and we have a copperfield's books here, it's one of the things I LOVE about our town is we still have a bookstore! And just the other day I saw they are carrying some of the Kelly Rae Roberts collection! So exciting!
I love a boutique which opened last year. It is geared toward babies and toddlers and she also seeks handmade artists–it is gorgeous! Pinwheel Kids (waco, texas)
My favorite local retailer in Durham, NC is Vaguely Reminiscent, a teeny tiny, packed store that has joke gifts and gorgeous jewelry and amazing scarves and cool art and the keys that your keyboard really should come with, like the Panic button.
I live in a rural Montana town, while we have a few fun retail stores, I would like to celebrate all our second hand stores in our area, one helps elderly and handicapped folks pay their monthly bills and one employs the handicapped and helps them out with cost of living and another is for our local safe house, helping woman and children our of terrible situations, while I go to others these are the one that I find most joyful to go to, I find great treasures and at the same time no that I am helping others.
Accents! I was pleasantly surprised to find your products there!
dear little Miss Roberts ~ I'm in Salt Lake City & haven't yet been to the Square Nest, BUT I did find your stuff at the Quilted Bear in SLC & bought 2 of your pieces there ~ which fill my heart with LOVE & HOPE! xoxoxoxoxo
p.s. YOU FREAKING ROCK!
I'm wishing for you all sorts of success and bliss and continued courage! Keep on going! You are such an inspiration!!!!
We have no place near my home in Canada where I can buy your work …I want to fill my home with your pieces walls staying empty till I find a place to purchase them..
I even have a U.s mailing address if needed…you are very blessed to have such a talent maybe we could swap im a quilter…
My favorite retailer/seller in the area is the Afternoon at Mall of America in MN. SUCH an inspiring store – great fit for your products!
LOVE LOVE,
Nat
Thanks so much Kelly Rae for sharing all of this awesomeness with us. Love all the behind-the-scenes.
Unfortunately, there is no place in my town that sells your line 🙁 In fact, there's really no good gift shop at all. It would be my big dream to open one…
Much love to my local yarn stores, filled with so much color, inspiration, creativity and hospitality!
I totally enjoyed reading and re-reading to my mom your post today. So inspiring.
I look forward to reading everything you write as it always gives me something to think about in my own life. Hey your kind of my new Erma Bombeck of sorts. LOL
hugs
-missy-
I have only purchased from you directly as I have not seen the collection locally. I have enough of a hard time choosing online; I can't imagine if the whole collection was in front of my eyes!!! maybe I need to open a sop and sell the collection! Hmmmmm……
Just let me into a bookstore and I'm happy. We don't have a lot of non-chain stores in my area unfortunatly.
thank you once again! the photos of the displays in this post make me want to go store hopping! they did you good girl! i love fiddlesticks quilts, here in boulder city, nevada. it is a little quilt store with charm of an era gone by. lovely. carlanda
Just bee is a wonderful little shop in downtown Greensboro, NC that is just full of wonderful handrafted items and yours too.I just love walking in there.
I bought my first KKR canvas from Etsy. Loved it! Then one day I saw that the Unity of Phoenix bookstore was carrying your products! That was awesome…and now of course I see them in lots of other places. Congratulations on your success, it's because your work come from such a beautifully authentic place!
Love seeing all of the product displays, arty goodness! Two of my favorite stores in the Pearl District in Portland are Ecru (http://www.ecrupaper.com/) and Oblation (http://www.oblationpapers.com/)
There is a shop in Gruene TX that has a lot of your things. This is where I was introduced to your beautiful creations while on vacation in the Texas hill country.
I love, love, love your work and would love to have an original. Since that time I have found a shop here in Friendswood, TX that carries KRR…Lary's Florist. So now I buy gifts for my friends and they all love your work and are now fans.
I don't have a favorite retail store here, but have seen your work in stores from Galena, IL to Door County, WI. I do have to tell you that my favorite thing that I look at every single day are your line of checks. I get bored with the same checks each time and sought out new ones. I found yours and immediately connected with them. It wasn't until I got them that I realized that it was your girls staring out at me with your name on each one! I don't think that I will get bored with these, but feel free to create a new set of designs for the next time I have to order checks!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
my favorite retail shop in our area would be family ties boutique in troy, alabama. they should start carrying your line because it would totally be a good fit!