The Blog Is “1”!
It is crazy that one little idea has carried through and sustained itself for a full year! I love having the life of a stylist and blogger. I am so thankful for the people I have gotten to work with and style. It has been pure joy and excitement! From the one timer to the repeat client – thank you and I value you.
I wanted to talk a little bit about why and how I started the business of Carmi Moore. I also want to answer some questions that people ask.
My whole life I wanted to be a wife and a mother. Once the wife part happened I was elated, every day. I was made to be a wife. My husband also makes it easy for me to be his wife; however, being a wife is seriously one of my best characteristics. Then, when I became a mother… I was thankful, but surprised, very surprised. Being a mom is hard, every day. E V E R Y D A Y!
I am a stay at home mom and I kept saying, “I don’t ever want to be just a “mom.” I made the title small, I made the job small. I was wrong. I have to tell myself every day that I make the title what it is. I set the standard for me as a mom. I set the tone; I set the filter of what this whole mom role is, and what it can be. Side note: God taught me this, so when I say me it’s the me that has the choice to be obedient with the blessing God gave me or it is me not willing to accept the gift that he has set before me. So, okay, I didn’t want to be just a “mom.” I have dreams, some really big ones and some just flat out unobtainable! That’s where the business came in.
I have always shopped with people. From my bother’s friends, to people I worked with to family members. I have always loved picking out items and trying new trends. In fact, my original plan was to attend fashion school, however, I felt God pushing me towards the internship at my local church and that is what I did. Right after the internship I got married and we started our family.
About, one year ago, we didn’t have a lot of money and part of me wanted to contribute to the household, however, the real reason was; I wanted to do something I was proud of and something that would use my talents. Something to make me other than “just a mom.” My heart wants to serve people and serve alongside of people inside the four walls of a church, doing ministry, whatever and however I can. I love Church and to build the church- I believe I am called to do that. I love to speak life into people and to build people up- I am an encourager by nature.
With these thoughts, I took the next, most important, step and I began to pray and that’s when/where the whole idea started. I believe in prayer and I believe that God speaks! I believe He aligns moments and will make a way when it His will. So, the more I prayed the clearer He made it and the more doors He opened.
Here’s how I prayed – “Lord show me what I can do with the means that I have and the talents that I have, RIGHT NOW. What can I do right now that I will love and can build and be proud of myself for?” I may never be full time inside the church. But goodness, 100%, my call is to love people and disciple people and bring them closer to Jesus. So if I can do that through a styling business then I totally believe, with all of my heart, that I am honoring God. So whether this business is an “in the interim” or if I am beginning an “empire”, I am doing it step by step through prayer. (Not just praying but being obedient after praying!)
The more I talked about my vision, the more people got excited which, in turn, got me excited. I had the pleasure of becoming friends with my very first client. “The Jenna” She was the one that kind of helped get the ball rolling! She kept saying “You should take me shopping. I always love what you wear.” The more I thought about it I kept saying, “Man, wouldn’t this be awesome if I could get paid for this?” Then I thought – Why couldn’t I? People pay for their home to be painted and made over, why couldn’t I do closets and wardrobes? Jenna was my experiment. I am not lying when I say I was on fire in the store! Like that feeling when you are playing hide and seek and you know you just found the best spot. Like you can’t breathe and have to pee all at the same time. The more we found, the higher I got! I remember getting home and walking in my closet to change and bursting into tears. One of my dreams literally could come true!! I can do this!
Here are a couple of questions that I’ve been asked:
Question: Why don’t you list brands?
Answer: I don’t list brands for a couple of reasons:
I don’t mention brands unless I am trying to prove a point. Meaning: A look for less, or how much something was discounted, or a “how to” in finding a specific item. I’m not in the business of brands (maybe someday) but I am always in the business of building people- brands do not dictate people.
I never want to make someone feel inferior. Anyone that “likes” fashion would pick designer. I would, absolutely, I would! But that’s not the reality of the life I live in. I stay home, we live on one income, and we aren’t rolling in the Benjamin’s… ever! Lol. For every item to be designer just isn’t real life for Carmi Moore at this moment. I will always try my very best to live in the reality, in the now of our life.
Not listing brands makes the viewer start a conversation. I like when people ask me questions! I like giving advice on stores to try or giving tips on how to find designer for less!
I am a monster. Of course, OF COURSE, I want beautiful new items all the time! I don’t want to let myself get caught up in chasing the next new thing or brands that we can’t afford, just to be able to say I have it or to snap a picture of it.
My whole brand is to make people feel as good as they already are, whether that is by compliment or by wardrobe. There is more to life than material things. I want to teach the consumer to live within their budget and rock outfits accordingly! It’s a very fine line to not cross, so by throwing out the option, I remain sane and I feel like I am being honorable in what I am building.
Question: Who does your website?
Answer: Jordan Potter, founder and creator, of Timeless Media bought, built, and designed carmimoore.com. I had originally started my blog on a WIX website because we had zero dollars for me to start an actual website. Nine days after launching that site, Jordan Potter contacted me telling me “I will not let you start on a wix site, this is too good, you need a professional website!” Who does that!? How did he even see it?! Jordan is a perfect example of the power of prayer! He didn’t stop there; he met me for coffee and showed me how to use the website to its full capacity. He helped me make a business plan and he still is available for me to contact him. This whole blog would not exist without him. He’s a blessing!
Question: Who designed your business cards?
Answer: My cousin, Katie Martin. She is the founder and creator of Kt-Martin.com! She is a graphic and video producer. She literally listened to what I was trying to describe and made it come to life better than I could have ever imagined! I get so many compliments on my business cards from the design to the texture of the card. To show more of how God was moving behind the scenes, my parents contacted Katie and purchased my business cards for me! My family believed in me- again that is prayer!
Question: Who does your photos?
Answer: I do. Or my husband takes them and I edit them. I have some photographer friends that take the really good ones. Simon Eisenbach gave me my first tripod! Simon is the owner of Simon Eisenbach Productions. He has traveled all over the world and runs digital marketing for some pretty large clients in NY. He walked around each room of my home showing me what good lighting is and how I can achieve the look and feel of what I want. Nicolette Media has also done photos for me. They are up and coming photographers that literally take their time with me, a lot of time. Blessed again by all these talented people!
Question: Have you had returning clients?
Answer: Yes. Almost all of my clients have been returning. That speaks volumes, because they enjoyed the experience as well as the results!
Question: What is your favorite service to provide?
Answer: Ha – that’s easy! All of them! But The Monthly, I think is my very favorite. It challenges me to stay on top of my game with the latest trends and products!
Question: So now what?
Answer: Well, I keep praying! If God wants to grow Carmi Moore, then I am ready for the ride. I love this business! I have to constantly check my heart. If it went under today I would be bummed, but I wouldn’t freak out. I wouldn’t loose anything. I am so proud of myself for trying something. I had an idea, developed it and it grew! I’m praying, and I would ask that you would pray with me, that it would continue to grow. I want more clients, not to make money, and not to make everyone look fabulous, well maybe a little of that, but because I love helping people feel their best! I love fashion. I love everything that goes along with it. I love researching and finding trends, I love spotting an item and saying to my husband “you watch in 3 months you will see this item everywhere!” I love having a business and running a business! I love blogging and putting my thoughts into words! I don’t love posting photos, I thought I was vain enough that I would love that part, but goodness it is stressful. I love using my business to mention other people’s businesses. Thank you for all who follow me from week to week! I hope we never get bored!
I’m thankful for every moment, every compliment, every Instagram like, every blog view… Thank you thank you thank you!