As the end of December approaches and we are perched between the year that is winding down and the one that is about to begin, we can’t help but think back to all that 2016 has held for us.  It has been fuller, richer, busier, and more beautiful than we ever could have imagined and as we move into the New Year, it is with grateful hearts and a renewed sense of intention and joy.  

    When we opened Jules & BING! in May, it was all of our entrepreneurial dreams realized.  In this world where everyone seems to have everything, we wanted to open a space in which you could create something personal… something that was distinctly and perfectly yours.  We wanted to give you a memory.  

    Each item that we sell goes home with you and it will mark a certain moment in your life.  The tiny blanket in which you wrapped your baby, the t-shirt your son wore to his birthday party, the cosmetic bag you gave to your daughter when she turned thirteen. Or the gift you gave to someone you hold dear… the throw you presented to your niece with her graduation date, the water bottle with your nephew’s name on it so he won’t lose it, the personalized wine glasses you gave your best friends.  

    And so much more… it is quite amazing to witness the infinite amount of things that can be created when your inspirations are your own creativity and love.  

    Our most cherished thought is, that many years from now, you stumble upon something that we helped you make.  Maybe it’s the sweater you had embroidered for your newborn whom you are now sending off to college, or you see your aunt cooking in that monogrammed apron that is stained and well-worn, or you notice that your dad still keeps that hankie you gave him on your wedding day in his pocket.  Of course, the moments pass, but that memory is there forever.  When you take each piece home with you and use it, year after year, we know that it will carry the meaning and the love with which it was created— and that is why we started this in the first place.       

    This purposeful work is the energy that drives us and inspires us.  It has pushed us through these many months… right out one door and into another.  The opportunity came for us to move into a bigger space and, once we were moved in, it became thoroughly clear that it was the space in which we were always meant to be.  Around the same time that we were expanding our business and filling up a bigger space, we were also expanding our family.  That’s right— our oldest daughter, Julianna, was married in November!  So in the same month, we opened our business to a larger space and opened our arms to a son.  It has been a beautiful (and busy!!) time of growth and change.  

    As we think back on the life of Jules & BING!, through our incredible evolution, the thing that has stayed the same, that has consistently been there, that has made these months so beautiful, is you… our customers.  We are grateful beyond words.  Every time our door opens and someone walks in, we are so excited to find out what memory we will help you create, what moment we will be a part of capturing, who we will help you love.  And as we look forward and step into the New Year, we can’t help but wonder what experiences are out there, just waiting to be made… the ones you will hold onto forever. 

    What memories will you make?