I know Fridays are usually reserved for TGIF but I was too excited and couldn’t wait for next week…
I have been saying for quite a while that I would love add a little shop to this blog of mine. As a huge fan of Etsy and shopping small, I wanted to have my own little piece of the action and open my brand up to more. I was thisclose to opening up an online accessories shop, but then I had a flash of inspiration. I’m creative by nature and a huge fan of… words. Just words in general. Why not do something where I can bring those words to life?
Enter (at least the first phase) of The CaroLøve Shop! You’ll notice a new link in my menu- the shop is right there! At least for now, I’m offering digital downloads of prints inspired by words that I love. Maybe one day I’ll expand into hard prints… and maybe even those accessories! But right now, this little venture has made me so proud.
To get the party started, I’m doing something special with my Marie print (above). Did you know that October is National Bullying Prevention Month? I was bullied when I was younger and although I guess it never got that bad for me, I saw little girls transfer schools or worse due to bullying. Girls go through enough just trying to navigate the world without the threat of bullies hanging over them. To honor everyone who has ever stood up to a bully for themselves or someone else, I’m donating 20% of sales of the Marie print through Halloween to Girls on The Rise.
The Girls on the Rise Program is a multifaceted empowerment program for girls in Ward 8 and their families.
Operating at the Mary Virginia Merrick Center in Southeast, D.C. the program provides a safe, enriching after-school program for girls ages 8-18.
The majority of the girls who attend the program reside with their mothers in this very underserved area of the city. The girls rarely miss a day and come eager and ready to fully participate in the program. Program activities offer the Girls on the Rise an opportunity to discover who they are as young ladies – their dreams, desires, capabilities, skills, and talents. Over the course of the year, the girls are able to improve their life skills and self-esteem in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. The Girls on the Rise receive academic support from local high students from Bishop McNamara High School and participate in structured recreational activities such as Girls on the Run and Girls on Track.
If you’re not familiar with purchasing a digital print, it’s easy- you buy the digital print and you receive a download file that you can now use however you like! (Besides re-sale, please!) While it won’t be in the pretty frame with flowers and all like it is above, you can print from your own home computer, or head to a professional for a HQ print. Maybe I’m bias because I know the owner- but might I suggest your friendly neighborhood UPS store in Old Town Alexandria? Staples does it too!
I’m obviously super new to this, so please let me know if you have any feedback regarding the shop or products themselves! I’m even open to doing custom prints if you like my style! My prints are set to be 8×10, but I’m also open if you’re looking for another size. I’m having fun and playing around with it, so catch me while I’m new and fresh if you have any ideas for me!
Thank you so much to my family, friends, and readers for inspiring me to take the next step with The CaroLøve!