Tag Archives: Online store

Welcoming Haven is not alone

Posted on by | No Comments

 

Letting Go of Welcoming Haven

I’ve been sitting with some mixed feelings lately as I prepare to close Welcoming Haven. It’s never easy to walk away from something you poured time, money, and hope into. I’ve only had one other business venture that felt as big as this one—my Arthur Murray franchise. I ran that for seven (or was it nine?) years before deciding I was simply getting too old for a young person’s business. In that case, I sold a thriving studio. With Welcoming Haven, the story is different. We never really got off the ground.

A Big Undertaking, No Matter What the “Experts” Say

Despite what the online gurus promise, launching an e‑commerce store is no small task. Welcoming Haven was a lovely shop with plenty of variety, but variety alone doesn’t bring in customers. It needed advertising, traffic, and—most importantly—conversions. Those things cost money, and I simply didn’t have the resources to keep feeding the machine.

I’ll admit, I was feeling a little defeated. Then one morning, I logged onto my computer and was greeted by a headline shouting that Neiman Marcus Last Call was closing all stores in bankruptcy. Neiman Marcus? Saks? If giants like that were struggling, what hope did a tiny online shop have?

A Long List of Retail Casualties

My curiosity kicked in. If Neiman Marcus was in trouble, who else had gone down that road? The list was longer than I expected:

  • Bed Bath & Beyond
  • Christmas Tree Shops
  • Tuesday Morning (a personal favorite)
  • Party City
  • David’s Bridal
  • Rite Aid
  • Joann Fabrics (my go‑to for sewing supplies)
  • Rue21
  • Express
  • The Body Shop

And then there are the retailers scrambling to reorganize and closing stores left and right:

  • Macy’s
  • Walgreens
  • Foot Locker
  • Dollar General

Perspective, and a Little Grace

Seeing all of that laid out, I had to pause. If major chains with deep pockets and decades of brand recognition are struggling, how could a small, independent online store expect to thrive in today’s marketplace?

I don’t take pleasure in anyone else’s misfortune, but I’ll admit—it softened the sting. Welcoming Haven wasn’t a failure. It was a sincere effort launched in a brutal retail climate. Welcoming Haven was a good store. It just didn’t stand a chance against forces far bigger than me.

So I’m closing this grand experiment with my head a little higher and my heart a little lighter. And now, I’m returning to what I’ve been doing for years—writing stories, reflections, and everyday adventures for Around Dusty Roads. That’s where my voice lives, and that’s where I’m happiest.

Getting 2026 Off to a Hopeful Start

Posted on by

 

🌟 A Personal Note From the Little Old Lady on a Fixed Income

Hey there, my readers, friends, and family —

I’m popping in today with a little life update and a tiny request as I head into 2026 with hope, humor, and a dash of determination. Anyone living on Social Security knows the drill — it keeps the lights on, but it doesn’t exactly leave room for grand adventures or those lingering credit card ghosts from the “salad days.” My mom used to say she was “just a little old lady on a fixed income,” and we laughed, but now here I am, stepping into that same role with a smile and a shrug.

I am the new little old lady on a fixed income, and I’m asking for your help.

🌱 A New Creative Adventure (With a Little Real‑Life Honesty)

I’m genuinely encouraged by the entrepreneurial path I’m walking — even if it’s a little wobbly at times. Trevor, my e‑commerce consultant, keeps reminding me that Welcoming Haven is moving forward and that with patience, the sales will come.

Patience, however, has never been my strongest virtue.

So while Welcoming Haven continues to grow behind the scenes, I’ve started exploring something new — a creative adventure I didn’t even know existed a month ago: printables.

I had never heard of them, never bought one, and honestly couldn’t imagine paying to print something at home. But after watching feeds, ads, and trends, I realized there’s a whole world of helpful, fun, and beautifully simple digital products out there. And suddenly, ideas started bubbling up.

That’s how PrintableByDeborah was born — not as a big business push, but as a gentle side venture where I can create, experiment, and build something at my own pace.

🛒 What I’m Creating So Far

Right now, I’m keeping things light and manageable:

  • A bundle of cleaning checklists- Done and uploaded
  • Pantry labels you can download and print- Done and uploaded
  • A Valentine’s coupon book and a list of free or inexpensive date ideas
    • Perfect for the romantically challenged and the financially strapped – Still on the drawing board

This early stage isn’t about selling hard. It’s about learning, creating, and slowly building a brand people recognize when they see it.

💡 I’d Love Your Ideas

Since I’m still building up my shop, I’d love to hear from you.

What kinds of printables would make your life easier, more organized, or more fun?

  • Something for kids
  • Something for pets
  • Something for holidays
  • Something for home organization
  • Something just plain silly

You don’t need to buy anything — just toss ideas my way. Inspiration is the best gift you can give right now.

🛒 A Soft Little Mention

If you do want to peek at the shop, it’s there — PrintableByDeborah on Etsy — slowly growing, one idea at a time. I’ll be adding new items every week as I build this brand into something recognizable and reliable.
No pressure. Just planting the seed.

❤️ Thanks for Walking With Me

Your support — in ideas, encouragement, or even just reading this post — means the world. I’m excited to see where this creative path leads, and I’m grateful to have you along for the ride.

Here’s to a light, hopeful, and creative start to 2026.
With love,
Deborah

 

🎉 Happy New Year from Around Dusty Roads!

Posted on by

 

Stepping Into 2026 With a Fresh Start

Happy New Year! January 1st is basically the world’s biggest “Let’s try that again,” and honestly, I love that energy. A brand‑new year feels like stepping onto a blank page—full of possibility, potential, and maybe even a few delightful surprises waiting in the margins. I hope everyone is kicking off 2026 with big dreams, bold ideas, and a little spark of excitement for what’s ahead.

A New Creative Chapter Begins

If you read my New Year’s Eve post, you might remember I hinted that something new was brewing behind the scenes. Well, today is the big reveal! Don’t worry—Welcoming Haven is still going strong. But over the past year, I’ve realized something important: I get so much more joy from writing blog posts, creating recipes, and sharing cozy content than I do from checking inventory every morning.

So instead of expanding Welcoming Haven in the traditional way, I decided to follow the path that felt more creative, more fun, and honestly, more me.

Introducing… Printable by Deborah!

Originally, I planned to create a Welcoming Haven spin‑off, but every name I loved was already taken. After a few rounds of brainstorming (and maybe a few eye rolls at the universe), I decided this new project deserved its own identity while still staying connected to Welcoming Haven.

And so, Printable by Deborah was born—a brand‑new Etsy shop filled with cozy, helpful, beautifully designed printables. You’ll still find it linked on my Welcoming Haven site, but it now has its own cheerful little home on Etsy:

👉 printablebydeborah.etsy.com

Meet the Mascot (Banner Steps Into the Spotlight)

Every creative shop needs a mascot, right? Since this project leans heavily into color and design, I chose Banner to represent the brand. Balboa will absolutely get his moment another day—this was purely a color‑palette decision, not favoritism. (He has been assured.) Check  out my Etsy Shop logo with Banner’s paw print of approval.

We’re Open for Business!

I’m thrilled to share that the shop is officially live! A handful of printables are already uploaded, and more are on the way. It feels like the perfect way to start the year—fresh, fun, and full of creative possibility.

Here’s to new beginnings, blank pages, and a wonderfully cozy 2026. Let the adventure begin!

From Salon Chat to Cozy Retreat

Posted on by

From Salon Chat to Cozy Retreat: How One Chair Found Its Perfect Home

It started with a haircut and a little storytelling.

About six weeks ago, I was chatting with my hairdresser—one of those easy, flowing conversations where you swap life updates between snips and styling. I mentioned my new store, Welcoming Haven, and she immediately pulled up the site on her phone. Within seconds, her eyes landed on the Massage Reading Chair/Recliner.

“I need that,” she said, no hesitation. “For my home salon.”

Fast forward to today, and I saw her again—this time not just as a stylist, but as a delighted customer. She couldn’t stop raving about the chair: how it fits beautifully into her space, how her clients love sinking into it, and how it’s become her favorite spot to unwind after a long day. “It’s such a great value,” she told me. “I didn’t expect it to feel this luxurious.”

That moment reminded me why I created Welcoming Haven in the first place. It’s not just about products—it’s about creating spaces that feel like a gentle exhale. Whether you’re running a home salon, curling up with a book, or simply carving out a corner of calm, the right piece can transform your day.

🪑 Featured Product: Massage Reading Chair/Recliner

Affiliate Spotlight
This chair is a favorite for good reason. With plush cushioning, gentle massage settings, and a reclining feature that invites you to linger, it’s a haven in itself. Whether you’re styling hair or stealing a quiet moment for yourself, it blends comfort and function beautifully.

👉 Explore the Massage Reading Chair/Recliner
(As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through this link—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Welcoming Haven!)

If you’ve been dreaming of a little more comfort in your space, maybe this chair is your sign. Or maybe it’s just a reminder that sometimes, the best discoveries come from everyday conversations.

 

Amazon Affliliate

Posted on by

🌟 Exciting News! I’m Now an Amazon Affiliate 🌟

Hello friends! I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially joined the Amazon Affiliate program. That means you’ll now see curated product links throughout my posts—each one thoughtfully chosen to reflect the style, creativity, and tranquility you know I love.

When you visit my store, Welcoming Haven, you’ll be able to click on a link to go right to Amazon. (If you can’t find what you are looking for in my store.)

Whether it’s minimalist cat decor, cozy home essentials, or clever kitchen finds, these links are more than just recommendations—they’re little windows into the aesthetic I adore. And if you decide to shop through them, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), which helps support my blog and keeps the creative ideas flowing. 💫

🛒 Look for the links in upcoming posts
🎁 Expect handpicked favorites with a personal touch
🐾 Yes, there will be cat-themed treasures too!

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means the world—and I can’t wait to share more beautiful, useful, and delightfully quirky finds with you.

With gratitude and a dash of sparkle,
Deborah ✨