Always Moving Forward, Sometimes Kicking and Screaming

The 21st century is full of  . . . let's just say stuff.  One might think that opening a yarn shop is a pretty analog business. Lots of sitting and knitting and crocheting and other such cozy pursuits. Not so much pecking at the computer, right?

Wrong.

Since I started the work to get this shop open (March 1, 2022 was the date I started working on the business full time. I opened October 1, 2022) I've spent a lot more time in front of the computer than I have with yarn in my hands.  I've had to learn a lot of new technology.  Point of sale, inventory, web site, shipping, even printing labels.  It's been a lot of doing the part that isn't really fun so that the yarncrafting community can do the fun part. 

My philosophy from day one has been, "get good at one thing before you add in another."  I got the shop open to the public before I released the website.  I made sure the website was working before I told y'all about online shopping.  I got good at the website before I started with the emails.  I could go on and on, but I've definitely tried not to bite off more than I can chew at any one time.

If you're one of my regular online shoppers, you probably already know that I've got an all new and very much improved website.  You might have also noticed that I've got some ads running here and there online.  I guess I started feeling a little too competent, so I decided to kick my own butt by trying to expand the business a little and reach out to folks who might not have a local yarn shop. 

Things may have seemed quiet on the surface here at Chattanooga Yarn Company, but I have been burning the candle at both ends a bit.  But this time, I'm not doing it the hardest way possible!  Credit four years of business experience with teaching me that some things need to be handed off to the professionals.  I've always been a big believer in knowing your limitations and letting professionals do professional work -- I've had a lawyer and an accountant from day one!  But this time, I hired professionals to help me build the online part of my business!  The Izell Group has swooped in and done things I didn't know could be done, and I'm so happy with the changes so far.

Now, I have a request from all of you!  Poke around on the website.  If you see a product photo that looks crappy, or find a broken link, a product that doesn't load, or you have a suggestion for how to make shopping online a smoother experience, please drop me a note at ChattanoogaYarnCo@gmail.com.  I've already had a few of my online regulars pointing out issues (some of which I can fix now, some of which are more long-term fixes) and it has been a huge help!

And spread the word!  If you've got friends who don't have a local yarn shop home, send them a link to my website.  I'd love to provide the kind of cozy, comfortable, welcoming experience to people all over the U.S. that you've come to expect at Chattanooga Yarn Co!