shoprsd.com Blog

First Adventure:  My twin sister and I do all the shows together, and she is the best adventure partner ever!  We are always running into some kind of trouble with cars, trailers or load in or load out.  Well this trip delivered a lot of fun. It’s five hours to Grand Forks so a long trip considering.  About 14 miles outside of Watertown we realized we were out of gas, not just like 10 more miles and you will be empty, but the fuel economy on our van just had stars, not even a zero for us.  So we didn’t panic but we certainly laughed and coasted for like 14 miles.  When we could roll into a gas station, by the grace of God, we filled up 16.8 gallons, the tank holds 16 gallons…..oh my. 

Second Adventure:  We get to the hotel at 11pm after we set up and go to check in under Rebekah Scott.  The attendant looks at us funny and says, a Rebekah Scott just checked in,   So yes, two Rebekah Scotts were signed up, which meant she gave our room to the other really cool Rebekah Scott (at least I assume that because of her name 11pm, and no room, and the town is booked solid because of the arts fest and a soccer tournament.  The attendant says I have one room open; it is a smoking suite with a Jacuzzi tub.  Well we need to smell it first and then decide, and then she says “It will be free.”  Sold!  We stayed in it and showered to make sure the smoke didn’t soak in…crazy us. 

Third Adventure:  We are traveling home and singing at the top of our lungs to Sarah’s ipod music and then I break down into  tears like I always do, praising God for this lifestyle I live and allowing me to thrive when Sarah hands me Kleenex to dry up.  I always have that moment, and I know it is God reminding me of my blessings.  I reflect often in my life because I just can’t take for granted what He has given me.  So that’s my third adventure, this life!

Well I made a very scary but good decision this week.  I have been filling inventory for all the art shows and the trunk shows and still running short on them.  If I am doing my figuring right for how many I need to support all the shows, I am 90 short.  That’s right, 90 short.  I have never been this busy, I have been busy but I have never been this busy.  It’s just crazy, and I love it but I had to sit back and evaluate some things.  So because I need to fill about 90 bags in about 3 weeks, I have been working and working without a lot of sleep or sanity.  I work at home with my children right next to me. We take lots of breaks and I meet their needs like any mother would, but I was letting things slip and it started to get to me.  I have always been very “domestic,” meaning I like to have dinner every night at the table with my little family unit and do the dishes together and pray together and catch up our days with each other.  We don’t do this every night, but at least 4 nights a week we do eat together.  I was getting so busy; I was staying up till like midnight and then back up again at 5 to sew.  Well it’s a good thing I love what I am doing so I don’t get tired of it but I do get stressed by it at times.  So when things starting slipping with my family and my little ones needs weren’t being met, I knew I had to make a decision. 

I was busy sewing and my son Gus needed something and he was saying, “mommy mommy mommy” over and over again, (like we all know so well!) and I just snapped, I yelled and I will never forget the look on his face.  It is permanently impressed on my brain.  I realized things had to change.  So I bent down to his level told him I was sorry and promised him I would play some ball right then and there.  He hugged me back and was busy getting his ball and bat, while I reflected on what just happened.  I stood back up and read the sign I have printed above my ironing board, it says, “wife, then mother, then designer”.  It reminds me of my priorities and the order of importance.   I got it from a really good book called, “A Woman After God’s Own Heart.”  The book changed things in my life drastically.  It explained to me how to serve my family joyfully and how to use my gifts from God.  So that being said I asked myself how I can fix what just happened? 

So I decided after prayer and talking with my husband, not to do Aberdeen Arts Festival.  I HATE even thinking about canceling the show but I have to think about it like this: It may not be the best decision for my business, but without a doubt the BEST decision for my family.  Iversyn, my daughter is only a baby once, the art festivals are every summer, but she is only a baby for a very short time.  This way my quality and purses remain at top notch.

So there I said it.  Yikes, still makes me nervous, but we will survive. 

I would like to still offer our 10% off show special for anyone within 50 miles of Aberdeen. I know I had some customers coming and I feel terrible, but you can still redeem your 10% off coupon through email and our shopping cart online.  I am sorry,  but my family and I thank you. 

Here’s to a busy summer and being a mom— the best job I have.

Weird title perhaps? No, it really is how I feel right now. I am losing sleep thinking of all the cool ideas I have in my head.  I always say if I wasn’t designing full time, I would be a professional brain stormer, I just love it!

I had a call this week with another start up company from Windom MN and they wanted to brainstorm on some ideas to get their product out there and how to get started.  As soon as they emailed me to see if we could chit chat I started brainstorming on how to market their idea and get it going, it was so fun, I couldn’t stop, I just spewed about 100 ideas at once at them and I can’t wait to see where they go with it. The company is called “Pillow Portraits” at www.pillowportraits.com and they have the cutest products, great for Graduations and Weddings coming up this spring and summer, check them out! Good luck ladies, I will be cheering you on all the way!

Then last night, after a really great trunk show in Sioux Falls, thanks Mel Keegan! , I had a great idea for another company. Wouldn’t it be cool to create a little “workshop” of designers and seamstresses where you could go with your ideas and they would help develop them and sew them up for you? I think it be would be so cool! I have heard numerous times people wishing they could sew because they have all these ideas but don’t know where to start….so wouldn’t it be cool if there was a warehouse/workshop you could go to and develop your idea and see it made up?  That would be amazing, so maybe someday I will own and operate that little workshop, sounds cool huh? I have a few ideas myself I would like to see made up and develop, but where’s the time? Ha!    I think I will brainstorm on that some more!

We are filling and making orders like crazy–gearing up for the summer shows. We have heard back from all the art fairs and we made into all the ones we were in last year and a few more. Our calender of events is updated on the website and also on facebook, check it out and mark your calenders!

I am hoping to book my first show with our sales rep Alison this week.  I have gal and some of her girlfriends who just can’t wait to have a party and want their purse for summer now, so I directed her to Ali and she will do the show for me. It’s hard to let go a little since the business is so much a part of me, but I feel really comfortable and confident in Alison and her representation of Rebekah Scott Designs.  I tell myself, “Rebekah, here we go, let go and let God, feel the wind under your wings!”  Well- we are flying- but not without a little parachute and googles (for safety reasons only you know! I know I know, let go and fly!

I am sewing up the baby booties as well, one at a time to make sure we get it down pat on how they will look.  I will say this- they are adorable! I have loved putting them together so far, can’t wait to see how they are received.  Pictures soon! They will be available only at home shoes and art shows, not via the website because they are too difficult to update, so they are a little  exclusive. You will be able to see them online, just not add to shopping cart.

I better get to sewing and loving on my children.  And a side-note, my husband turns 30 today!  His golden birthday, we are going to celebrate big!!!  Nicholas- I love you carelessly and without any hope of ever giving up.  You are not the wind behind my wings, God is, but you are the guy pushing me out the plane and flying with me to success, thank you honey!  I love you, and Happy Birthday.

Oh goodness, I am in LOVE! We had a baby girl on Feb 28th, at 11:28pm, 7 pounds 10 ounces, and 20 inches long. Her name is Iversyn Pauline. Pauline is my grandmother and we nickname her Ivy every once in awhile. She is so fun. We didn’t know what we were having and she was so worth the wait! What a treat to have one of each at home now.
She has inspired me in all kinds of way. I want to develope easy washable pieces for play and cute for around the house and out to play, we girls always want to look good and have fun doing it! She also inspires me to be a better mom, wife and business owner. Funny how children put everything into perspective. Life just stands still when I hold her little body and stare at her. I want to offer her the world and be everything I can for her. I also want to lead by example and show her women can do anything and God will surely bless her journey.
Her time of birth is a funny story. I needed my wedding band cleaned and tightened, so my husband Nick took it in for me and then surprised me at Christmas and had it the setting changed to include the two birthstones of our children, Dec. and Feb. Well Iversyn was late from her due date, she was 8 days overdue and arrived with only 2 minutes to spare before we had to change that birth stone!!! We weren’t really even thinking about it until the nurse announced the time of birth and we both raised our hands and started laughing. God works in funny ways too you know!!!
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts throughout the pregnancy. She is a very easy baby so far and allowing me plenty of time to design and dream up new ideas. God is blessing our socks off and we are soaking it up!

Word of mouth advertising is certainly the most affordable way to advertise, and I love how it builds artists and business women up from accountability between businesses and customers.

So I was brainstorming about how else I could do some word of mouth advertising and I decided I needed to advertise for my fellow artists friends who have successful business’ and that I am a big fan of.  So I am creating a mini-brochure that will feature my favorite artists called “These are a few of My Favorite Things.”  People are always asking me where I got my jewelry or home goods, or art and I thought, I better give back what they have given me! 

So from now on, when you order a purse you will receive a mini-brochure complete with about 7 of my favorite artists/business’ and their products and website listed.    I love seeing people grow in what they love doing and want to do whatever I can to see their dreams come true!  Enjoy

Hello all! I do radio commercials for a local station in Sioux Falls SD KELO AM 1320 and here is my latest version of a minute of inspiration for all. Enjoy

This is Rebekah Scott with Rebekah Scott Designs. I sew and design purses, and accessories. I’ve been in business 5 years and love what I do. Have you made goals lately about that you can do every day, every week , every month, and every year? It might sound overwhelming, but just breaking it down is pretty simple. Here is an example of what I do.

Every day, I do something for the business, it may just be an email, phone call, or google search, but I do something everyday towards my business or a new idea I have in mind. This is especially helpful if you are starting a business.

 Every week I write a thank you card on Thursday mornings. I have a lot to be thankful for and I take the time to do it every week.

Every month I plan one hour of visualizing. I set myself apart and just envision what I want to see happen and how to make it happen. That hour is so refreshing and energizing.

Every year I follow up with key players in my business individually to make sure their needs are met and we are growing together. These simple steps are easy to follow and make a big difference in growing myself and business. Ask yourself, what goals can I set?

 So go ahead, start dreaming big. Visit my website at shoprsd.com to find out more.

Okay, so officially I am overdue and this is has been a learning experience!  We went early on our due date with our first born Gus and so I figured of course we will go in early, but I was wrong, which brings me to think of what I have learned through this.  I have little notes all over my sewing space and house encouraging me or uplifting me all the time.  So I had sticky notes hanging up with the word LABOR on them. And I would just think “labor” to keep it in the my mind and speaking, thinking and visualizing it. Well that hasn’t been working, so I was getting really down about things because I love working and LOVE what I do and I didn’t plan it right for time off with baby and I wanted to enjoy baby already, and I have been at a stand still.  So just as I was praying and asking for forgiveness for trying to do things my way all the time, I heard a sermon at church called “Surrender.”  I knew God was speaking to me and telling me, “Bekah, please surrender this to Me.”  And so yes, I changed my sticky notes to say “Surrender”.    So right now, I really have a peace so to say about this baby and His Divine timing.  God-I surrender all.

I also did some brainstorming on things for the business in the new year and also for this summer and my family.  As far as business we are definitely introducing a key loop to hook your keys on.  Which I find pretty exciting, one more thing to keep us organized! 

And then I was thinking about my family life and how to communicate love more this year.  I am going to write a thank you card to each one of my children on Thursday mornings.  I already write one thank you card to someone I am thinking about on Thursday mornings, so I am adding my family so that someday Gus and this baby can read them.   I have so much to be thankful for and setting a day and time each week allows me to remember that and praise God for that. 

So I encourage you to set a day and time and be thankful for your loved ones too, it really satisfies the soul and feels so good! 

So until next time, I surrender!

We have the greatest new feature on the website for those of you thinking about or have booked a really fun trunk show with Rebekah Scott Designs at www.shoprsd.com.  Click on “Trunk Shows” and then off to the left is the hostess tools link where you can see what you will need for the show, a timeline of what to do and how to prepare.  I love this new feature because it helps you prepare and allows you to relax when it comes to planning.   Plus, it allows you to have the optimal show with your guests and host benefits! 

Have fun browsing around and be sure to email us with questions and to book your new show for spring. Remember the Minnesota tour is the end of March and into April, looking forward to hearing from you!

Each year in January I do a lot of “reflection time” to evuluate what I should improve on and just what I should change for the new year or make better for the new year.  I have been reading a book titled, “How Successful People Think.” and have found it really helpful!  It is just little ways to help your thinking reflect “success” in your life and business.  I really liked these questions that the book presented on what to ask yourself everyday, so I have them here for you.  (In paraphrase form) I would encourage you to buy the book and ask yourself these questions each day as well, I have found it really helps! 

Ask the right questions:  Reflection time every day!

Personal growth:

What have I learned today that will help me grow?

Adding Value:

To whom did I add value to today?  How did I do it?

Leadership:

Did I lead by example today? Did I lift myself and organization to a higher level?

Personal Faith:

Did I represent God well today?  Did I follow the golden rule?

Marriage and family:

Did I communicate love to my family today? How did I show that love?

Inner Circle:

Have I spent enough time with my key players? How can I help them to be more successful?

Discoveries:

What did I discover today that I need to spend more time thinking about? Are there lessons to be learned?  Are there things to be done?

Oh Boy, or Girl I guess! I have only about 4 more weeks until our baby#2  is here and life gets pleasantly interrupted! 

We posted some details of the maternity leave on the website and I wanted to clarify a little bit.  I am not sure just exactly how much time I will need to get life back to some sort of normalcy after this baby but I am planning around 4-6 weeks to make sure I don’t rush the time I will never get back!  So we will still be taking orders during that time, and answering emails but we will not be filling the orders until after the 4 weeks and then the 3 weeks for the delivery. Now of course there will be exceptions, so feel free to email or call with questions.  I have about 120 bags in stock, so I can still fill some orders if I have them already done no problem for you. 

So you can probably guess, as I am sure some of you have been through this as well, that I am so unsure of how life will be changed with a new one to the family.  I am just planning what I can to make sure business stays good and family life exceptional! 

We had such a great year in 2009. We almost doubled our business and that is thanks to all the customers and their great advertising for me! There must be some very attractive shoulders out there!   

Right now it is application time for all the art shows this spring/summer and even fall coming up.  This time can be very stressful but I sort of love it because I love the anticipation of making it in and if the jurors of the various boards will like my things.  It causes me to reflect and make sure that my things are high quality and that my things are changing and getting better.  Each year you get judged and each year there is different jurors on the boards.  We will keep you posted on which ones we get into on the “Calender of Events” page as soon as we know.  Feel free to email to rebekahscottdesigns@yahoo.com with questions about which ones we applied to if you want to make sure we are coming to your area. 

Here’s to the last 4 weeks, enjoy our winter wonderland! If you have any advice for introducing baby #2 in family life please respond!   Stay tuned for baby news