Cassie Bustamante

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That Time I Sold My Vintage Store

October 10, 2016 by Cassie 71 Comments

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I wasn’t really sure what to call this post… How do I just burst in this Monday morning to tell you all that I sold my store? How do I fit the sum of some really large feelings over the last few years into one simple and concise title? So I decided just to lay it all out there with “That Time I Sold My Vintage Store.”  Before you start to panic I want you to be aware of a few things… this was exactly what I wanted; I was fortunate in that my business parter wanted the same thing; and lastly, Sweet Clover is still standing, still open with the same amazing vendors, and I am sure it will only grow and improve over time with the care of its new owners, Kim & Rebekah.  Now that I’ve given you the very important details, let me fill you in on everything; I am sure this is absolutely shocking news for most of my readers.

Three years ago, Sweet Clover was formed.  In all honesty, Sarah and I had not set out to be shop owners, but the opportunity fell in our laps and we decided to take it.New SC Logo V3PinThe chance to own a store that was open once a month was perfect for us as moms with busy kids.  It would allow us the flexible schedule we wanted as well as a creative outlet and an income, right?  Right.  Two years ago, I came across this post by Persnickety’s Awesome Emporium, 20 Things You May Not Know About Owning a Shop and it absolutely 100% hit the nail on the head for me and Sarah. (If you own a shop or are thinking of owning one… read it!)

Over the past three years we have painted, hustled, lost vendors, brought in new vendors, set up special events, shopped for the store, brought our kids to work over the summer, staged, styled, cleaned a toilet used by many, managed schedules, managed money, and have done so much more behind the scenes to keep Sweet Clover on the path we wanted. We have done everything on that 20 Things list and then some.  officesarahcassie2PinSarah and I have felt unsettled over the last year and have found ourselves questioning if it was worth it- worth the sacrifice of time and mental space.  We openly and honestly have had so many conversations, and we’ve kept each other going, pushed through, hired help hoping to ease some of our stress and time management. What truly kept us going was our love for the people in our store, and that goes for our team of vendors as well as our customers.  It killed us to think that we might let them down, and we wanted our vendors to succeed and to continue finding their own joy in their businesses.  But in the end, that’s not a reason to keep going, not when it’s at the expense of your own happiness; and neither of us were happy.gbsc1PinWe took on Sweet Clover because we wanted to be flexible with our schedules as our families are our number one priority.  However, I can’t tell you how many soccer games and tournaments I’ve missed over these last three years.  Tournaments always fell on weekends we had events going on, and I could never make it.  Some days the kids would have to come with me to work while Sarah and I staged, and some days they had to get off the bus and wait at home without me for 2 hours until I could close the shop and get there.  Emmy would call me when they got home, and her sweet little voice on the other end letting me know they were home and ok… well, it absolutely killed me.  The times that I was physically with my family, I wasn’t always able to be emotionally present.  In this day and age of technology, people are always able to get ahold of you; texts, emails, phone calls, messages were non stop, and it was hard to turn it “off” and tell myself an immediate response wasn’t needed.  As a business owner, it was impossible for me to grant myself that grace. My mind was never at rest, always on work and how we would market more, get more business, stage next month, find more vendors.gbsc2PinThis past August, our sale came and went and the thing is, it was a good sale numbers wise. We had fun with each other and with our vendors; but even knowing those things, Sarah and I looked at each other and we knew that we just weren’t where we wanted to be in life.  However, we did not want to just close shop… we had loyalty to our vendors, our customers, and to our landlords who we have grown to love so much.gbsc3PinSweet Clover has grown into a business that we are proud of creating, and we knew it was something worth keeping in our Frederick community as well.  With that in mind, we decided to sell the business, but not just open it up to anyone because even though we were letting go, we cared about the direction of its future. Sure, we knew people in our industry who would be interested, but we wanted to keep it in the Sweet Clover family, and opened it up to our vendors only.

We are so excited that we will be leaving Sweet Clover in the very capable hands of the sister team of Kim & Rebekah!  Aren’t they cute? (They sent me this photo to use with their permission because I wanted to introduce them.)14608034_10157590995195581_1020092261_nPinThese girls have spunk, creativity, passion, and a sarcasm that might equally match mine and Sarah’s. They are a great fit, and I am so excited to see them take Sweet Clover further than I ever dreamed it could go.  If you are local, head out to the next sale to show them your support!  I am going to be heading out of town that weekend, but planning to stop in Friday morning.14563455_620746591441413_6506027470163487273_nPin

I posted this on my facebook page the other day, and I want to repeat the sentiment here:

“To all of my friends, customers, and most of all to my family, thank you, thank you, thank you for the support, love, and encouragement you have shown me. Thank you for understanding when I needed it but maybe didn’t deserve it. Thank you for spreading the word about a ‘new’ vintage barn sale a few years ago and helping it really take off. It’s been the experience of a life time, and I won’t forget it.”

14523222_621859074663498_3869837563262776718_n-1PinSo cheers to the next chapter in my life!  Hold on to your seat, because now I’ve got more time to travel and share, create, design, and write… I am looking forward to improving my blog and spending more time with my family and embracing whatever life throws my way.

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Comments

  1. laura janning says

    October 10, 2016 at 6:59 am

    good for you as I know this decision did not come easy. Can you Helllloooo lto azy saturday mornings?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 7:34 am

      i know, right? emmy and i already have a little girls’ trip planned simply because WE CAN! i already feel so much more relaxed and present with my people!

      Reply
  2. Kirby says

    October 10, 2016 at 7:11 am

    Looking forward to seeing what you do next!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 7:32 am

      you and me both, sister! because who knows what it will be?!??!

      Reply
  3. Ariel says

    October 10, 2016 at 7:22 am

    onto the next phase!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 7:31 am

      amen!

      Reply
  4. Heather says

    October 10, 2016 at 8:47 am

    Good for you! Sounds like the right decision all around!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:31 am

      thank you, heather! it really was!

      Reply
  5. Kelly elko says

    October 10, 2016 at 8:55 am

    Not many people can say they owned and grew something this amazing! To the next chapter!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:30 am

      thank you so much for that, kelly! you are right and it feels good. cheers to the next chapter! 2017 has our names on it.

      Reply
  6. Jenni Hindman says

    October 10, 2016 at 9:07 am

    So happy you are able to make this decision for you and your family. An added bonus is that your dream is living on thru someone else that you are confident in continuing the vision. Many people wait until it’s too late to follow their heart and unfortunately the time passes so quickly with the little ones. Best of luck during your next passion and adventure.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:30 am

      thank you SO much, jenni! i am really excited about what the future holds. i know not what it is, but i know i will be in a much happier and relaxed place. love you so much!

      Reply
  7. [email protected] says

    October 10, 2016 at 9:08 am

    Best of luck to Kim & Rebekah! Sweet Clover is an amazing business and Sarah and you did such a great job with it. Good luck to you and your new more relaxed life 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:29 am

      you know what we need to do! you need to come down a sale weekend and hang out- we can go to all the shops, go have wine, and have a fun time!

      Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    October 10, 2016 at 9:08 am

    I love that when something’s not working for you, you’re not afraid to think it through and make the changes you need to. Yay for getting your weekends back!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:28 am

      chris used to laugh at me because my ability to stay in one thing is…. well, limited. but i like the way you put it because my motives and my heart really are always in the right place!

      Reply
  9. Lynn Fern says

    October 10, 2016 at 9:16 am

    I love this & fully get where you’re coming from! Cheers to new journeys..

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:27 am

      cheers to that, alright!

      Reply
  10. Jackie says

    October 10, 2016 at 9:24 am

    You guys did an amazing job! I can only imagine how much work it’s been. You were good barnshop owners :).

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:27 am

      jackie, coming from you that means so much- you were there from the beginning and you saw it through so many changes and experienced growing pains with us. so thank you so much! i truly appreciate it!

      Reply
  11. Lisa says

    October 10, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Life takes many interesting twists and turns. What a learning experience Sweet Clover must have been. it sounds like it’s the right time for a change of pace for you and who knows what exciting opportunities lay ahead if you! Best wishes Cassie!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:26 am

      it really does, and in the end life is just too short to spend it thinking about other things when you are with the people hwo matter… i know you get that more than anyone.

      Reply
  12. Patty Day says

    October 10, 2016 at 9:45 am

    I have followed your adventure through the years. I know it was a hard decision, but it’s the Right decision! Congratulations and enjoy your next phase of life.
    xo
    Patty

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:25 am

      thank you so much, patty!

      Reply
  13. Jennifer Griffin says

    October 10, 2016 at 9:46 am

    Proud of you for what you’ve done with SC, and equally proud of you for being brave enough to make this change! How fun are the holidays going to be this year!??

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:25 am

      thank you! and YES the holidays will be incredible!

      Reply
  14. MK says

    October 10, 2016 at 10:02 am

    I’ve been following your blog for about 4 yrs, and I remember when you announced that you & a friend were taking on Sweet Clover. I love your style. There is a time and season for everything. A friend who lives about 3 hours away–she & I have plans to “meet in the middle” at the Nov Sweet Clover sale. We plan to shop, TALK, have lunch,and then shop some more—-we’ll make a day of it. Do you have recommendations for a lunch place that’s close by & easy to get to from Sweet Clover????? Wishing you all the best and I will still be following your blog 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:24 am

      aaaw, thank you so much, MK! it was a hard decision for sure! you will have to make the rounds and check out chartreuse & co as well! there is nothing super close to sweet clover for lunch, but there are several downtown restaurants i love and they’re about 15 minutes away- my faves include ayse, the orchard, cafe nola,vini culture. there is also a shopping center right off 270 (westview plaza i think it’s called- where the movie theater is) and there are some restaurants in there as well- a japanese place, a mediterranean grill, and those would be a good “in between point” if you plan to hit chartreuse, too. let me know if you have any questions!

      Reply
  15. Danielle says

    October 10, 2016 at 10:21 am

    Cassie, enjoyed reading this honest post. It’s so hard when your desires in life change. Even though I don’t own a shop which I can’t believe how much work is involved. I get that feeling of wanting to be there for your family and being pulled in different directions. Wish you and Sarah all the best and good luck to the new owners. xx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:32 am

      thank you so much, danielle! it is hard when your desires change, but i was so fortunate in that sarah felt the same way. life is short and i want to look back at the time i spent turning my kids into happy people who give back to the world.

      Reply
  16. [email protected] says

    October 10, 2016 at 10:31 am

    What a courageous step! Glad you both are following your heart. Can’t wait to see what exciting, amazing thing you do next! xoxo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:35 am

      thank you so much, ashley! i am excited for what lies ahead. but in the words of one of my favorites (actually it’s disputed as to whether thoreau or emerson said this but i love them both…, “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” So here’s to putting the love and heart that lies within to good use with the people who matter the most.

      Reply
  17. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    October 10, 2016 at 10:42 am

    Congratulations, Cassie! You stepped in with passion and creativity and stepped out with grace and humility! It’s been so fun to follow Sweet Clover’s progress and I know you’ve set them up for much future success. For now, I’m just happy for your “recaptured time”… you won’t regret it. 🙂
    xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 10:49 am

      thank you so much, heidi! i appreciate it!

      Reply
  18. Louisa says

    October 10, 2016 at 11:44 am

    I’m going through the exact same thing! I’ve owned my store for 11 years but it’s changed so much that it’s just not what I want to do anymore. I have a customers who is interested in buying it, so fingers crossed that happens. It’s emotional, sad and a huge relief rolled into one. Good for you in making the decision and seeing it through.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 1:20 pm

      i totally hear you about the mixed emotions, but i definitely mostly feel a weight off! i wish you the best as you let go! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Kathleen Haisten says

    October 10, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    This Is surprising news! But I’m glad you are happy, and moving on to a new chapter of life. good luck in whatever you choose to do, i will be following along….

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 8:25 pm

      thank you so much, kathleen! i am happy!

      Reply
  20. Pam @ Simple Details says

    October 10, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    I’ve admired your passion and courage since you first announced your plans for Sweet Clover. I’d always wanted to own a home decor boutique and when I started getting serious about it decided to go to work for one to learn what I didn’t know. It didn’t take long to realize how time consuming & stressful it was, I could see how it sucked all the fun right out of it. You’re always an inspiration Cassie, and I’m excited for you for whatever lies ahead!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 8:24 pm

      thank you so much, pam! i really appreciate it and i am excited about whatever lies ahead, too!

      Reply
  21. Suzanne says

    October 10, 2016 at 5:47 pm

    I have felt the same before which is why I stopped selling at Lucketts and that was a walk in the park compared to what you and Sarah took on! Congrats for taking it this far and I hope you enjoy those soccer tournaments as it all goes by too fast! My son is a senior and this is the last year of his baseball games. New opportunities await!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 8:23 pm

      yes cheers to new opportunities! who knows what may come my way.

      Reply
  22. Sixtyfifthavenue says

    October 10, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    Such an amazing journey! So fun to hear about the process…

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 8:23 pm

      thank you so much, londen! i feel really good now!

      Reply
  23. Tania says

    October 10, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    I’m glad you were able to find two like souls who are excited to carry on with the store! I wish I were closer, I’d totally check it out!

    Tania

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 10, 2016 at 8:22 pm

      thank you, tania! we are really happy!

      Reply
  24. Bliss says

    October 10, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    Well you know the saying, when one vintage barn sale door closes…….

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 11, 2016 at 7:04 am

      a midcentury mod window opens? 😉

      Reply
  25. Kathy says

    October 11, 2016 at 2:49 am

    I’m so excited for this next chapter in your life Cassie. What an amazing accomplishment to look fondly on but I know the future as great things in store for you! xoxo It looks like Sweet Clover is in good hands!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 11, 2016 at 7:03 am

      thank you so much, kathy! i am truly excited, too!

      Reply
  26. Emy says

    October 11, 2016 at 8:56 am

    I’ll miss you at Sweet Clover, but I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 11, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      i will still be there shopping! 😉

      Reply
  27. Brynne | The Gathered Home says

    October 11, 2016 at 10:05 am

    Congratulations, sweet friend! I know this change will bring you so much space and happiness and I’m so glad you were able to see SC go to the perfect new owners!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 11, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      thank you so much!

      Reply
  28. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    October 12, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Sounds like the best decision for you and your family, and I’m so very excited for you!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 13, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      thank you, shelley! i think it really was. well i hope so because there’s no going back! 😉

      Reply
  29. Carol @ CAD INTERIORS says

    October 12, 2016 at 9:52 am

    Congrats on the sale, which sounds like it was the best decision for your family! My hubby and I were actually franchise business owners for 4 years before we sold it. It was a hard decision, but the right one at that time in our lives (we started a family). It dominated our time, esp the weekends. There is so much more to owning a business than people may realize. Everything is on you, and the work day never really ends…

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 13, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      thank you so much, carol! and yes- i know you totally get it!!!!

      Reply
  30. Kim says

    October 12, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    Wow! This was such a brave move – doing what really works for your family. Hugs! To bigger and better things!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 13, 2016 at 9:17 pm

      thank you, kim! i feel so much better already!

      Reply
  31. Meg says

    October 12, 2016 at 10:55 pm

    wow. reading this a little late bc as a shop owner, reading blogs is something i don’t do much of anymore 🙂
    congratulations on getting exactly what makes you happy. i hear so much of what you are saying, no off switch, customers that are wonderful but don’t realize that no matter how much you love what you do 24 hours a day is not realistic in their accessibility to you. looking forward to checking in and seeing what you create next no matter where it is.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 13, 2016 at 9:14 pm

      thank you so much, meg! i feel so much lighter and happier already!

      Reply
  32. Cristina says

    October 13, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Oh Cassie, you and Sarah were the ones who put Sweet Clover there on the map. You rock at everything you do. Wishing you the best for this new chapter in your life!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 13, 2016 at 9:01 pm

      aaaw, thank you so much, cristina! i appreciate that!

      Reply
  33. Jane says

    October 18, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    Wow, what a big change it will be for you – and thank you for sharing openly about it! Congrats on the next exciting chapter 🙂 I bet it feels good to have that responsibility off your shoulders.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 19, 2016 at 7:18 am

      thank you so much, jane! yes, it feels AMAZING!!!!!

      Reply
  34. gail says

    October 23, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    I’ve always wanted what was best for you Cassie, we go way back, so you know that. I’m thrilled that you are happy and that Sweet Clover will live on!

    gail

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 25, 2016 at 8:15 am

      gail, thank you so much for that! you are just one of the kindest people out there and i always appreciate that. we do go way back! and i love that you still check in with me even though i am still a wee blog and you have grown so much!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Seen, Heard and Tasted 4: Links for Your Weekend - Cassie Bustamante says:
    October 21, 2016 at 5:00 am

    […] wouldn’t be able to go because of Sweet Clover which is also open this weekend, but now that I am a totally free woman I thought it was about time for a road trip with my favorite girl.  So while Emmy and I will be […]

    Reply
  2. Thrift Score Thursday April Features - Cassie Bustamante says:
    May 4, 2017 at 5:00 am

    […] been a looooooong time since I’ve shared my own finds, but that’s because a) I have no more store, b) I’m a terrible etsy shop owner, and c) I am trying really hard not to spend […]

    Reply
  3. Back to the Start: Announcements on Business, Blogging, Babies - Cassie Bustamante says:
    September 5, 2017 at 2:04 pm

    […] barn sale in Frederick, MD, called Sweet Clover.  Last fall, my partner and I made the decision to sell the shop to a fabulous pair of sisters.  We sold it for many reasons, including wanting less stress and […]

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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