We are an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Store and SO MUCH MORE!!!

It's been a whirlwind for us since late March and what fun we've been having.  We started our Annie Sloan journey when I left for New Orleans in February.  Here it is the end of June and I can't tell you where the days have gone.  Getting set up and prepared for the craze of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint has taken lots of energy, consumed my thoughts, and has become an obsession.  Those that have bought and used the paint know what I'm talking about.

But I want to be sure to show you many of the other wonderful things going on at my little boutique, Robyn Story Designs.  So many other things that make us a unique destination store, things that have kept me around for the last 9 years.  With the many ups and downs of the economy I'm not going to say it's been easy.  It's always interesting, sometimes exhausting but I wake up everyday anxious to get to my little slice of heaven.

This blog has consisted of many things Annie Sloan, and will continue to do so.  But I am going to be sharing lots more of myself, my staff and my store with you via this blog and with any luck, Facebook.  I look forward to your feedback, your suggestions, your comments and just having you hang around!

That being said, I want to take a moment to introduce you to one of my very talented Floral Designers - known around here as "Designer Dave".

Dave, surrounded by his "toys" at home!

 Although he's an incredible floral designer, he's also my 'go to' computer geek.  Without him, I'm not too sure you and I would be having this conversation right now.  He's helped us with all things technological!  Not my thing, but he LOVES it - thank goodness for that!

His floral work is pure artful genius.  I know I talk a lot about art.  Art comes in many forms; on canvas, on fabric, on wood...and in florals.  I truly believe that each piece our designer's create (more on Scott at a later date) are works of art.  Our customers as well as our designers love David's work.  He does it all, from classic to contemporary and makes it look effortless and breathtaking.  Our floral work comes with a guarantee.  If you love it, it's yours!!  If it's not right, we'll make it right and if you want to start over, that's fine also.  No deposit is ever required and we LOVE your challenges.  So if you're ever in the need of a centerpiece, a ledge piece or a little posy, we hope you'll remember us!

Some of our most gorgeous pieces were designed for my son's wedding in March 2010.  I'd like to share a few of these as well.

These beautiful wreaths greeted our guests

Each table was graced with tall centerpieces

The canopy where Steve and Tanya were married

The "train" of the canopy resembled a wedding gown!

The view of the reception hall

How Pretty!

Most people don't think "SILK" for their wedding floral needs, but they make for beautiful forever keepsakes.  Many times we've had brides come in with pictures of their 'live' bouquets from their wedding and ask us to put these same florals in silks to be used as their dining room centerpiece - another beautiful way to capture that most special moment forever!

In future posts of this blog, I will share the rest of my very talented staff.  I know the value of having a great supporting cast.  Each member of my team brings something unique to the table.  Scott is another of my full time floral designers.  He has his own sense of style that he brings to his design and is well-loved by our customers and designers.  He's an amazing talent in many ways and has embraced Annie Sloan Chalk Paint like the rest of us.  I often tease him and tell him to 'switch hats' many times during the day!!  He goes from floral designer to painter extraordinaire in a flash of a paint brush!! You'll learn a lot more about him in the coming posts.

Ellen, we call her "lil bits" because she's a teeny little thing, is a powerhouse of energy.  She's also my inventory warden!!  Holy smokes does she run a tight ship (don't fool yourself, it's my store but she controls all things inventory!)  She has a lot of talents herself and I'll be sharing those with you as well.  She just had her second baby, came back early from maternity leave and has been instrumental in launching this paint line as well as keeping up with her everyday responsibilities of orders, dealing with vendors and helping out in the store!!

Ellen, Faith and Baby Kelley

Then we have Sarah.  She's the girl with the money!!  She does our books, payroll, and makes sure that all my little treasures are paid for. She's a busy girl in the store but is also pursuing a nursing career and participates in Triathalon's.  She's one ambitious woman and we're very proud of her.

 Lori, or Lore Lore as we call her in the store, has been with us for 2 years now.  She used to work with a designer that frequents our store but was looking for more hours.  Goodness knows, we keep her busy as well.  Lori likes to call herself a Jack of all Trades.  She's fearless with power tools, grew up helping her dad build things and will tackle almost any project.  Together, her and I traverse the state of Florida looking for treasures on many Monday's.

 And last, but certainly no where near least is Alberto.  He's the one that keeps all of us organized, I honestly have no idea what we did without him. He comes to work everyday with a smile on his face and a willingness to help.

So that's it in a nutshell.  Stay tuned for more stories of my group, lots of pictures and inspiring ideas.  This blog has become such a great forum for sharing and I thank you for reading and staying tuned!!  Oh, and if you do stay tuned...there may be a little 'give-away' in your future!!