I was 11, maybe 12 years old, when my mom drove me to The Buttercup—a popular gift shop in Charlotte NC in the 70s. I remember pulling up near the movie theater, holding a shoebox filled with Christmas tree brooches I had hand-sewn from felt, sequins, and beads. I was nervous, but I went inside alone while my mom waited in the car. I showed the owner what I had made, and to my delight, she bought them all—at $1.50 per pin. Just like that, I had opened my first wholesale account! Fast forward 45 years, and here I am (with Molly and Natalie from my studio) at the Dallas Gift Show with my collection of gifts and accessories on display. What a sweet surprise when a store owner came by to place an order—and it turned out her store is the same Buttercup! She’s the daughter-in-law of the original owner, Mrs. Gordon. I told her the story, and needless to say, it felt like a full-circle moment worth sharing. Including a photo of myself from 8th grade—by then I was a well-established entrepreneur, ha! I don’t have a picture from that original Buttercup day, but this one feels close enough. It certainly shows the feeling I had when Mrs. Gordon bought my homemade box of Christmas tree pins!