Back To School

Lately I've been helping a Business Tec. class at Trent University where I've been a guest speaker a couple different times. The class writes up a detailed proposal based including outlines, cost and implementation based on the info I give them . It was mainly regarding my website and learning how to be more visible online. I've had a great experience with it, met some great kids and learned much more about online survival than I ever thought possible. Sofie, the Professor, suggested to the last class that if someone were inclined they could actually jump in a do a make-over of an existing website instead of writing about doing one. Well, 2 teams came forward. Last night they presented their creations and Amber, my daughter and I attended as the website they worked on was for Unique Expressions. It was fantastic! "The Boys" Brad and Remmy, designed a new website while "The Girls", Jenn and Natasha, created a blog and online newsletter for us. I think I went on computer overload at one point but the kids all assured me that they'd only be an email away if I needed any assistance. They're great. I am thrilled with all the developments and cannot wait to implement them all. Now I have to go back to school in a couple weeks to learn how to keep everything working that the teams have created for me!
This adventure started out about 1 1/2 yrs ago. I received an email asking if I could help a class out with a project regarding family run businesses. I of course said yes. Now, as a result it has been payed forward and I have a beautiful, up to date website with an online monthly newsletter, not to mention the fact that I'm now blogging :) What a hoot! Thanks Sofie, for involving the business community in your classes that not only gives your students real life scenario's but enlightens us a small business owners about what's out there to promote our livelihoods.

Totally forgot to blog this morning, sorry. With all this rain I was busy finding my flowers amongst the weeds. It took me awhile but I found each and every one of them! I finally did make it into work albeit a tad late. Amber reminded me, several times of it throughout the day so, I went home early,lol. That will teach her to pick on the boss! We've been busy switching up displays and getting ready for some great sales for the LONG Sunny WEEKEND. Thirty percent off selected Willow Tree Figurines, 50% off Harley and NASCAR stock, 30% off Breyer Horses... Off to see Harry Potter with my nephew, daughter and neighbor's son. Until tomorrow!

PS Just wishing Jenn and Natasha good luck tonight with their presentation!

Good Morning All :)

Not much to report today as I had a day off from the shop yesterday. Poor Amber, my right wonderful, capable daughter looked after everything. I should have been there to give her a hand but she is awesome at her job that she never even blinked at volume. Only rude customer's ever faze her. Getting some new garden stock in today so lots to do!

Cheers!

CRASH !!!

Good Morning :)

Heading off to work early this morning as we had a bit of a disaster at the end of the day yesterday. One of our Stain Glass pieces fell off the window and took out a beautiful glass decanter plus a few other items :( Thankfully this does not happen often but when it does, it's not good. Donna (our personal angel) called with the bad news . The crash scared the daylights not only of her but another customer that was shopping with her daughter at the time. No one was hurt but their hearts got a good workout! I had the day off and Amber scooted home early so poor Donna was on her own. She is one of a kind and we are so grateful that she is part of our team.

Uniquely Yours,
Maureen

About Us!

Welcome to my first attempt at blogging. I am Maureen Crawford, owner of
Unique Expressions located at Fowlers Corners just outside Peterborough. I
have run the store since April of 2002 with my daughter Amber by my side.

I was born and raised in the small village of Omemee which is just down the
highway. I still live in the area and love that I only have a 7 minute
drive to work:)

Unique Expressions is exactly what the name says, UNIQUE. We have followed
our customers needs and desires and made little vignettes for many different
products. Horse lovers, Yankee candle fans, gardeners, brides and angel
collectors will be discover lots of new treasures to browse through. Not to
mention licensed Betty Boop, John Deere and NHL.

There are too many things to list so you'll just have to take my word for it
and come out to Fowlers Corners and be amazed for yourself.

I am proud to announce that we have been voteed the Examiner's Readers
Choice Award for Favorite Gift Store which comes out in today's paper. What
a thrill! Because the readers vote without any lists, just with their
heart, means the world to us. It's wonderful to know that all our hard work
is not gone by unnoticed. We love what we do!

Well, until tomorrow, I'd better go get ready for work.

Uniquely Yours,
Maureen