I have amazing, fantastic, tremendous news.
This is actually a little hard for me. I hope you know I am the humblest person in the world. I cringe in the limelight, have the worst time in front of groups of people, and am just plain horrified with attention. I belong to two networking groups, and whenever we go around the room introducing ourselves and giving our 30 second elevator pitch, I typically start hyperventilating and often can be found practicing Lamaze breathing.
I know I eluded to something last Friday, and I apologize for not spilling the beans sooner, but I wanted to make sure it was okay before doing so. Imagine getting this far, only to have the carpet pulled from beneath. And all the while, I kept expecting the reply to be, "oh, we're so sorry. There has been a terrible mistake."
Can you believe how I can drag out a story? Aren't you glad you don't live with me?
Remember, back in March, when I flew to Chicago for the Country Living/Ladies Who Launch Women's Entrepreneur Conference? It was an amazing experience. What I didn't mention was that you were able to apply to 'pitch your product' to a panel of editors prior to the conference. Which I did. It was probably the singlemost scariest experience, for me. You had 5 minutes - 3 to pitch, 2 for questions, and in that short time you had to convey everything about your product, company, mission, philosophy, personality, passion and dreams.
But the two editors I met with were so genuine and so nice, and did everything to put me at ease (of course it didn't help that there was someone at the back of the room with their eyes glued to a timer, ready to tell me 'time's up'). I left that room feeling like I had done as best a job I could do, which was all I could do. I looked around the waiting room, and there was so much talent and so much ambition, I felt like such a small fish. But I was so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone, and actually doing something instead of just thinking about it, and dreaming about it.
Jump to May, when they called and asked for samples - and I was so beside myself, I couldn't believe it. I was bursting, but couldn't say anything, not wanting to jinx anything! Then, nothing. The initial letter said participants would be notified by June 20, and the silence was killing me!
I got a call last week (June 20, of course...) letting me know that my company, my little business that I've grown organically, and put my heart and soul into, was one of the businesses chosen from that product search! I think there were 120 businesses in all that pitched, and 9 were chosen. I started to cry when I heard the news. I'm so honored. I'm so flattered. I'm so thankful. I'm so happy and I'm so scared.
It is a huge dream come true...I'm going to be in Country Living Magazine! I'm not sure, but I think it's going to be the November issue. I'm not sure, but I think I have a lot of work to do before then!
I'm so happy to be able to share this, and I want to say, it is all of you, with your nice comments and support and encouragement, that enables me to go forward. I mean that in all sincerity. There would be no Sommer Designs without the incredible network of women out there who are doing what they love every single day. You are my inspiration.
OMG! I am SO proud of my blogging friend!! I got nervous for you just reading the entry (wow, you are good at a buildup, you should write for tv or something)! So many people are really doing exciting things lately. I can't believe how many magazines I am picking up and seeing things in and saying, "Hey, that's my blogger friend!"
Congrats!
Missy
Posted by: Missy | June 28, 2007 at 06:02 AM
This is wonderful, fabulous news!!! Congratulations!!! Love your blog and your bags, too!
Posted by: Cathy Rodgers | June 28, 2007 at 06:21 AM
oh my gosh! CARRIE!!! This is the best news ever! I am so happy for you and that you were brave and took that scary leap in Chicago. Good for You!
Posted by: laura dodson | June 28, 2007 at 06:53 AM
Carrie, that is SUCH fabulous news! Congratulations! You must be walking 6 inches off the ground today!
Posted by: Jill | June 28, 2007 at 07:07 AM
Congrats, Carrie! I will certainly buy that issue!
Posted by: Cindy | June 28, 2007 at 07:32 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Very cool news. CL is one of my favorites EVaH. ;) Best of luck with your newest adventure.
Posted by: Kim (OliveJuice) | June 28, 2007 at 08:40 AM
Wow, Carrie, that is amazing! I got goosebumps reading your story! So amazing and so well deserved - can't wait to see you in the pages of CL!!
Posted by: Jackie | June 28, 2007 at 08:46 AM
I am so positively thrilled for you. It's just a start, great things are coming your way. Congratulations.
Posted by: pam | June 28, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Wow. How completely exciting! I will have to check it out. I would be hyperventalating myself if I had to pitch my own product. So glad you stepped out of your comfort zone.
Congratulations!
Posted by: Lauren | June 28, 2007 at 08:51 AM
Wow!!! How thrilled I will be to open one of my favorite mags, and see one of my favorite bloggers featured! Congratulations!!
Posted by: jennifer w. | June 28, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Yippee!!! Congratulations on a job well done.
Posted by: Michelle | June 28, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Carrie - Woohoo!!! You deserve every bit of recognition you are getting and I can't wait until I read all about you and I can tell my friends I"know" you! Congrats about stepping out of your comfort zone - maybe you just inspired me (like always) to step outside of mine.
Sandy (a fellow hyperventilator)
Posted by: Sandy | June 28, 2007 at 09:01 AM
No, you are MY inspiration. You really deserve this Carrie. All that you put into what you do and your true love for your business and your product. We will have to celebrate at some point you know. Can't wait to hear how this progresses.
Posted by: Shari | June 28, 2007 at 09:08 AM
What thrilling news!!! I am so happy for you!
Posted by: Dawn | June 28, 2007 at 09:28 AM
congrats carrie! your work is so amazing, you deserve it!
Posted by: Lili | June 28, 2007 at 09:42 AM
up here in washington cheering. there is so much joy in your post that i literally found myself saying "whoo hoo!" out loud. i love how much of who you are seems to come out in this post. congratulations!!
Posted by: liz elayne | June 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Congratulations! That is amazing and very deserved:)
Posted by: Chara Michele | June 28, 2007 at 11:20 AM
Carrie, I have goosebumps all over! I am so thrilled for you - I had read about that in Country Living and am so happy that you are one of the ones chosen!!! Yippee!!! A big blog hug and congrats from me!
Posted by: erin | June 28, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Oh Carrie, this is fantastic news! I'm a subscriber to that mag, so I'll be sure not to miss it. Oh yeah, by the way, YOU are my inspiration ;-)
Posted by: beki | June 28, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Congrats!!!!!! That is so awesome but I'm NOT surprised that they picked you. Do let us know what issue it is for sure so we can get a copy. I LOVE show stuff to hubby and saying "Hey, I KNOW them" LOL :D
Posted by: Lilie | June 28, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Congrats Carrie!! You and your fabulous creations so deserve this. And it's only the beginning... :)
Posted by: slesky | June 28, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Yay for you Carrie!! I have never posted a comment...only lurked...but you deserve a really loud "YOU GO GIRL!"
Posted by: Nicole@missprissjewelry.com | June 28, 2007 at 12:08 PM
That is just fantastic news!! It must feel so gratifying to see your hard work be recognized. Congrats!!
Posted by: Nicolette | June 28, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Congratulations!! You deserve it! I'll be sure to look for the issue when it comes out!
Posted by: Jodi | June 28, 2007 at 01:40 PM
But of course they'd pick you! This is wonderful news and I can't wait to see the issue and to hear more!
MAZAL TOV!!
Posted by: Jean | June 28, 2007 at 02:50 PM