NSS 2014 Recap

I've been home for about a week and I can't believe NSS has already come and gone! It's so strange how you work for months and months for something and then in 4 short (but very exhausting) days, it's all over! Today is my first official day back in the office and if I'm being honest, I have been struggling to get with it. I have only crossed about three tasks off my to-do list but I wanted to pop in to say hello and give a few quick thoughts on my experience!

• It is truly amazing how the Javits Center is transformed. We walked into our booth and it was underwhelming to say the least. But, in just a couple of hours there were thousands of mini store fronts and it was so fun to see how everyone put their spin on the tiny booth spaces! It was also fun to see the behind the scenes, how it's all put together stuff! And it's equally amazing how quickly it all comes down!

• I was extremely shocked by how the industry not only accepted but awarded copy cats and knock offs. It was actually pretty unsettling. I don't want to be on copy cat patrol and call out every one who clearly rips someone off, but I'm not sure silence is the answer either. Who knows!?

• That being said, I was also amazed by all of the talented people that filled the Javits Center. Seriously - so. much. talent! It was so inspiring to be surrounded by all those people who have a passion for their craft and who are following their dreams.

• And lastly, as if I wasn't already aware of how lucky I am to be a part of the Stationery Academy community, this show sealed the deal. I was so honored to exhibit with my talented booth mates (Fraser and Parsley, Something Detailed, and Southern Fried Design Barn) and I have them to thank for all the fun I had! We also were showered with gifts from the ladies we attended Stat Acad with in Dallas. We were all practically in tears opening up the gifts and notes of encouragement. It was so thoughtful and I am so thankful to know them!

Below are some photos I snapped with my iPhone so don't judge me! ;)

NYC greeted us with pouring down rain. Our luggage was soaked!

Packed in a taxi on the way to the Javits center to set up!

How are booth looked when we first got to the Javits!

I had to spray paint some things out on the loading dock! It was so nice out!

Belle & Union had the most adorable booth. It was my favorite!

The first morning of NSS, Josie and I walked to the Flower District to buy flowers for our booth! So pretty!

I got to try Ladurée Macarons for the first time thanks to our Stat Acad loves!

Mimosas with Emily McCarthy and PSA Essentials!

Loved this flat Willow Ley in the Thimblepress booth! So fun! Happy I got to meet Kristen and Dani too!

So thankful for this lady's friendship! Thanks for everything, Jennifer!

This was a bit depressing! All of the samples had to be trashed!

Free,  on foot, NYC tours with Amy and Jennifer through Times Square! ;)

Here is a quick video my friend Josie put together on Instagram of how our booth came together!

Isn't her accent just the best? I found myself thinking in a British accent when I laid down at night and once I realized I was doing it, I couldn't stop!

So there ya have it! It was a great week and a wonderful experience! I'm excited about the new stores that will be carrying our products as well as some new connections I made that will hopefully lead to some very fun partnerships! Stay tuned, my friends! :)

Oh - and be sure to check out the shop! All of our new greeting cards have been added and are ready to ship!

Labels: In the Studio, NSS, NSS 2014