There are some days when I really love my job. Yesterday was one of those days. Well, actually the whole weekend. All because my customers can often make my day.
I have a regular customer of my French Silk Scarf shop that is vision impaired. I don’t know to what extent, and honestly, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that she likes texture, especially silk textures. Which is something I adore. We also discuss colour.
She knows what suits her. I get an outline and then go through my scarves, looking at those that are within the brief, and then feel them. A write up is done outlining the style, shape, size, colours, finishings, type of silk, and textures. It’s really a fun way to consider my scarves.
I love my repeat customers as each time a little bit more is revealed about them. Like a parcel being unwrapped. Their tastes, personality, interests…
That’s the thing about online shopping, it can be a little soulless. Sometimes that is good. Like say, when I need to buy a large roll of bubble wrap. I know what I want and just need to buy it. But sometimes there are more personal aspects. And then a conversation is needed.
One good thing I can say about the pandemic is that I am chatting far more with my customers. Not just questions, but actual chat. Some people are feeling very isolated, so when an opportunity opens up to chat, it’s really nice.
I normally try to not work the weekends. That’s the thing about an online shop, there can be this sense of 24/7 availability. So it is up to the owner to manage the time. But come December and my self imposed rules are set aside. It’s my busiest time.
And this year it made working the weekend all the more special to be able to converse with my customers. (Okay, technically typing, but it feels like a conversation.)
So this weekend was all about texture and silk from Lyon. Two different customers. Two completely different conversations, but all with the same aim, to find the perfect gift for the holiday season, whether for themselves or a loved one.
PS.
Here’s a sampling from my Shop of types of silk scarves through the decades:
Simply click on an image to see more silk scarves from that decade.