If you follow our various social media, you may have seen that I've been traveling quite a lot this month. I went to a home and furniture show in Las Vegas at the beginning of the month, and I just returned from NY Now in New York City. Instagram and Facebook will attest to the fact that these shows are a lot of fun: we get to catch up with our current vendors and add on some new ones. Tiffany is also planning to write a post about her experience at NY Now, since it was her first time attending a show.

What I want to comment on is the renewed energy I always get when I go to a show or a conference. It drives my staff crazy when I say this, but I'm not a creative person. I don't make things. I'm not a dreamer. That's why I'm always so in awe of the people who do make things. All of the people we work with — all the producers, the makers, the creators — I have nothing but respect and admiration for the passion and effort and vision they put into their creations. Whenever I'm around them, I recommit to Quinstance. 

This, for me, is the benefit of going to shows. Yes, it gives me an opportunity to see products in person. It's also an opportunity to discover goods that I might otherwise not hear about sitting in the store in the Boston suburbs. And, sure, who doesn't like room service? But the real takeaway from trade shows is the reinvigoration of my business sense. I see these talented, amazing, dedicated people pursuing their work and think, "I need to be doing that too."

I need to work harder: on getting their stories out; on getting our story out; on being as passionate as they are; on connecting with our customers; on finding new quinstances for you; on making this website as good a way for you to find your quinstance as coming into the store and talking with one of our great staff members. 

Watch for that.