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Aside from the excitement of the release of Good Hart Collection 2, we’ve got some pretty fun news to share with you. It might have something to do with the crew pictured above. Meet Jeff (left) Kayla (center) and David (right). I know, I know, many of you recognize these guys already but for those of you who are just joining in the Matilda Jane fun, I think introductions may be a tad important. For those of you who already know them, well, we’re shaking things up a bit around the office.
Let’s start with David…just cuz he’s my honey and I’m writing this blog. First, I must say I am so happy he went to Africa. He was scared to death but he did it and he came back with such a love for those kids. I’m pretty happy. Okay, really happy. As you all know, David and I work non stop Matilda Jane pretty much. David was a teacher for 12 years and left so he could spend more time with the boys and help me at work. Whelp, we are at that point again where Matilda Jane is consuming us and the boys really need more of our focus. It is so hard to keep that balance. And yes, I am admitting that work is sometimes what’s first on the brain. It shouldn’t be. We sat down with Lynette and Steve and decided we need to clone David. A clone with the same huge heart, welcoming personality and just a tad more (ok, a lot) more experience. And as soon as we found that perfect someone David could go back to being a full time Dad. Yes, we have role-reversal at my house. I think the most exciting thing about David taking a step aside is that: 1. We got to welcome another great guy into MJC. 2. David gets to do a few things he’s dreamed of for a while . Hint, guitar and non -profit work. 3. My boys are going to be so happy!
So now that brings me to how is this even possible when David is the glue that keeps us together most days. He has the ability to bring us all together on many topics that are sometimes quite trying. Well, this is when I get to introduce you to Jeff. I can hardly contain my excitement about having such a awesome guy join our team. He comes with a great knowledge, a kind smile and just gives us all the feeling that “wow, this is a great thing”. I feel like our level of confidence has stepped up a notch since he walked through that front door. We were all a tad nervous on how we were going to replace David and a little intimidated by Jeff”s resume. But the moment he stepped in it was like he’s been with us since the start. He “gets” us and most importantly believes in us. And that’s a good thing!
Now onto that girl in the middle. Kayla has been our Office Manager since the get go when she just managed herself. Whelp, she got herself a new role back with Sam, Sara and I in the Design Department. She is now our Project Coordinator/Manager or kinda the glue that keeps us on the same page. I think I was the most nervous at first. Sam came pretty close behind me on nervousness. We are used to doing things on our own time schedule. And now there’s a girl named Kayla that is keeping us on track. Truth? It is so nice to have someone remember all those little details, make sure all the t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted plus gives us a timeline that we are responsible for. She’s already emailed us a few times to remind us to stay focused. I’m just waiting for the day for her to say “Girls, we need to have a meeting and discuss staying focused”. If you are creative type, then you know staying focused is quite the difficult thing to do, I’m pretty sure I even tried to get a prescription for it.
To sum it up…. those 3 people in that photo are pretty darn spectacular.
So do you guys have any great advice for these 3? Come’on I know you do.
In the words of the great Maya Angelou
“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
Good luck ladies & gentlemen!!
keep us the great work! so excited for Kayla’s promotion! she is awesome
David, yay you! What a great thing for you and your fam! Advice? Drag The Lady D out with you guys regularly and routinely. The boys will love it!
Jeff, I want to be you! But the lady D says you get it … Advice? Just stay focused on the uniqueness of that great crew! And have oh-so-much fun!
Kayla – Advice? Start a dictionary of Sam’s words for expressions and feelings. I think I’m on to something unique! Plus, I won’t have to search back blog posts when I forget a certain expression! Good luck keeping those two focused! You can’t cage creativity … But can you focus it? Let us know about that one!
For David: enjoy being a kid again. I stay at home most days with a feisty three year old and on any given day I get to be a princess, a witch, a bear, or a vampire. Sometimes it’s hard because after school when I am with both kids and I have a day with virtually no adult interaction, I think I am losing myself, when in-fact they help me find the real me. I am I am a vampire princess, witch than moonlights as a bear. I think it is wonderful for boys to have their father around.
For Jeff: If things ever get hard, remember they picked YOU! So bring yourself and it will all work out.
For Kayla: Congrats! I must be amazing to find you dream job. I am very happy for you. You seem to have a great support system, use it if you need to.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Follow your heart, be the change you wish to see in the world, Take the road less traveled… y’all know all the quotes but it is SO nice and refreshing to see you ACTING on them. SO proud and excited for all 4 of you! And the MJC family
Just a couple if my favorite Disney quotes:
“I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship” Fox and the Hound
“Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one” Pocahontas
Good luck to you all!!!
Never lose your sense of wonder.
Never lose sight of your goal.
Never be afraid to do what you know in your heart is right.
Never lose your calendar. Ha!
Gosh-wish I could always remember these!
Give your all, work hard, follow your heart, and enjoy every moment of it:)
Congrats to the MJC family!!
Remember..
“Going into the unknown is how you expand what is known.” Hope you all enjoy the challenge of your new responsibilities and learn more about yourselves in the process. Good luck!
First of all–Jeff–Thee Best smile! Why do I feel happy just looking at him? As for Kayla? Sounds like she’s amazing at what she does…making sure everythings running smoothly..A good office manager is key. Best of all I love that David gets to be a full time Dad…spending more time with your kids–Priceless!
David…enjoy every moment bc they go so fast. I am sure those boys will be loving having you around more! You are now the glue!! I am betting it is going to be difficult for you to take a step back. Not be so “involved”. But in the end you family is going to be so happy!!
Kayla you have an amazing heart and are very blessed with talents that keep it all together. I am going to assume that you believed in mjc from the beginning and with all of you. Be so very proud of where you are today!!
Jeff….good luck? Lol. I am sure you will fit right in!!
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained”
Change is the opportunity for growth!
It seems that David and Kayla have been extremely supportive of the growth of MJC, so my advice to Jeff would be to do the same
Enjoy each new adventure!
….and we still miss Kayla’s craft blog!
It’s so easy bogged down in the minutia of small tasks, keep the bigger picture in mind and make sure that those small tasks you are doing are actually benefiting the big picture.
Exciting changes at MJC – so glad for everyone. Advice? Fully embrace your new roles and don’t hesitate.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before beginning to improve the world.” –Anne Frank
Love to see how everyone at MJ embraces this idea whether it be in their family, work, creativity, management skills, Africa and other non-profit work, etc etc etc! Those moving in to new roles are taking their own next step in offering their best to improve their part of the world.
Invest yourself in things that bless and lift up others.
When I was a kid, my mom started saying a little phrase every time I left the house. When I was in school, the saying never changed.
When I was became an adult, same advice.
I’d stand in the doorway,
yell “Bye, Mom,” (knowing exactly what was coming next),
then wait for her to say, “Remember, be a blessing.”
Now that I’m a mom myself, I really get it. I live for my littles and hope, in turn, that they live to bless others.
——————————————————————–
David~ savor every moment with those precious boys.
When you’re there to pick them up from school. treasure every smile, laugh, and story.
When you’re the one they turn to when they’ve had a bad day, or ask for advice, feel like the superhero you are.
When they just need to be snuggled, squeeze them like you’ve never squeezed them before.
Kayla~ the voice of reason and organization among the free spirits.
in the end, we appreciate the reminders, schedules, and timelines. There’s a reason God made us all different, and why we thrive around people/friends/coworkers that compliment our personalities and make us better at what we do. Congratulations!
We creatives desperately NEED you, and while some days, we don’t want to be reined in,
Jeff~ Welcome to the family!
These 3 don’t need advice! They got it together already and sounds like they are each on the path they should be going! And remember the common denominator for all three is YOU! A lucky bunch if you ask me!
How awesome for David-he has the best gig of all! Loving on your boys! Sounds like you two are the perfect balance for eachother. Plus, there is something about the name David-such strengh and character with that name. Good luck to all.
Only advice is stay true and breath!
I think the best advice for everyone is to always remember where you started. Good luck to each of them!
How wonderful for you all!
Each day is a gift…live your dream, give 110% to all you do & never lose sight of what is most important to you.
Change usually isn’t easy but hopefully it will be a smooth transition for you all @ MJC
Best wishes to you all
Thank you for the updates and acknowledgements of truly amazing people (yourself included) who are all fulfilling a dream of their own and filling those dreams of others! My words of advice are not all my own, but words that I was touched by ever since I was given a poster (dating myself) when I was just a young girl with the following poem on it. I’ve used these words in inspirational speeches for school and even have these words posted (created my own “poster” this time) in my own daughter’s room today!
Follow Your Dream
Follow your dream…take one step at a time
don’t settle for less, just continue to climb.
Follow your dream…if you stumble don’t stop
keep your eye on your goal, press on to the top.
For only on top can we see the whole view
can we see what we’ve done and what we can do
can we then have the vision to seek something new…
Press on, and follow your dream.
~ Amanda Bradley ~
My advice…coming from years of owning our own company, is to always realize and appreciate the ones who work for you and do the minor little things in your day, or at your job site, that keep things running smoothly and everyone on task, and smiling. One of the most valuable guys we had working for us was the one who went behind the sub contractors cleaning up the job sites and hauling all the scrap lumber away. Any successful company’s foundation can only be really defined by their dedicated employees:)
Sounds like each of you is living a dream…congratulations! Whether you arrived at this juncture deliberately or by happenstance, the advice that always “sticks” with me is simply, “The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation.”
- Mark Twain
First of all I want to commend you Denise for your amazing ability to see the big picture in all aspects of your life. I have only been a Matilda Jane fan for the last year but have quickly fallen in love with the clothes, but even more so with the company. It is never easy, especially for us control freaks, to try to ask for help and surrender some of the responsibility; however it is necessary to achieve growth. When I read everyone’s blog posts I feel like I really get to know the amazing people you have working for you. Thank you for creating more than just a clothes line but a community surrounding beautiful girls clothes that show the beauty of the child.
David, I am so happy that you will have more time to spend with your precious boys. I am sure the trip to Africa really helped put things into perspective for you. I have the children of Africa tugging at my heart and I havn’t even met them. Thanks for your very heartfelt posts while you were in Africa. They made me want to help these children in any way possible. My advice to you is LOVE your children and never take for granted all that you are blessed with. Thanks for supporting Denise and allowing her to change the lives of so many.
Jeff, you have some big shoes to fill. I hope you can continue to foster the personal feeling that Matilda Jane has created. Dream big! I would also love to see MJ more exposed in Ft. Wayne. I am a local fan and was surprised to learn that Matilda Jane is a local company when I started loving it.
Kayla, you know all the ins and outs of MJC already. Keep doing what your doing and help the rest of the company continue to create beautiful works of art, spread the love and change lives. I love what Matilda Jane stands for and can’t wait to see what amazing things this company does in the future.
Life happens fast. Before you send anything out…take the time to re-read it and listen from everyone’s point of view. Just make sure you’re saying exactly way you want them to hear.
I always try to do this at work… Things get too impersonal in this electronic age we live in…make the most if what you send…
You’ll do great! Good luck!
I love reading everyone’s advice, all of it so good. One thing I live by is “when someone shows you who they are believe them”. I think this works in so many areas. Also, don’t take things so personally. I used to take everything personally but once I realized that when I just lightened up and let it all go, the ride was so much more enjoyable. Cheers to new beginnings!
Breathe deep. The rest will work itself out …and in the words of Walt Disney, “Keep moving forward” because you guys are doing and will continue to do big things!
I loved reading all the comments and advice! And especially the great news! These changes mean growth which is awesome…remaining stagnent would not only hurt the business but squash the creative spirit.
With this growth there are going to be so many different roles that people will be fulfilling, all new, different, and good in their own rights. My advice to you as you faces this growth and changes is…don’t forget where you came from.
Never lose sight of you you were as a person, an organization or a dream. It’s too easy to forget our inspirations as we grow, just like an adult sometimes forgets to imagine and dream because there are bigger and newer concerns. Just don’t forget where you came from.
“A wise man listens to advice” ~ Proverbs (multiple verses including: 12:15, 19:20, 1:5)
With that being noted, my advice is to keep your ears open, be good listeners – to each other and continue to listen to the voices of your adoring customers.
Love all these bits of advice….all of it rings so true and it’s nice to be reminded of what’s important.
No real advice here, except GREAT decision to focus on the kiddos. You’ll never regret that. Enjoy them while they are still all yours
give those sweet boys a place to call their own….young people have A LOT TO Say, believe me…..let the boys help with the decisions about clothing design and what their personal favorites are….I bet they have a good list of likes and dislikes:) worth taking a look at:) I love those boys:)