Here I Go Again...

As most of you may know, we are in the process of opening a location at the Sandusky Mall. We have an opening date of 10/17/2025. To say I'm a bundle of nerves is an understatement.

Expanding a business isn't for the faint of heart. It is something I had hoped to do someday in the future, I just didn't realize said future would be this fall. But, as they say, when opportunity knocks, one must open the door.

Don't worry, we won't be closing our downtown location. We will, however, be cutting back the hours we are open there, The foot traffic lately just hasn't been sustainable enough to warrant it being open during the week. I am hoping that isn't always the case.

So what does this mean for each store? Well, I would love to tell you. Both stores will carry the full line-up of ISFH products. The mall will have a larger inventory of said products.

We will offer drop-in candle making at both locations. Downtown's options will remain the same, with hundreds of vessels and fragrances to choose from while the mall will offer two vessels options with 36 scent options. Custom car diffusers and room sprays, for now, will only be available downtown. All our private parties (offering wine and charcuterie) will happen at our downtown location. Lessening the amount of inventory at our downtown location will allow us to host bigger groups there.

We are welcoming some of vendors at our new location as well. While you can still find Shi Bella's, Sunshine Farm, Mama's Macrame, Witchy Vibes, Circle of Seasons, DW Koozies and SUZE Colors at our downtown location, you will now also be able to shop some of them at the mall. Sunshine Farm, Mama's Macrame, Witchy Vibes and SUZE Colors have stocked the new location with expanded product lines I can't wait for you to see.

Perhaps the most exciting part of this new venture is that we are adding to the team. Joining myself, Tim, Ashley, Lindsey, Leila, Madi and Krista are some new (to you) faces. These new people have been a part of my extended family for some time and are now the part of the Sham Fam. We welcome Amanda, Parker, Stephanie, Alex, Sara, Sarah and Sydney. (Can you believe we now have a staff of FOURTEEN!?!?!?) I remember when I was sligning candles in my ktichen, praying for this day.

A new store means exciting giveaways. We are currently holding a selfie contest. Snap your pic in front of our new store front, share it on social media and tag us. The winner will receive a $150 gift card. We will also have a gift with purchase for our first 25 customers on opening day. Additionally, we have a gift basket we will be raffling off as a thank you for all your love and support,

Lastly, I want to thank my team. The last 4 weeks have been a whirlwind. I'd like to give a special shoutout to a few members of the crew. To Lindsey, for making sure we were well stocked on the essentials and for being our master procurment officer. She also tackled a bathroom that no one else would. To Sara, new to our crew offically, but she's been a past help. She mopped and cleaned 29457294729 square feet of the new store and is the artistic mind behind some fun additions to the store. To my Madi. This girl. She's only been with us a few months, but has stepped up in ways I can't explain. She has helped to make this move organized and kept me from losing it entirely. Also a GIGANTIC shoutout to our buddies Ben and Matt. These two fellas. Sheesh. Such good guys. We are so blessed to have their love and support.

And then the final three... First, my kiddo. She's dealt with stressed out, exhausted parents and a crazy schedule. Her resilience inspires me. Next, my Gram. She's believed in my dream from day one and has leant support to this cause that has moved me in ways that have changed my life.. And finally, Mr. Sham Fam. He has now officially remodeled three stores for me. This one is by far his best work yet. I had a vision from day one of this journey for what i wanted my store to look like. Our mall location is exactly that. I'm a firm believer that you need to marry someone who is a true partner. I did that. For over 18 years this man has been along for every single one of my wild ideas. And while, internally, I'm sure he's shaken his head from time to time, he has never discouraged me from shooting my shot. When I say I am the luckiest girl in the world, I mean it.

I'm excited to see all of you in our new location. I truly feel like this new chapter is leading me to the path I was meant to go down. Thanks for joining me on this crazy journey.

Sending love & light,

Julia