Julie - scrapaholic Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I had product in my cart from Jan Hicks and it's gone. I went back into the boutique to put them back in and Jan is not listed anymore. Is she gone too? I know that Valerie and Marnie left, but I guess Jan did too. Who else has left and why can't the members know what is going on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiza126 Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Yes, sadly Jan has left as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie - scrapaholic Posted March 11, 2011 Author Share Posted March 11, 2011 That is sad. I wanted some edges that she had for a LO I was working on. Who else has gone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjc Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 it is so sad that some of the best people i have met here just up and disappear...no mention, no goodbye, good luck , nothing... people need closure .... i am really sorry to see these gals and others go and am also wondering whats up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose Ann Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I asked in a different thread, and Ro said that she felt it was wiser not to say anything at that time. While it would give closure to have information, I have to respect the way she chooses to run her company. I wish them all the very best. They will be sorely missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorac Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 So sorry to hear that Jan has left also. I met her and she was just so sweet. She, Valerie and Marnie will be missed. Especially Valerie and her wonderful sense of humor. I wish them all luck in their future endeavors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScrapGirlsRo Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I know it is hard for you to see them leave. It is hard for us, too. There are circumstances surrounding their departure that are of a nature that would make it unwise for me to say much. It would be unkind of me to tell you how and why and to make an announcement. Generally, when people leave a company, the company doesn't announce it publicly unless there is some particularly happy cause - like they are joining the Peace Core or something equally astonishing. You are used to me keeping you updated and I know that my inability to talk about it is confusing. I hope you will understand that I am trying to do what is best for all concerned. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie - scrapaholic Posted March 11, 2011 Author Share Posted March 11, 2011 But don't you think as customers we have a right to know when our favorite designers are leaving. Other sites offer a retirement sale so we can purchase before all is gone. Here your kept in the dark and product is just removed. Not good business practice sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiza126 Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 As much as I, too, would have liked to see a retirement sale or warning so I could stock up on the designers' products before they left, I also respect their decisions. And it is possible that they preferred to leave the boutique quickly & quietly without announcing their departure in a public manner. I know this is sad, but we still have so many amazing designers, so the boutique will never be lacking for great products Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScrapGirlsRo Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I'm sorry, Julie, but we had no warning. If we had known ahead of time, and if the circumstances around the departures were right, we could have done just that and that is normally what happens. But this time, our hands were tied. This did not fall out in the usual way. I'm so sorry. I know this is tremendously disappointing to you. I wish I could fix it for you, but I can't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiannaC Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 It is sad to see the designers go, but I support Ro's decision. She is running a business and for her protection, privacy and for many other reasons, I am sure, she has decided not to disclose company information. Scrap Girls is one of the best sites I've seen and I support her right and the designer's rights to privacy, and will continue to do business with Scrap Girls. I'm sure all of this is not fun for anyone who working on the inside and is in the know. I wish all the players luck in whatever they decide to do next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjc Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 well the sad thing is that this has happened several times Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheri T Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I too will miss these designers and their products tremendously, and wish circumstances could have lent themselves to a nice retirement sale before their departures. I know that in the past when an occasional designer has left, there has indeed been a retirement sale on that person's products. An example from a year or two ago: Cheryl Barber I trust Ro to let us know what she feels she can, and think she has a good business head on her shoulders to know when it's appropriate to tell things to us and when that is proprietary business information or just plain confidential and between her and the other person(s) involved. Much though human nature is such that we often want to know everything, I know that is unrealistic, disappointing though it is when it affects us and our friends. I also respect that in general, this store has been the most stable of any I've ever been aware of. I still receive newsletters from other stores, mainly just to watch trends, and I see turnover in their designers ALL the time. While it is shocking that turnover is occurring here now, it is in fact a part of life, much though again, as humans, we tend to detest change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I too will miss these designers and their products tremendously, and wish circumstances could have lent themselves to a nice retirement sale before their departures. I know that in the past when an occasional designer has left, there has indeed been a retirement sale on that person's products. An example from a year or two ago: Cheryl Barber I trust Ro to let us know what she feels she can, and think she has a good business head on her shoulders to know when it's appropriate to tell things to us and when that is proprietary business information or just plain confidential and between her and the other person(s) involved. Much though human nature is such that we often want to know everything, I know that is unrealistic, disappointing though it is when it affects us and our friends. I also respect that in general, this store has been the most stable of any I've ever been aware of. I still receive newsletters from other stores, mainly just to watch trends, and I see turnover in their designers ALL the time. While it is shocking that turnover is occurring here now, it is in fact a part of life, much though again, as humans, we tend to detest change. "I trust Ro to let us know what she feels she can, and think she has a good business head on her shoulders to know when it's appropriate to tell things to us and when that is proprietary business information or just plain confidential and between her and the other person(s) involved." Well said, Cheri. I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheri Johnson Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Don't worry Julie, most of us are still here to design and be ScrapGirls just like always! People come and go as life circumstances change, it's just hard when so much seems to happen at once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie - scrapaholic Posted March 11, 2011 Author Share Posted March 11, 2011 well the sad thing is that this has happened several times Yes, it has happened before Bobbi, and I guess every time is the same. Happens quickly and we don't get a chance. I understand Ro what you are trying to say, I just feel that it happens to often here and I keep losing the designers I like and it does force me to look elsewhere or to follow my designers wherever they might wind up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose Ann Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I believe that it is particularly difficult when designers leave SG because we have developed personal relationships with them. I remember when I found SG almost 5 years ago and Marnie was one of the first people to welcome me and answer my questions. She spent a ton of time in the chat room explaining the ins and outs of PSE to me. I think that the situation is complicated by the virtual friendships we have developed. I am at Walmart a couple of times a week, and if an employee leaves, they don't tell me at all. I am not hurt or upset by that and I don't feel that I have a right to the information about why they left. Is this situation really that different? Only that we know and like the people who left. Where we choose to shop has always been our personal decision. You have to follow your heart and your conscience. As long as high quality, beautiful, and unique products are offered here, I see no reason to stop buying them in the boutique (even if my walled cries and begs....) Peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheri T Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I think that's true, Rose Ann, and again underscores my opinion that this is the best place right here. I don't know of another store whose designers spend so much time and effort participating on the boards, commenting on customer layouts, and making friendships. And you're right; that probably contributes to the sadness right now because these are not just celebrity designers, they are our friends who we've come to know and love for qualities other than just their ability to make gorgeous products. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiza126 Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Yes, it has happened before Bobbi, and I guess every time is the same. Happens quickly and we don't get a chance. I understand Ro what you are trying to say, I just feel that it happens to often here and I keep losing the designers I like and it does force me to look elsewhere or to follow my designers wherever they might wind up. It is very difficult when people leave, especially when personal relationships are involved. I think we can all agree that. But people come and go. Turnover and change are just facts of life. Designers choose to close their stores, Team Members step down from their positions, active message board members disappear suddently. But at the same time, look at all the new designers we've gotten recently... Sara is designing now, and we recently added Chere, Pebbles and Lore! Lots of new team members and layout artists, and lots of new members are active now! What has happened recently with these designers is now in the past. Nothing we can do to change that. Ro did what she felt was best for this situation and everyone involved. Let's focus on the positive here and move on. *steps off my soapbox now* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kara Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I'm very sorry to hear that Jan has left, too. I loved her products! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elisha Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 It is a most wonderful thing to be a designer here at Scrap Girls. I hear designers rave about how much better this environment is than so many other stores. One particularly good thing is that the designer retains ownership of the product. It would be wonderful for us if the product could stay - but that's not good for the designers who create such a wonderful product. The designs belong to them. Everyone here knows from their own life that things change and we have to make difficult decisions at times. And we have to make decisions based on what is best for us and for or families. The decisions we make will affect others for better or worse. I will miss the presence of these designers and their wonderful designs around here. I will respect their decisions. And the relationship is not gone. It's not like they dropped off of the face of the earth. All is not lost. And Scrap Girls is still a wonderful place with many talented designers, welcoming and helpful people, and great sales (PURPLE LIGHT). And we can move on from here and get better! The best is yet to come!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorac Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 People come and people go in our lives. Things change, and we do not always like the changes. I love Scrap Girls and I won't leave until it no longer exists. Heaven Forbid! I will miss these designers and their designs. They were friends, and that makes it hard to see them go. I wish them all the best. However, we still have some wonderful designers at SG and I love them all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becca Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 People come and people go in our lives. Things change, and we do not always like the changes. I love Scrap Girls and I won't leave until it no longer exists. Heaven Forbid! I will miss these designers and their designs. They were friends, and that makes it hard to see them go. I wish them all the best. However, we still have some wonderful designers at SG and I love them all. Exactly, Carol! Well said! But I just want to say "They ARE friends." Present tense, because I'm sure lots of us still read their blogs, chat with them via Facebook, and so on. The designers who left are still around us... just not here. In this day and age, there are so many ways to keep in touch with people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shari PV Mom Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Change is difficult but it's a natural and necessary part of life. Unfortunately we cannot know the circumstances behind these designers departure. Maybe they are related but it's entirely possible (and maybe even probable) that the timing of their departure is coincidental. There have been changes occurring in their individual lives for quite some time. For example, Jan has been on sabbatical for a good long time. She's been focusing on her health and on her new life as a Beachbody Coach. That takes a lot of time and effort so I'm sure that had a great deal to do with her decision to drop out of the design race for now. We cannot even begin to speculate as to the reasons behind their decisions. I, for one, wish them the absolute best in their future endeavors. And as Becca said, they are all STILL my friends and I will continue to value their friendships in other arenas. On the other side of this coin, you might want to consider that this might open up a few designer positions. SG limits the number of designers and layout artists on the team so now there might be a few positions available. So, I suggest that if you are so inclined, you might want to check out the requirements to apply for those upcoming positions. (Even though the page says the positions are currently full that might change so you might want to be ready!) You can't find a better place on the web (to work or to hang out with friends or both) than Scrap Girls. You just can't. So let's look at the bright side and find the silver lining. There is one in every situation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngRoCamp Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 I think from a community sense it sucks when people choose to leave for whatever reason. I've had so many friends come and go from this community and it's hard every time someone fades away or leaves abruptly. It's not really any different than "real life" I guess in that it's hard to change. I'm grateful for new friends who come along, too! But that doesn't mean I don't feel the empty spot left by someone when they go. The designers who have left recently all leave a hole in the community because they were involved and friendly and awesome in the community. They are definitely going to be missed! I'm glad to have gotten to know them here and I'm glad for other ways to maintain those friendships. From a customer sense it really stinks to not be able to grab that product you were considering, or be able to look forward to designs from a specific person who always seems to meet your style needs. I'd also been dragging my feet on a few of Jan's products and am kicking myself now I guess from a business sense it's probably unrealistic to expect a big explanation/announcement every time someone joins or leaves the team. The only time I can really think of when in a business sense peoples' departures are discussed openly are in job transfers and retirements. In both those cases it's usually a planned thing with plenty of time to plan a grand departure, an opportunity to thank and wish well to the person leaving, typically a happy occasion. If someone is leaving a company suddenly, chances are it's because the person leaving is unhappy and makes a choice to move on, or the company is unhappy and is making a choice to end the business relationships with the person. I don't think in either case it's appropriate to make all of that public knowledge. The people involved directly can share their reasons of course, but it's probably not very professional to do it in a public arena. I wish I understood completely why some team members have left recently but I have to respect their choices to keep or disclose information to their own comfort level. (And as far as a business owner goes, I have to assume there are legal obligations to protect someone's privacy, too, so I assume Ro simply can't disclose everything we'd like to know.) I do hope that if any of our designers leave for just simple ol' life-change, personal reasons (like I believe Cheryl did, maybe Urusla too?) then they would give us the opportunity to wish them well when they leave (and stock up on their product goodness!! LOL). I just have to realize that sometimes that's not the way it plays out. It's hard. Your frustrations are valid Julie. I don't think there's really a happy answer though, when the situation involves seeing people leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiles Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Should there be any shadow of a doubt, I hope all our Purple Shirts (everyone including product designers, layout designers, staff, welcoming committee, anyone I may have inadvertently forgotten, as well as our Fearless Leader, Ro) know we love and cherish you all and all you do to make this such a wonderful community very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiza126 Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Should there be any shadow of a doubt, I hope all our Purple Shirts (everyone including product designers, layout designers, staff, welcoming committee, anyone I may have inadvertently forgotten, as well as our Fearless Leader, Ro) know we love and cherish you all and all you do to make this such a wonderful community very much. Thanks, Gayle! It never hurts to be reminded of that It's members like you who make our jobs so much more pleasant! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinkerbell11 Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Should there be any shadow of a doubt, I hope all our Purple Shirts (everyone including product designers, layout designers, staff, welcoming committee, anyone I may have inadvertently forgotten, as well as our Fearless Leader, Ro) know we love and cherish you all and all you do to make this such a wonderful community very much. Thank you Gayle, we are all so sad to see the people leave that have decided too also. Hugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiannaC Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Amen, Gayle! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather09 Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Well said Gayle! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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