These past few months, I have often wondered what I should write to tell you that I’m closing down the shop. The first months I really started thinking about it, were filled with a huge amount of sadness. Today I’m writing this a bit more peacefully.
Turning the page on something that I created from scratch and worked so hard at, was not easy but I’m over the grieving period now and frankly since dad’s death, grief has taken a whole new level.
I’m also a firm believer that for new doors to open, you need to close some and I have far too many things I want to do to fit everything in this life alone.
Why do I stop now after ten years?
The short answer is “I’m done with it”.
To put a positive spin on it, it has been a fantastic adventure but rarely has it been a walk in a park…more like sweat, tears and very long hours but when you’re driven by passion, it doesn’t really matter.
Cashflow issues, hackers, Bailiffs…you can read here on the Kelly Hoppen blog, what an “adventure” it has been up to 2012.
In 2013, we also had this major issue with this copycat and a few others …
Then Dad died…and yes there is definitively a life before dad and one after.
October was hugely painful for my family, November was horrific for Paris and the world and I just looked at my life and decided that was it. I was done coping with all of this…like a Eat Pray Love type of moment (I loved that movie didn’t you!?!) except that I can bugger off to Bali for a year because I have a family I love here.
I’ve always pride myself in being a fighter and never give up but I do feel today that I have done everything I could do to make BODIE and FOU the shop a success against all the odds.
We had over the past ten years, the most fantastic press coverage in numerous national and international magazines like ELLE Decoration UK, Norway, Sweden, US, Living Etc, Inside Out (Australia), House & Garden (UK & New-Zealand), Red, VT Wonen, Milk, Scotland on Sunday, Daily Mail, Marie-Claire Maison, Home Beautiful (UK and Australia), Anthology.
We won an Award for our first mail order catalogue, launched our first print collection to much acclaim, had an amazing creative collaboration with iconic Danish brand Vipp, orders coming from all over the world but I’m simply done running the shop and since I was the one to switch on the light, I’ll be the one switch it off too.
What will happen of the shop?
Having sold the e-commerce side, the shop will keep running under new management.
What will happen to BODIE and FOU and the Blog?
I will work on various projects under the BODIE and FOU brand and will of course, carry on curating the blog with more in-depth articles on all the things I’m passionate about: design, fashion and well-being.
What am I going to do?
I have a few things in the pipeline, new business ideas and a lot of skills to build on so I’m not too worried and I’ve never been someone sitting on her laurels for too long. However, the thing I want to do the most right now, is having a proper break so I can look after myself, my family and decide what I want to do next and go through Christmas which will be the first one without our dad and that alone, I’m sure, won’t be easy…
Last but not least, I also want to thank you all for your support over the past ten years, be it on the blog, Instagram or as customers from BODIE and FOU. I’ve always said our customers were really nice and I meant that. I think I can count on one hand, the number of customers who were really difficult over the course of ten years. You guys have been amazing and so giving.
We often received emails from customers out of the blue telling us how much they loved the brand and the collection and each of these emails really touched me deeply so thank you, thank you very very much for everything and for being part of this adventure with me for the past ten years.
“Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place”
Well let me be the first to wish you good luck. Life can be a roller coaster and my advice is – enjoy the ride but hold on tight. Much love to you and your family. xx
Thank you very much Di lots of love to you too
Oh no, I feel really sad. I know it is weird but I have only just found you and love what you do so much both the interiors but mostly the personal touches and simple honesty.
I run a very small interiors business and had contacted ‘the girls’ about stocking your posters. Will they go too? Oh no!
I admire what you have created and wish you the best of luck for the future.
With a gulp, Nyree x
Hi Nyree
Actually no, the prints will stay because it’s one creative process I really enjoy and they have had tremendous success. I’m planning to release new ones in 2016 so I will let you know. Thanks
Thank you – thoroughly enjoyed your shop, blog, and Instagram. Life is short and dynamic ???? Be happy –
Thank you Sarah it sure is
This is really sad news but mainly I just wanted to wish you a whole lot of luck for the future, I’m sure it will be amazing as you’re a very talented woman! My dad died 5 years ago, it’s really hard, especially the first year Christmas and all the first family birthdays that they miss so I’m sending you lots of love too xx
Thank you Carolyn, I really appreciate. I’m not looking forward too much to Xmas but I have a 10 years old who is super excited so somehow between laughters and tears we will celebrate
An incredible achievement that has inspired so many others. You must be so proud Karine. Onwards and upwards with the new and even more amazing. Big hug and Bonne Chance clever lady xx
Thanks Caroline. I am. I’m aware that I have created a lifestyle brand that goes beyond the shop and I have plans to do things with it
hello
good luck, i just started following you on instagram. i’ve always gone to bodie and fou for inspiration. i don’t even know you but i wish you well.
good luck. you won’t regret it!
Myf
Thank you very much and I hope I will carry on providing some inspiration through the blog and other ventures :-)
Karine Im truly sorry to hear the store is going – Ive felt for you with your father’s passing and I know how hard it is to run an online business – I tried it and couldn’t sustain it a few years back. Im sure there will come a day very soon where you will feel nothing but relief and the weight on your shoulders will lift. Im also super excited for you – Im looking forward to seeing where you go next. All the very best to you and your family. x
Thank you very much Carole, I really appreciate. Keep the good work too, I love what you do
C’est toujours triste de voir la fin d’une boutique, d’un magazine ou d’une marque, mais c’est aussi la vie, nous changeons, nous avançons et en effet, ce qui s’est passé à Paris nous a tous ébranlés. J’ai toujours admiré votre goût impeccable et je suis sûre que vous saurez rebondir vers de nouveaux projets.
merci beaucoup Lor
I had forgotten about this copycat thing but the Heimelig store still looks A LOT like yours! I can’t believe this!!
What a shame, but I am sure this will be the right decision for you. I do hope you continue with your blogs and on Instagram – always so uplifting and positive! All the very best
Thanks Sarah yes I will carry on writing on the blog and of course Instagram which I love
Dear Karine
What a brave decision, good for you. Sad to say goodbye, I will sure miss your beautiful shop, but I will continue to follow you on SoMe and your blog. You are such an inspiration and I’m glad that I have met you irl.
I wish you all the best, really from the bottom of my heart ALL the best. I know how hard it is to loose you dad, I’m sorry for you. I lost mine 30 years ago <3 But somehow you find out that lie is short and you bette make the best of it.
All the best
Malene / Boligcious
Thank you Malene, lots of love to you too.
Hi, just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear you are closing down, you have created a truly fantastic and unique brand. But hats off for being so frank and having the courage to say stop. Wishing you an energising and peaceful break and all the best for the future.
And finally, I hope we haven’t seen the last of you : ) xx
Thanks very much Sofia
All the best with your new ventures, Karine. I’m sad to see the shop go but excited to hear you are starting afresh. Take care, Christele
Thank you Christele
Karine, so sorry to hear your are closing the store, but Im sure whatever you choose to do next its gonna be a success. You are a talented lady!
I have been following on and off for years, not sure why I stopped but have been enjoying every single post since rediscovering your blog last year.
I lost my mother 15+years ago and in some ways it gets easier with time. Everyone is dealing with grief differently and I can only wish you to find the best way for you to heal.
Good luck with everything!
(I just realized that I was following that copycat person on IG and promptly unfollow her after reading your post).
Thanks Eva I really appreciate. I’m glad you’re back reading the blog. I will probably spend more time on it now and yes the copycat thing was pretty stressful at the time (good luck to her!)
Keep up your spirit, Karine, and bon voyage for your next adventures. I know you’ll create something amazing again. I just know it. Xo, Si-
Merci chouchou grosses bises
So sorry to here Bodie and Fou is going and so impressed that you have taken the decision, running a shop sure can be a grind at times and I can see you definitely reach a point where it’s time to start something fresh. Especially when life reminds you there’s more out there. Relieved you are keeping the blog as i’d be sad not to read your updates (this is really the only blog I actually read anymore!) a testament to how good it is. Congratulations to you xx
Thank you very very much Kate. Really glad to hear it :-) Wishing you a great Christmas!
Karine,
C’est une triste nouvelle d’apprendre la fermeture d’une des mes boutiques favorites. Mais je suis heureuse pour vous, il est bon de tourner la page parfois et bravo à vous d’avoir le courage de le faire, cela ne doit pas du tout être évident.
Je suis très admirative de votre travail que ce soit sur votre blog, votre boutique ou en tant que styliste. Il me tarde de voir quels seront vos nouveaux projets. Je vous souhaite plein de réussite !
Charlotte
Merci beaucoup Charlotte. Je sais…je me souviens avoir été tres triste quand Little Fashion Gallery a fermé mais je vais rester dans la déco et continuer le blog avec d’autres projets
What to say really. I have been following firstly your shop and then your blog for sometime. I’m sorry that you are closing the shop but super excited to see what comes next. I’m so glad that we will still have instagram and the blog, I check in most days and I love the life you have shared with us. Changing direction is an amazing thing to do. So many people just get stuck and are unable to find the courage to stop. Congratulations and a toast to new beginings:)
Thank you Sarah I’m very look forward to leaving 2015 behind :-)
Hi there I recently found you and ordered lovely things – I am so sad in one way to read this as I love reading your words but also I feel positive as your are right moving forward means taking big jumps forward. I am sure this will be a moment you look back on and think it was exactly right thing to do – in meantime sending you strong Karma xxxxx
Thank you very much Fiona, I’m taking all the good karma I can get
C’est une bien triste nouvelle, Karine.
Mais tu le fais, je dirais, pour toutes les bonnes raisons.
Je te souhaite bon repos et surtout bon courage pour la suite!
Hâte de découvrir!
Bye!
Merci beaucoup Nannette bises
This came as shock Karine … but wish you all the best with whatever you do in the future…
I found your blog a year ago and it inspired me when I was looking for it to start my own blog. Every time I read ur blog and it taught me 10 new things …
It was my go to place . Will seriously miss having this place to come to.
Thank you for doing such inspiring work… it meant a lot to me
Thank you but I will carry on the blog
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i have been following you and your work for years by now and i found it very inspiring and motivating. wish you all the best with you book, it will be great thing to do and I couldn`t explain your move differently but as a chance for a new challenge:)
hate de voir les resultats:)
bises from belgrade, serbia.
Thank you very much Katarina
Shocked!
But strength lies in knowing when it is time to call things a day and move on to new challenges, which I am sure are waiting, you are so creative and an inspiration.
Wishing you all the best and looking foward to you sharing this new chapter in your life.
Much love, Vikki, Xxx
Thank you very much Vikki, thank you for your regular comment. I came across one of your old comment you left last year or 2 years ago (can’t remember) and it made me smile
Just read this as a bit behind with blog catch up :-)
Good for you! you are such an inspiration Karine and when I’m having my ‘what to do now’ moments I often ask myself what would you do and use you as an inspiration. You’d make a wonderful mentor for sure.
Good luck with the business wind down, try and take it easy over Christmas and I can’t wait to see what you do next!
M x
Thanks Michelle. Your words really touched me.
OMG, what shock news!
Congratulations on making such a big yet positive decision. I’m excited to follow what you do next.
Whatever it is, I’ve no doubt it will be a big success.
Good on you :)
Speaking of copyright infringement, does this am*zon marketplace seller have your permission to use your pics? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bombay-Duck-Nomad-Embroidered-Occasional/dp/B00JLE9EL2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_201_1/275-4819439-4044343?ie=UTF8&dpID=51NhRbYm5RL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0EWSQFY5MKW72ECEAW16
Thank for this Jane, I will send them an email.
So so sorry to hear that you have decided to close the shop – I have followed you all the way and you have been an inspiration to me in setting up and running my own business. I look forward to the new chapter! Good luck
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Good luck with everything. I made a difficult decision last year to end a relationship and since doing so, many exciting doors have opened for me in my working life. I know this wouldn’t have happened if I had stood still and not taken that leap of faith. I admire you – and hope your next chapter is full of success, love and happiness X