If you’ve been following along Travel Patterns’ journey this year, then you’ve probably seen that I’m expecting my first baby this summer! Since our official opening of the shop, I’ve been asked the same question again and again: Did you know you were pregnant when you decided to open a brick and mortar store? The answer is no! I wasn’t pregnant when my husband and I decided to take on this new adventure.

During the Summer of 2020, my husband and I spent intentional time thinking about the strengths and weaknesses of this business. While I run the business day to day, my husband and I are definitely a team when making big decisions for the company so together we discussed what could be the next right thing for Travel Patterns.

Historically, Travel Patterns has been an e-commerce business (with random pop up shops and events here and there), so while we were a “local” brand, our community didn’t have direct access to us day to day. After last year with the pandemic, it felt as though it was more important than ever to lean into our local community and be more accessible to you - our amazing customers and support! Thus, we pursued opening Travel Patterns’ first brick & mortar shop.

My Husband and I at our Grand Opening Fiesta in May

After months of research and pursuing a brick and mortar location, we found a spot that felt right. Last October, we signed a two year lease and excitedly started the process of renovating the shop to be the best it could be. However, we had no idea that while we were birthing a brick and mortar baby, another baby would also be on its way.

My husband and I had been trying to conceive for almost a year without any results. While we were excited to start a family, we were not concerned about the time it was taking to conceive. But the best things in life are often what we don’t plan so sure enough, TWO WEEKS after we signed the lease on the store, we got pregnant!

To say I was shocked is an understatement. I am definitely a planner and prefer to have all my ducks in a row. Renovating a building, opening a brick and mortar store, AND planning to have our first child all in one calendar year was a bit more than I would have planned for myself. Yet, my husband and I are firm believers in God’s divine timing. We know that while this is going to be a VERY eventful year, we trust that He will equip us for the season ahead.

As a woman and small business owner, it’s intimidating planning to step away from the day to day activities of this business for a period of time to begin motherhood. There has been much planning required to ensure that this business stays afloat while I step away to focus on my family. For those of you who have been following our journey for a bit, you’ll notice we have a new face around here; Alex! She is the first full time hire we’ve added to the team and we’re so grateful to have her onboard. She will be handling the shop, and most of the day to day activities and communications in my absence.

My current plan is to take maternity leave for four to six weeks after the baby arrives, so you won’t see me in the shop during that time. Once my maternity leave is over, you’ll probably start to see a new tiny face when you visit the shop! Navigating running a business with a newborn is definitely going to be a challenge, so I welcome your encouragement and support!

Come see me (and this baby belly!) at the shop over the next couple of weeks while you still can. After that, stay connected online where we’ll share the arrival of the newest member of the Travel Patterns family!

Take Heart. Take Flight.

-- Lauren

Letters From Lauren: Small Business Meets Motherhood