Behind the Scenes Part 1: The Progression of a Move.

Adair Eyewear is Moving, Adair Eyewear News, Adair Eyewear Updates, Alyce Jones, CASE Commercial Real Estate Partners, Hadyn Cutler, Jensen Commercial, Melanie Jones, Temporary Commercial Space

Let’s rewind to 10 years ago, shall we?

I was a senior at Trinity Valley School with some major “senioritis” issues.  I going off to the University of Southern California and swore that I was leaving Texas behind for big city lights…and never going to return. I felt like I was on top of the world…and FINALLY a free adult to do everything and anything my youthful heart desired. I was completely oblivious to what was happening with my mom’s store, Adair Eyewear.

My senior year, my mom Alyce decided to take a risk and move into this new development that was going to be know as Chapel Hill. She was moving from a 1000 sqft space to 2000. From leasing a locally owned small property to going into a big development with national retailers.  She was planning to spend all this money to properly build out this space to fit her, her staff and her clients needs.

Anyway, a month before I left for college she opened this fresh new store.  I can only imagine how she felt.  If I had to think of the recipe of blended emotions…I’m sure there were at the very least happy tears, a sigh of relief, and a dash of fear.  The process and the end result must have felt overwhelming at some point.  But, I honestly don’t remember the moment.

I just remember a finished store…People coming in…My mom working when I would come home from college.  This is how I pictured Adair.  So simple.  Glasses, accessories, changing faces and Alyce (aka mom) handling it all.  I never thought it would ever change.

Adair Eyewear (and Trendy Readers which moved next to Adair Eyewear in 2008)

Well, my view of Adair Eyewear forever changed when I moved back in 2007.  Never say never, right?  For the first time, I started to see Adair Eyewear as a family business and began to take part in it.  I moved our reading glass store from Adair’s previous home on Camp Bowie next to Adair Eyewear.  It was a good move.  And I was even able to start discussing opening my little gift boutique, Prim & Proper as a result.

Now let’s fast forward through all the unforeseen successes and failures of owning a business life to the unexpected news in June of 2011.  We found out we had to move.  What?!  We never thought we would ever move out of Chapel Hill!  But you pick up the pieces of your broken heart and move on.  I started working like I hadn’t worked since going to Parsons and trying to hold my full-time job.  Not even opening Prim & Proper wasn’t nearly as challenging as moving Adair Eyewear!  We had 2 months to find a space, an architect, a contractor, design newsletter, letters, ads, postcards, etc…the timeline was so tight.  Every single day counted.  But against all odds…we did it!  We will be out of our space by August 31st and there is an end to this madness in sight! (I already have planned to take a nice vacation when it’s all done)

Moving is never pretty...and it sure wasn't easy. But the progress is a good thing!

Once again, I can’t imagine how my mom must feel seeing Adair like this 10 years later.  But, everything happens for a reason…and in dark moments you should always continue looking for the light.  Now, more than ever…without any doubt…she has me by her side.  I’m not going anywhere.  Plus, she has you. So many have gone above and beyond to keep the chaos under control (one example…our broker-friend-customer Richard Minker of CASE Commercial!)  The outpouring of support from family, friends, customers is truly amazing.  And we are so grateful for each and every one of you.  Adair Eyewear being able to stay open to a large extent is only possible due to the support family and friends…this she couldn’t do alone.  She has accomplished amazing things in her life.  She was able to build a business, keep amazing friendships, be a single parent, and everything (including me) turned out alright through all the surprises of life.  I’m so proud of her.  I mean really, where would I be without her?

So, this is Adair as of today…in it’s temporary space (just in case you have missed my letter, postcard, facebook-twitter-blog posts, the new 360 West ad…the address is 3408 West 7th) until the new store is ready for move in. 

Big thanks to Hadyn Cutler for letting us have a temporary home!

I can’t wait to post more updates and developments…because you are as much of a part of this and I am.  Stay Tuned!

-Melanie