As you know, Alan and I decided to take the plunge and give our online shop a brick and mortar home (yes, we are officially bonkers). After two very busy weeks, full of cleaning, painting, pollyfila repairs, tradesmen nightmares and a lot of hard work, last Saturday we finally opened Picado Mexican Pantry in South Richmond Street in Dublin 2.
It's been a hell of a rollacoster ride. I think I have definitely developed an allergy to paint burshes (if I see one more I think I'll scream) and I have learned that a bad plumber can make you cry a lot... for two DIY virgins like Alan and I, to have the shop opened and looking soooo beautiful it's an absolute dream.
None of this would have been possible with without the support, help and encouragement of so many friends and family. Thank you all for the good wishes, the flowers, the cards, the chocolates and the tons of booze! We needed it all! :) There are a few people we must thank specially as, without them, none of this would have been posible.
The super talented and friendly guys from Ovo, our design agency, who went above and beyond their duties to get us open. Stephanie, Jonathan, Philip, Gerry and Anthony not only designed a smashing logo and postcards for us, but helped us with the shop front and a gazillion of other things... their guidance through the branding process was invaluable and for that, we'll be forever gratetful. Amazing people to work with!
There is one more very special gal I need to thank, the uber talented Alex, aka The Interior DIYer, who gave our vision the perfect look. Alex not only designed for us, but she also upcycled, painted, posed for silly pictures, got out of bed at ungodly hours and held my hand while ordering the kitchen; she was instrumental to the design of the shopping experience, unclutter and bright. She was everything you want from a designer and more. Alex you totally rock girl!
Another specail thank you goes to my minions, particularly Daili, Adam, Kevin, Niamh and Liam. These guys cleaned, painted, merchandised and made name tags for us. How cool is that?!
Finally to you, my readers, who encouraged me every day here and on facebook. Thank you, you make it all worthwile! I leave you now with a few snaps of the new shop, if you are in Dublin, pop in and say hi.
