Being Rich has Nothing to do with Money

Eleven years ago I watched as my mother took the leap from corporate America to creating her own small business. This took courage, self-confidence, and hard work—but what she’s built in brick and mortar, in community, and in personal growth and happiness is something that no desk job could have ever given her—a feeling of achievement, pride, and a real genuine love for what she does.

Immediately I knew that I too wanted this. The freedom, the passion, and the ability to create something out of nothing, and more than anything to make that something incredible.

On July 1^st I’m excited to be taking the first step in not only following in my mother’s footsteps, but also in making this dream a reality.

The best part. I’m not in it alone. I am fortunate to of course have my mother as a mentor, but also an entire support system spread across the globe. As an avid traveler I’ve spent many of my adult years living abroad, currently I am enjoying the island life in Southern Thailand. But it is also through this nomadic lifestyle that I’ve learned the importance of roots. And I couldn’t be more happy or proud to be laying roots back in my hometown.

About Sparrow+Mason, LLC

Our boutique shop has tailored it’s product lines to appeal to the 25 to 40 year old demographic. We carry men and women’s clothing, accessories, home décor, jewelry, and uncommon gifts. Each item is hand-picked, offering a taste of local, national, and global products.

Named after our two rescue dogs, one saved from the streets of Thailand and the other from a dumpster in Jefferson County, Missouri, we are committed to sharing a portion of our annual proceeds with animal rescue organizations in both locations.

The Sparrow+Mason Team

Jenna Smith—a Windsor High School, University of Kansas, and Webster-London MBA graduate, she seeks adventure where it can be found and enjoys experiencing new cultures, countries, and most of all new people.

Ulick Cady—a native of D.C. and newbie to Midwestern mentality and customs, he enjoys island and city life, but feels home is truly where the dogs are.

Sara Roe—a Windsor High School and Missouri State graduate with a degree in fashion merchandising, has an eye for fashion and style, while her other eye is focused on her two little boys (and husband). Her experience includes buying, merchandising, and allocations with LA-based companies (BCBG Max Azria, Skechers) and St. Louis-based companies (Bakers Shoes, Scrubs & Beyond).

The Smith Family—Betteanne is the owner of Mississippi Mud Gallery and Gifts, also located in Kimmswick, MO. She and Jenna wouldn’t be where they were today without the love and physical support of their handymen and accountant, Mike (father) and Drew (brother).

Upcoming Event: Grand Opening + Reopening + Anniversary Open House

Join us on Saturday, July 1, 2017 as we celebrate Sparrow+Mason’s grand opening along with Mississippi Mud’s Grand Reopening in their new location as well as their 10^th Anniversary. 

The joint festivities include: ribbon cuttings by Mayor Phil Stang, drawings, door prizes, drinks, and discounts.

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My life is weird…or just not exactly 2017?

My life is weird…or just not exactly 2017?

Today, or in the past week, for example, I have:

• Seen a dead, bloated cat on the side of major road…that apparently no one else sees (or cares to see);
• Eaten food from a non-health inspected restaurant or cart…and loved every minute of it (and not died);
• Urgently pooed in a few of the least convenient places known to man (not related to the above meals);
• Ridden a bicycle through Bangkok traffic (you haven’t fully lived until you’ve experienced this);
• Trusted a random cab driver, alone, on the darkest of roads you’ll ever see;
• Spoken with more immigration officials than friends or family; and,
• Been without a constant connection to Wifi.

I will now, in full disclosure, say that this blog post is based off the needy, over-entitled customers I have been dealing with in the last week.  In no way do I think the life I’m living is special, lucky, or even worthy of sharing. This has all been written by just taking a step back from these customer-related questions and accusations and thinking…What? Is this real life today? Is this is what you (and others) really think and feel?

However, I do think that my current living situation and how I enjoy life at it’s most is more conducive to an old soul (though probably just circa 1998). Because in the past year I have loved my life and never once have I ever thought about any of the below as being hindrances to anything I can and will ever achieve.

I have:

• Lived without Facebook (clause: I’ve just recently re-activated for Journey…but have not looked at one personal newsfeed);
• Taken more buses than almost anyone you know (think Greyhound…or worse);
• Smelled some of the most horrid smells you’ll ever imagine (and not vomited);
• Made a bicycle my primary source of transportation;
• Owned only flip flops, no proper shoes;
• Lived in a one bedroom tiny studio with zero amenities (still do);
• Created an entire social life around tourists (who leave) and old, retired men (who mostly speak Thai);
• Decided I will not be having a human baby, only a babies in the forms of buildings and Thai dogs;
• Made friends with some of the most awesome planet wanderers in the world;
• Gone days without electricity;
• Realized that most of the entire world lives in something smaller than the size of a studio apartment (with more than 1 person mind you);
• Seen life leave families from natural disasters;
• Spent days on deserted islands;
• Not known who any of the people I read about are on the E! website (and not even cared to follow up); and, have
• Travelled to more countries in one year than many will reach in a lifetime.

This life is not for everyone. Do I sometimes miss the comforts and easiness that 2017 brings – of course! I mean finding out that one restaurant on the island takes online food delivery orders was somewhat life changing (and fattening).  But, do I also value a life where I spend a great deal time offline, where forms of payment are only in cash (zero debt), and my commute is 15 minutes along the sea. Of course.

I’m not comparing anything. No life is greater (or better) than another. However, what I’ve come to learn is that in today’s easily accessible (at the touch of your finger) world – we may be forgetting a few things.

Like actually how to live.

This past week I read a book that I will recommend to others, “The Road to Character.” Put it on your list (or at least the first half and the last chapter). There are quite a few historical accounts, along with explanations of today’s everyday dependence on being loved (by everyone and everywhere) that will hit home.

From reading it, and living the last 14 months on an island, I will say, we could do with:

• A little less connectivity, and a lot more alone time, pen to paper brainstorming, and original thought.
• A little less fear, and more trust and genuine friendliness.
• A little less money, and a lot more true experiences.
• A little less jealousy, and a lot more actually doing.
• A little less protectiveness (of ourselves and ones we love), and a lot more “live and let live.”
• A little less “online love”, and a lot more real love.

And finally, we could do without quite a few of our everyday comforts, and do with a lot more character.

My resolution this year is more alone time. Completely and utterly alone. No distractions. No devices. Just myself. It’s not easy – I’ve had quite a few recent “forced alone times” and at first you feel fidgety and weird, but then it all makes sense.

There’s a reason so many inventions, great works of literature, and life-changing theories were created, pre- present day technology. They had the time and the space to sit there. And think.

So think about that. And think about spending (and enjoying) a bit more time alone today.

But don’t log off before liking and/or following our new hostel which is opening soon!  We are currently on Instagram and Facebook, with a website to come. But more importantly, plan on coming to see us and actually “experiencing and doing” Koh Lanta!