Our Story
Hello, my name is Fay Dean. I am the humble, but also very proud owner of The Crystal Shop in Camden, NSW. My youngest daughter Elise and I have run the Crystal Shop together over the past 12 years. I would like to share with you a little of our story.
My lovely Mum was diagnosed with the hideous disease, bowel cancer, in 2006. I went from full-time work, to part-time work, to then completely stopping work altogether to care for her (with the help and support of my family). Mum passed away in 2008. This broke my heart; I was completely at a loss.
(my beautiful mum and eldest daughter)
(My late husband)
I have lost other very close members of my family, including my first husband at the very young age of 20, but nothing prepared me for this overwhelming empty feeling that I had. Mum was my rock and my best friend. I went back to work after a couple of months, but nothing could fill the void that I was experiencing. A very dear friend of mine phoned me one day to ask me out for a coffee - I did not feel like going out, but something was telling me urgently to go, so I did. After a little while of catching up, we went for a walk and strolled into Camden Arcade, in which my friend went to the restrooms just beside The Crystal Shop... and yes! You guessed it! I went into the shop. The previous owner started up a conversation and we got talking, she just happened to mention that the business was for sale. Tears welled up in my eyes as I knew then and there I was going to buy this business. I might add, my friend thought I was "mad".
I then purchased the business in 2009 against a lot of people’s advice - My husband included (I do acknowledge that he was only looking out for me, and that also I was in a vulnerable state of mind). At the time small businesses were not doing so well economically and people were uncertain to make business commitments.
Well, the rest is history as you can see; I bought the beautiful Crystal Shop that is filled with love, blessing and gratitude. And I know deep in my heart my beautiful Mother and the universe had a lot to do with my story.
This beautiful poem fell out of Mums belongings when I was going through them after she passed. I would like to share it with you all:
(The hand written letter)
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand?
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand?
“Thank you, Mum I love you all the world a two bob”.
Fay xx
PS: My very loving Husband tells everyone that he is eating humble pie and it was the best decision I ever made. And I might add I could not have done this without his love and support thank you from the bottom of my heart (good things come to those that wait.) Love you.
