The bottom line is this: In October, my former colleague told me I had 4 weeks to find another position because she was restructuring her firm and bringing in a New Jersey partner. She had known for a while that she was thinking about going in that direction — yet she avoided telling me. Not only was it unprofessional, but it was downright rude and disgusting. After spending two and more weeks calling every other lawyer I knew in the known universe for a job (the major problem being that I am specialized and senior…two strikes, you’re out), my SO said, hey, it’s time to start your own practice. And so, with the most trepidation I ever experienced in my life, I got myself an office (in the same building as my former colleague — hah! Now she has to see me in the lobby every now and then, and she looks like crap and I don’t!), got myself a huge Staples order and a computer and stationary and cards and announcements and 6 months later, my practice is (thank goodness and all the great powers that be) booming, my pipeline is working great, and hopefully will continue to do so, and I’m happy being my own boss. And not sharing my originations with other people, except, natch, Uncle Sam.

Sorry for the long post — but, when it came right down to it, yep, it was a major upheaval in my life, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

And so it will go for you gals. You’re all terrific, know your stuff, you have a dedicated clientele and word will spread.

Best of luck!!!!!!!!

Ilysa

I wanted to toss a bit more info into the discussion of eBay’s shameful recent behavior. I only offer a couple of decants, I mainly sell discontinued scents and random antique collectibles. My suspension (after 7 great years on eBay) and deletion of 175 active listings followed my listing of 2 mini colognes. Jules by Dior and Balafre by Lancome. To this day, eBay refuses to tell me WHY I was suspended….they state “trademark policy violations” and “fraud” as the reason. I have NEVER committed either EVER. Have never had one complaint against me. The only response I received from an actual person was from Customer Support to tell me not to take the suspension personally….as eBay was just performing random actions in an effort to reduce fraud??? Why Dior and Lancome?? Why when those scents continue to be sold?

Long story short: eBay is being sued by designers. Namely Dior, etc. http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y06/m11/i29/s01

In an effort to appear to be complying with the suit, they are axing sellers at random. If any decanters were offering Dior scents, this may have been the main reason you were targeted. My main deep frustration with eBay’s sickening behavior remains that to this day they have NOT told anyone WHY they are killing us off.

eBay has a vast messaging system and to my knowledge they have yet to acknowledge what they are up to regarding axing fragrance sellers. http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200704.shtml Did any decant sellers receive notice of the new no-decant policy, or did eBay just start axing?

I’ve sent a registered letter to their CEO Meg Whitman informing her of these despicable recent practices and requesting that eBay immediately disclose what these new policies are. This silent destruction of reputable sellers has to be some form of fraud on their part, as their behavior forces us to play Russian roulette with future listings as we do not know what designers are not allowed to be listed. I’ve inquired of a class action lawsuit attorney, but I’m not sure if I will decide to exert the energy. The negativity from this mess is wearing on my soul…and I may just move ahead happily on my own instead.

Sorry for the length of my post. And also for not being a strictly decant seller…but as a fellow perfume lover, I wanted you guys to know that I feel your pain and I am so darn proud of you all for landing on your feet and leaving eBay in the dust !!! Their monopoly has to be nearing its end.

Best Regards,
Deirdre Kanakis