Future Scaling Back & Closure
As we enter 2026 and a new chapter unfolds, it is with a heavy heart that I announce Michelle's Haven will undergo significant scaling back, potentially resulting in its eventual closure. Due to my brother's unforeseen health crisis and my parents' increasing care needs, family has become my top priority. My father's Alzheimer's diagnosis and my mother's current hospitalization require my immediate attention.
With my brother facing a medical crisis, he now relies on my assistance, adding to my responsibilities despite my own disabilities. I appreciate the kindness of loved ones, his friends in Maryland that have been Angels and life savers, particularly during my recent snow-induced isolation in North Carolina. Your support has meant a great deal, and I appreciate your understanding during this challenging period.
The website will redirect to michelleshaven.net until April. You can continue to shop on my Etsy page at https://michelleshavennc.etsy.com. Updates will follow around the 10th or Valentine's Day. Sincerely, Michelle Shaffer, Owner and Fiber Artist.
Navigating a family emergency while managing a personal business like Michelle’s Haven highlights the complex balance many creators face between passion projects and personal responsibilities. When a close family member is diagnosed with a condition such as Alzheimer's, as Michelle’s father was, the emotional and practical demands can be overwhelming. Alzheimer's impacts memory and daily function, requiring often extensive caregiving and adjustments that ripple through family dynamics. In addition, helping a sibling through a medical crisis adds another layer of commitment, especially when the caregiver has their own health challenges. Many small business owners face similar situations where prioritizing family means scaling back or temporarily closing their shops. It’s encouraging to see Michelle express gratitude towards those who have supported her through this, including friends from Maryland and community members during periods of isolation such as snow events in North Carolina. For customers and supporters, transitioning to online platforms like Etsy can be a great way to maintain connection and show continued support for artisans during difficult times. Etsy’s marketplace provides a flexible platform for creatives to keep their shops open even when main websites are temporarily redirected or closed. This period also serves as a reminder to foster kindness and patience for small business owners juggling multiple responsibilities. If you or anyone you know is in a similar situation balancing caregiving and entrepreneurship, resources and support groups focused on Alzheimer’s and family caregiving can offer guidance and community. Sharing experiences online, as Michelle has done, not only helps raise awareness about these personal challenges but also strengthens the artisan community’s resilience and connection. Ultimately, Michelle’s update is a touching example of the human side behind small businesses and the care it takes to prioritize family health while continuing to share creative passions with others.