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Fred…Fred…Fred….
My motto in life has been I would rather beg forgiveness than ask permission….lol
I was married for 6 years and just had my son when I was told that I needed 4 hand and elbow surgeries. I had those back to back 6+ weeks after my son was born..
I had permanent damage so going back to that work was impossible… I felt sorry for myself, and then realized that I needed to be sustainable and build a future for myself and my family (little did I know how much I need to do this)..
I was putting my husband through college at that time, and he wasn't working yet…..
I started taking my hobby of herbs, teas, gift baskets and crafts and began marketing it at craft fairs and outdoor events.. At every craft fair, I had a guest list; I gathered potential clients and created an access database…
I built relationships with vendors, got catalogs and started buying inventory.. I made a goal list, and at the top was 'I will open a store in 1 year'
I told every one I met that I was opening a store in the next year…One year later…..
I found a cute little house/building that was cheap and had a small parking lot.. I gave the owner a check ( knowing I didn't;t have 600.00 in the bank) but I had 2 craft shows that weekend… He agreed to forgo the security deposit and the first month rent since I was going to clean and paint the space… That weekend I made 600.00…..
My husband was very much against this venture, he wouldn't help, he had a new life and a new job and he refused to watch our son…so I brought my son with me..he was 2…
I painted and prepped, and rented a u-haul to bring all the inventory from the house to the store…I bought slat wall and hooks, baskets and shelving COD..hoping I would make enough that first week to cover the checks…lol
I sent a mailer to all 800 people, and told all my friends to spread the word… I opened 1 year and one month from the date on my goal list…
My son and I were practically living there, he slept and I packed product..we spent many nights sleeping there..I couldn't afford to hire anyone, and my family and friends came to help.
I made a profit that first year, and every year after. The first year, I could take all my startup costs off my taxes… my second year I made 40,000.00. before inventory costs.
At the start of my second year, I found that I wasn't the only woman in my husbands life and he filed for divorce…He had me served at the store…in front of clients…
He moved out of state to work..My little store and I were the sole support of my household..I also had a house with a mortgage, and now 6 sets of utilities…
But by the grace of God, and the amazing people met, we made it.. Many women started cottage industries because of us and bought their supplies from me, and in turn, they took over making many of the things I originally did, and I paid them for their products…
I wore all the hats, and was a mom….my clientele ranged from the Herb guild ladies to Pagans,Wiccans, Buddhist monks, Priests, Native American healers and every possible practitioner you have ever heard of…
My son still misses it- he is very well rounded and diverse , he is spiritually connected because he has had some amazing experiences and amazing teachers…
Eventually, I was torn between my spiritual path, my son's need for freedom from the confines of the store, and the business itself..and after much prayer and meditation I chose to close at the height of my success….
I packed what was left up, and moved it back home.. I took a 1 year sabbatical, and began teaching, and working with clients in my spiritual capacity…
I currently need a space to do that more effectively in order to be of service to many once, in a central location…and to generate more revenue..
That's the condensed version..there is suspense and intrigue; all we're missing is romance and murder. You'll have to wait for the book to hear the rest…..lol
So, there you go Fred……is it a wonder that I am dragging my feet???…not really.- I'm ready…;) lol
Marianne
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