A Place of Her Own
It looks like I am going to be sick for the final week of the year — just like the end of 2007. Christmas 2007 I started to feel a bit groggy and under-the-weather. By New Years Day, I had sweat-ed through all my PJ’s and changed the linens twice. I could hear the gaiety of a family poker game downstairs.
This morning, I woke up at 3am with a rumbling stomach. I will NOT go into more detail than that, because — ewwww — who wants to know. Now chills alternate with scorching heat. Let’s hope it’s not a week ordeal like last year, or I’m really going to have to start adding this to my schedule.
Through the delirium of fever, images of “my antique place” keep appearing in my mind.. That’s one potent obsession, isn’t it?
Since being laid-off from my TV job in February 2007, I’ve seriously toyed around (can one toy with serious?) with opening an antique place of my own. American Classics, the mall in which I have space, is fine. Love, love, love the staff and the dealers I’ve met there.
But …
… you know …
… not that there’s anything wrong with Star Trek figurines and Beanie Baby collectibles …
… it’s not how I would do it if I had a place of my own.
I’ve been a long time reader of magazines like Romantic Homes and Country Living, and took a special interest in the stories about Deb’s Curious Sofa, and Elizabeth’s Elizabeth House. Reading their respective blogs for every teeny-tiny morsel of advice, I came across a posting of Elizabeth’s, Dream ~ Plan ~ Do.
Well, look what’s next to me in the home office. Uh huh. My “focus board” currently has those very words.
I’ve been on the dreaming plane for a time now. It’s time to to call the banker and see if this is a go or not, see if he’ll jump off the deep end with me. I’m ready — let’s pray the money gods are, too. Without dollars from heaven, I’m sunk before I even get started. I keep starting an email to Deb and Elizabeth to ask them how they financed it all, but I delete it. It’s a bit forward, don’t you think? My business account is less than $100 right now, so a paid consult is out, too.
So, how about plan B. Plan B is always a wing and a prayer, right?
I’m fairly certain a list of probable dealers and perhaps a partner or two would duly impress a banker. I’ve got a call out to great site with Interstate visibility (the office is closed until Jan. 4th). It’s got fantastic space for outdoor markets and garden displays as well. With a background in marketing and promotion, I’m fairly confident I can get customers in the door. Are you a dealer? In Colorado? Looking for a different selling venue than what’s in the Springs right now? Email me.
bella shabby said…
Hello , As I was reading your post I recalled 8 years ago when I had the same burning desire to own a store. My mistake was to let the passion side influence the business making decision side. We signed a 5 year lease ( it was the perfect location ) without a ” backdoor”. What we learned later on is that the backdoor clause enables you to get out of your lease if you need to without bankrupting your business. We were very fortunate as our landlord allowed us to find him a new tenant to finish out our lease. We financed by getting a Home equity loan – pretty risky now that I look back on That decision. I look at Curious Sofa also and would love to know her business story. The moral of my own story is that I should have asked the hard questions beforehand – one unforeseen obstacle we had was in our second year we had 5 months of road construction that routed traffic away from our shop. Who woulda thought! I wish you the very best , Sue
I just discovered your blog and love it! Have you given any more thought to opening a store? Go to your local small business administration. They are a HUGE help! I’ll email you more….