Another Step in the Right Direction

Fantastic. Fabulous. But yet real work.

Things are coming together amazingly well. The Fictitious Business name has been officially filed and now I can post it in the paper as soon as the bank check clears because also... the bank account has been opened. The first part of the lease is signed. The second part is ready and can be sent out with the security deposit and first (almost second) months rent. Another great part of the story.

Next is insurance (which I'm in the process of getting quotes for), a Tax ID number or as referred to in the business world an EIN number, a Seller's Permit and actual business license. I hope to have all these completed within the next week. It has all been started but I was waiting for the approved DBA name and Bank Account. We are officially Fresh Picked!

Tags have been designed and ordered. The colored fasteners have already arrived and this excites me. Everyone has clear. Don't they know for the same price they can spruce things up and pick a color? There is nothing clear about me or my fasteners.

I have a small arrangement of merchandise I am beginning to inventory. I am researching every brand and the original new prices as well as average resale price. This is a much lengthier process than I thought it would be, but a necessary one for sure! I love it all no matter how hard I am working and planning. There are fliers made so I can try and get the word out to get more merchandise. I am setting up a meeting to look at tiers and racks and all that good stuff. I'm going to do this with as little start-up costs and overhead as possible so I can pass the amazing deals on my soon-to-be customers.

My retail space was moved and I panicked at first. And then I learned how much better and amazing this new space will be (in the same building, just better). Excitingly attached to the basement of a Wholesale Wine Shop (Vintage Winery) with a better entrance, cool paint, a back office and space for a register. Next is planning the layout so there is no thrift store crowding, the children's play area is far enough away from the front door and the new merchandise (such as Melissa and Doug) are located just right.

This is new and fantastic and frightening all at once. Just like my life. Like children and all new things, hard work is required and the rewards will be unimaginable. Those who have put down my dream will watch me succeed and understand the reality that is my life. And those that have been huge in supporting me will benefit from knowing they put their heart and soul into mine and I did not disappoint them.

I have a great after-hours idea also. I am looking for people to sign up to run classes or parties either on the days we are closed or after hours. We can do a commission split (like a consignment) and perhaps a discount on store merchandise after the seminar (or activity). What a great way to not only utilize the space during closing times but help out others that need an area to work in. Lactation Seminars, "Green Parenting", Nutrition, Facials, etc. I am open to it all and cannot wait to see what I can actually book. So far there has been a lot of talk but since we don't have an opening day yet, nothing is set in stone.

Sometime in June we can set up, move in and possibly open. The store will be in full motion by July 1st and I better have worked my butt off to get customers in! See you on Miramar Road