Deep thinking for EMM today: I'm so out of my element here but have started thinking about the next step for my business.
I love selling online but I would like to take it one step further. I'd like to open a bricks and mortar shop next year in 2017, sharing what I do, making room to do bigger things (like more old windows similar to what I did in my small space a few years ago), having small classes on the weekends to share what I do with others of all ages and experience levels. I'm self-taught and have 10 years experience under my belt. It's time to move forward a bit and expand on what I do.
I thought about looking for investors for years but I don't have a clue what I'm doing and frustrated, I gave up. I also tried for years to write a business plan but as things got more difficult (my brain doesn't work that way), it became less of an issue to do and I gave up after I moved in with my daughter. Now, starting over instead of trying to continue where I left off seems like the best option. And still, I'm out of my element.
I'm sure there is a viable market locally where I live in Pennsylvania for an art work shop and space for people of all ages to come and play with mosaics and other fun things. I've got the dreams but need the backing and that's where I fizzle out. I don't know how to find the help I need. I understand the risk. I understand not many would see my dream as something worth an investment. But I also know there has to be a few people out there wanting to help the arts. Real people with real knowledge on how to make my dreams come true.
I create and love to share what I create with others. I don't know much else other than that I have a strong desire to do it. I see the opportunity to help busy Mom's get an hour of grocery shopping done alone while their kids come and make mosaics with us, I see the same busy Mom's stopping by one night during a busy week for wine and mosaic making and lots of fun. I see an area where I can expand and work on furniture salvaged from the dumpster and other big pieces. I'd get the love of mosaics shown and shared which is the best thing ever! And have the room I need to expand and create would be a real dream, instead of sharing cramped corners with the muse who wants to spread her wings and fly!
I've seen this dream in my head for close to 7 years and haven't yet found the way to go forward. I get stalled out and frustrated. I'd love to have someone be my business voice, a partner who appreciates what I do but handles the parts I'm no good at. Before anyone asks, yes, I did write to a mentor on the SBA site a few years ago when I had mentioned everything above and was told I can't do what I want to do because I have no financial backing, no collateral. Basically this person told me to give up on my dream because she said it wasn't possible. I did listen for about a year and then got physically sick and unable to think about anything other than pain management for a good long time.
I'm coming back around now, back to thinking it's got to be possible, back to the same dream I've had for so many years. I have limited mobility and no longer drive; going to local meet ups to find like minded people probably won't happen unless it is through online. So, I'm thinking there's probably an angel investor or a financial backer just waiting for me to come along. But it seems hard to know what's real and what's not.
Okay ... thank you for reading and wish me luck. I'm hoping I will find what I'm looking for. Any help or advice is always welcome.
Here's an article I read that made me start thinking about all of the above once more.
8 comments:
Its never too late for your dreams to come through Cindy is wish you all the best and i hope that someone will see this post and help you figure everything out.
tweetykel.blogspot.com
Wish you all the best of luck in your venture. Investment angels of the kind in your link, are likely to be the ONLY way you'll get going, but be careful: their terms of engagement may just be too onerous and restrict your creativity. I have been there, when hubby was still alive - many times. Because you lack collaterel the only "bait" you can offer is a share of your takings, and that needs careful thought and negotiation, and you need to find someone who really understands creative people - and has a "light touch" when dealing with you. Know how frustrating it is when you KNOW it will work, but you cannot get it off the ground. As I said earlier, best of luck - and keep us posted.
don't ever give up on your dreams. you're is similar to mine...a brick and mortar shop where I can sell mine (and other) creations, have classes on a variety of mediums, and also sell supplies, but unique supplies like hand spun yarn and blown glass beads. Someday!!! When you open up yours, I'll be sure to come and visit.
Thank you so much, Kerona. Your kind words are much appreciated.
You are so right, Isobel and I appreciate your feedback! Someone just suggested I contact a Creative Coach. Although I don't think I'll get much free advice, it's worth a shot to contact some local coaches and see if they can guide me in the right direction. I'll definitely keep sharing what happens here in the blog!
Your dream is very similar to mine. It will be awesome when it comes true for us both! Good luck to you.
There are a lot of art stores in my area that offer classes and stuff. I have no idea how you would get there, but maybe start by offering classes at your local community centre? Or library? Or maybe even rent a booth at a local craft fair, start joining in at art festivals and markets. Slowly get out there and start building a name for yourself in your community while also raising money for your studio/shop.
Maybe reach out to others who are already doing what you want to do, get some advice and mentoring. The Art House Studio is an art store/studio in my city. http://www.thearthousestudio.ca/
You could also sign up on Patreon.com for financial support, or start a Go Fund Me page!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you for all your suggestions, Cole. Some I've done - I have taught basic classes to adults in the evenings at local community centers (4-5 years ago). I can try that again next year once I get a little $$ under my belt. When offered classes before, I brought all the stained glass I had or made up kits to be purchased when they took the class. Libraries aren't good for mosaics making or stained glass work (shards tend to fly) but art rooms are good places to do them. Doing any of it alone is hard and not something I can physically do now --- mosaic supplies are heavy!! Finding someone to help with physical set up/break down is one of the goals. Thinking an apprentice or assistant is what I'll need. Same for craft fairs...I haven't done them because I can't do them alone. I haven't been able to find many who are willing to mentor just yet but one of the places I taught classes in might be willing to share some insight. I hadn't thought about that at all. Thanks for that! Patreon.com was something I considered a while ago but wasn't ready to commit to it ... it's time to rethink that one, it might be something I can now do. Thanks so much!! <3
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