If you've been following this blog for a little while or a long while, you probably know about the dream. But I'll bring you up to speed just in case. For years I have dreamt of opening my own brick-and-mortar shop. There were LOTS of unknowns in the very beginning, and quite frankly I didn't really believe it would ever happen. And then one day the "if" became "when" and I knew it was more than just an idea. I'll actually never forget the first time I accidentally said "when I open my store..." instead of "if". It completely caught me off guard. There is such power in words. I believed it, heart and soul, and it just came out. No hesitation whatsoever. Something in me changed that day, and a few months later (January 2012 to be exact) I decided it was time to "Go confidently in the direction of my dreams..." That Thoreau dude really said some great things.
Right now I am laying the groundwork for what will hopefully be a very exciting and successful future. For me and my business that means:
I have been putting in a lot of prayer time over all of these different things and it's been overwhelming and exciting at the same time. I have no idea what God will do or say over the next year but I do rest in the promise that He is on the move. I definitely am feeling a tug towards a certain city... which I can't wait to share once I am sure. I started selling ad space through Passionfruit (see the Advertising link above!), launched some graphic design and consulting services, am considering some affiliate programs and will be releasing some limited edition product lines. I'm also taking in every resource available to me and am really excited to attend Alt Summit this January!
The one thing I keep getting tripped up on is fundraising. Asking for money from anyone is a really uncomfortable thing for me, but the reality is that whatever loan I might be able to get from a bank would not nearly cover my estimated start-up costs. And my start-up is low. I plan on building out the space and all the displays myself (with a little help from others of course...) and re-purposing a lot of vintage shelving, cabinetry etc. But I know I will still need help financially to carry this dream through. I'm curious to know your thoughts! Do you like to donate to or financially support the dreams of others? If you see those kinds of efforts on blogs are you likely to give a few dollars or more? Or do you find them just plain annoying? I've seen funding campaigns go extremely well for some people and really poorly for others. Such a tricky thing, isn't it? If only money really did grow on trees.
One thing is for sure, every dime made through this blog, it's advertising revenue and other projects and products will be going directly into my savings account. So your support has never meant more to me than it does right now! You're not putting extra cash in my pocket, you're investing it into something much, MUCH larger. And I love you for it.
One thing is for sure, every dime made through this blog, it's advertising revenue and other projects and products will be going directly into my savings account. So your support has never meant more to me than it does right now! You're not putting extra cash in my pocket, you're investing it into something much, MUCH larger. And I love you for it.
Go Amanda, Go! It is so easy for me to see you having your own business and making a success of it. Funding is never easy, but if you don't ask, the only answer you will ever hear is, "No.", so ask away and follow your dreams!
ReplyDeleteMarylee is right! There is absolutely no harm in asking! And I don't speak for most people, but I am definitely more likely to donate money to a cause that is helping someone's dreams come true!
ReplyDeleteJenn - http://www.pinkdiary.org
I am so happy for you! I hope to have a store location someday too - right now with only a two month old blog it's hard to even let myself daydream about it. God bless! Thebluekazoo
ReplyDeleteHOORAY! And when you're ready, I will fly down from Canada for your grand opening! So, get on it, I need a vacation!
ReplyDeletehave you heard of kickstarter? i've thought about doing it myself to start my etsy shop, however i'm not sure that an etsy shop is considered a "project", like kickstarter states one must be. BUT, i do think that asking can never hurt. people are nice, and nice people like helping others with their dreams too. :) good luck chica!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing dreams! I used to work in nonprofit development (aka...asking people for money) and the key is understanding that people give money because they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. If they don't want to give, they won't. But (in a way) it's a disservice to them not to give them the opportunity to do some good in the world. This was an easy swing with nonprofit, but everyone has a dream and if we cant live out ours, I'm sure many of us would love to help yours! You just have to build up the courage (and make the presentation) to ask! best of luck!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! i'm so happy your closer to your dream! I bet you can do it! I definitely support you 100%
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome! Following your dreams is always the best feeling! Keep us posted!
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