Saturday, August 06, 2011

Little By Little...

Hearing the words "debt ceiling" and "national credit downgrade" didn't really mean anything to me. They seemed like fancy words to describe fancy abstract concepts used by politicians and economists. They didn't seem to have anything to do with me. Recent history provided a bevy of examples of these types of words and concepts, that while they existed in my peripheral and touched the fringes of my life, didn't really have a solid impact on me – at least not that I could quantify in a concrete way. These words were imaginary.

But as my dreams took shape in the form of a storefront, so too did the "imaginary" words become real in their own right. What were they revealed to be? Declined small business loans. Higher insurance premiums. Additional and unexpected fees and expenses.

It's frustrating. But not impossible...


I cracked open a fortune cookie that read, "There is no secret to success except hard work." More words. Words that could mean anything to anyone. But to me, at that moment, they made perfect sense. The challenge to make the vision in my head a success was on!

So, the next couple of weeks before the store is set to open will be devoted to fundraising. There will be a Kickstarter campaign, more Mixed Lots, sales, and limited edition runs. I am determined to make the store in my head a reality – creating an inspiring space to find unique treasures and explore one's own dreams. I will work hard to make this happen beautifully.

Little by little, the bird builds its nest.

4 comments:

Lori Bowring Michaud said...

I wish you the best and I know you'll do it Andrew. This economy is very frustrating. My son started a landscaping business while in high school. He's a few months into his fifth year; he's getting by but not turning a real profit yet. He has lots of equipment that he purchased second hand over the last few years and only has three items left to pay off, then they break down. It's frustrating, but he keeps at it, working like a mule, because he knows in his heart he can make it work. You will too.

Becky Choi said...

You will be a success Andrew because you can envision it. I started my business 10 days before 9-11...and have only moved up from there. There is "enough" in this world for all, though we must adjust our expectations from time to time. Sometimes I dwell in the fear and it never fails that when I let it go, more business comes my way. You have amazing talent and an incredible networking ability, so your hard work will pay off!!!! Let the sales begin! :)

elena nuez said...

I send you much encouragement and good luck!
thanks for sharing these fantastic photos!
best wishes and blessings from Spain,
elena

Anna Lear said...

What a timely post, and inspiring as well. I'll keep that fortune cookie wisdom in mind always; it is definitely proving true for me, and I know it'll prove true for you, too.