Moving along

Super exciting news in the world of small business action.

I think I finally have my logo. It still needs a bit of tweaking but here it is. My header logo followed by my more square type logo. It is amazing how long it took me to come to this point using photoshop. I think I still want my ampersand to be more bold so I need to work on thickening that to match my type. Otherwise I am pretty happy with what I have started.

Other exciting news is applying for another spot. Learning from our hesitation on space last time we made the move on a letter of intent pretty quickly. They aren't lying when they say that life is coming at you fast! I have my fingers crossed this will work out. It is a space that is entirely too large for where we wanted to start and over our original intended budget. On the plus side this is a space that we expect to grow into fully and the location is near perfect and accommodates everything I was looking for in a space:

• Bus line access
• Walking distance from home
• Street and dedicated parking
• Part of a neighborhood
• Other successful businesses in close proximity
• Handicap access
• Potential for a small kitchen/dye area
• Open floor plan

We have only just started the process so I don't want to jump the gun but it's a good start.

I did apply for my first vendor and was granted an account which is also exciting. They are one of my first picks for needle and crochet hook vendors. One down and more than a dozen more to go. But I am going to take it in stride till the brick and mortar is secure. I have been dabbling with the idea of just launching an e-commerce site to get the ball rolling and make some social media marketing and income to assist. I also need to order business cards that at least have the logo, email and website.

Going through this process has also forced me to work on putting my business plan all together and in writing in one place. I can talk it big but to have something physical to send in replacement of me being a spokesperson is entirely different. I actually get a bit of sick pleasure working on it the same way I do for my work at the Ohio Art League writing grants. It is very interesting how closely both grant writing and business plan writing are similar. You are basically trying to win someone over to your side with clear, precise writing, stating facts, projections and puffing your feathers a bit. 

Lord, I never thought I would want to own a business. All this administrative work is just not fun, or so I thought. There is also a sick pleasure with the idea of being incredibly successful because of your own endeavors. Even working on the projected expenses, income, and startup budget I find exciting. I know what I am good at and this store will use my personal potential to the fullest. 

I am an enabler so I make a fantastic sales rep.

I am a helper so I love to educate people and see that "A HA" moment hit them

I am a hard worker, so I will put all my energy and love into this business

I am a talented seamstress, so I know the addition of alterations will be a good profitable decision.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

This past weekend was Ohayocon and I had the pleasure of my friend Vinh taking some professional photos of me in my Lolita regalia!

I am completely in love with these pictures and wish I had more places and excuses to use them in things.  I am very tempted to change my Linkedin profile picture to the one below. 

Outfit Details:

Blouse - Fanplus Friend

Skirt - Enchantlic Enchantilly 

Socks - Enchantlic Enchantilly

Shoes- Uggs

Locket - Toronto Craft Vendor

Makeup foundation - Too faced Glitter Glue, Benefit Plush foundation, Shiseido powder

Blush - MAC Dainty mineralize and Lazy Sunday creme blush

Eyes - MAC white frost/parrot/shroomed/holographic glitter pigment, Limecrime Elf

Eyeliner - Urban Decay 24/7 black liquid liner

Lashes - some cheap fancy ones from a Korean cosmetic store

Brows - Faceshop

Lips - MAC pervette, MAC baby sparks lip glass

It is a very strange thing to look at your own face and be like WOW that is stunning! Not to be a total narcissist but the curls were just right, my hair color is spot on with my makeup and the blush was done well for once! Everything in this picture just worked right and I still can't believe that this is me. I think this is also one of the few pictures where I see the huge difference that my Muay Thai has made in my life and body.

Anyways that is all for now..... people really shouldn't be blogging at 3am in the morning anyways..

Cheers!

TiLT

WOW this week kind of went by fast.  It has been a struggle for me to make and think of new and exciting content.  Having a blog is sometimes like homework, you feel the need to do something everyday to give your readers something but at the same time certain posts can be a drag.  I like to try and keep up and make it a mental exercise in writing and being thoughtful on my life and projects.  I'm so happy today is a Thursday.  I have so many things to be thankful for that I am loving and want to share!

1. Being a part of an awesome group, The Columbus Crafty Cotillion.  Not only do they sponsor and hold amazing events throughout the year we are personal.  As a group we support each other in the good and most importantly the bad and dark times in business, craft and life. Being a part of this wonderful circle of ladies (and a few gents) is like having this super awesome dysfunctional family that get's along and get's things done.  During my tribulations this week on a fashion business level these people were supportive and on the forefront helping me to get that resolution and legal advice.  I truly feel lucky to be a member of such a elite force here in Columbus.  You can get to know the group more here!

2. Speaking of events that people in the Crafty Cotillion are participating in I am so excited for the Midwest Craft Caucus!  It is going to be a wonderful first time event in Columbus where we are having professionals from all over present to our audience here in the Midwest about setting up your business, etsy, legal issues, applying to craft shows, etc etc.  It will be full of information and fun!  The events after the daily lectures will include things like the craft show death match, make and take booths as well as a myriad of other local events going on that weekend.  I am beyond excited for this event!

3. Final Adoption.  We did it, we officially adopted our foster kitten Rambo.  We went in and did the paper work over at Cat Welfare. My heart skipped a beat when Andy mentioned that maybe she was on a waiting list or something for people to adopt (total lie he was just freaking me out).  Afterwards we bought her a new collar for all her tags and some new toys to celebrate the happy day!  Above is the hat we force all new kitties to wear.  Below you can see her with her official forever family.

4. Spring colored makeup.  This tease of warm weather here and there has gotten me excited about spring but with the weather the way it is I feel the only way to project my love for colors is going to have to be in my eyes for now.  Makeup used is Lime Crime magic dust shadows, Toki Doki liquid eyeliner from Sephora

5. Fresh made Takoyaki.  Seriously nothing beats fresh made foods especially the delicious Asian varieties.  Today was the soft opening for Foodie Cart at the Mickey's Late Night Slice Short North location.  You can actually see the Miss at work through the window tirelessly turning and checking on the little round morsels.  This was the main reason my TiLT was so late to post today.  I wanted to make sure I could hit them up and really make today fantastic!

Running out of time!!!!!

OHMIGOSH!

I am about to puke with all the work I need to get done in the next week!

I have been steadily just knitting random things and making bubble scarfs for Craftin Outlaws that happens in about a WEEK! Also we have fittings for the Halloween Highball in less then a week but still have not heard back about any model information. Oh and I need to start needle felting some extras and putting together my accessories. I need two more cuffs to crochet with pearls and oodles of yo-yo's to make!

I did however get my LIME CRIME pigments! In the above picture I am wearing just Elf and nothing else! It blended out so perfectly and the color was amazing! I barely needed anything to get it that way and I don't even have a green base coat on just a nude paint pot.

This is a ruffle I worked on by hand for about 6 hours. It is huge and insanely stiff (thank the stars for Pellon!) I have no idea how in the olden days people would just starch lace over and over again to keep their Elizabethan ruffles.

Also happening....... I am interviewing tomorrow for a seamstress position part time at this bridal/prom shop. I really hope I get this because I just can't do the retail thing anymore. I love the store, I love my co-workers and managers but my back and feet just can't take it.