The past week has truly tested my dedication and passion for running an incredible retail store and community venue in Langley, WA. I have logged more hours than I care to count sitting in my home office staring at the computer screen, researching various aspects of opening and running an outdoor retail site, and trying to create a business plan that encompasses all the ideas running around in my head, clear goals, and a strong financial background.
I am not one who finds it easy to sit still for too long, especially with Whidbey Island in the middle of celebrating an early and bloomin’ beautiful Spring! So, I have a system that helps me get work done, while keeping my cabin fever and restless feet at bay- it is the same system schools use to keep kids active in their learning- short work times, followed by a “recess” of some sort. My work periods are in blocks of an hour, with a great little timer widget on my MacBook’s dashboard chiming at the end of the period, releasing me for a while to take Lucy for a walk, grab a snack, read a couple chapters in a book, or chat on the phone to my fabulously supportive friends and family.So where am I now? Well, still at the middle of the beginning, but creeping closer to the end of the spectrum. I had a great orientation class at the Seattle office of the Women’s Business Center earlier this week where I received a lot of information and resources to help guide me through the process of opening and running a retail business. I have quite a few sections written in the draft of my business plan, with more to come in the next couple days as I have a meeting with a counselor from the SBA on Wednesday, March 7th to go over my draft and make sure I am on the right path.
On Friday, March 5th, I met with Rick Brewer, the Port of South Whidbey harbormaster, and benefited greatly from his enthusiasm and advice. Rick is sure to become a mentor for me in this endeavor. My good friend and amazing artist, Dan, is working on a logo for Wander that will eventually make its way onto a lot of store merchandise. And, hmmmmm, I’m sure there are other places where I have taken steps toward my goal of opening by this summer, but my head is a little too full right now to cull out any more specifics.
For now and for quite a few days into the future, my sock monkey slippers are my footwear of choice as I continue to plan, make connections, and organize Wander from the comfort of my home office. Lucy has taken to sitting below my desk, hugging one of my sock monkey covered feet as my fingers type away, Wander-ing my dreams into a reality.
Wander-fully yours, Sarah
