Peeking in windows, wondering about open doors...

Today I went on a scouting mission.  I checked out an available shop space.  I know the price is really reasonable.  It’s in a historic area next to an excellent quilt shop and just down from one of my favorite restaurants that is really popular in the area.  I had initially thought about another spot in town, it has a more high profile location and a considerably higher price tag.  But as I began to give it some thought, I began to think this spot might actually be the better place for my shop.  And it looks like there is enough space for studio and retail. 

As I talked to the quilt shop ladies this afternoon, I realized that with a few modifications to my old business, I would benefit from the same demographic as they do.  I could really ratchet up the beads for the DIY'ers as well as teach classes in a variety of art media.  Plus, I would be selling all the same kinds of products that worked so well for me in the old gallery.  Everything was hand made and one of a kind, made by myself or one of the artists who gave me their work on consignment.  The ladies at the quilt shop would be really good neighbors and they lay out some serious cash to market their store.  These things sound good to me. 

Sooooooo…  I called the number on the door of the available space and just got an answering machine.  The ladies at the quilt shop had given me a different number and when I tried that one, I got the guy right away.  So the property manager is going to meet me there tomorrow at noon to take a look around.  (Yay!)  I have already gone around and peeked in all the windows, so I have a general idea of what it looks like inside.  But I’ll actually be able to go inside and take a look around tomorrow.  I’ll take photos.  This is pretty exciting to me!  After these conversations I had a pretty big case of the jitters because just the idea of a new shop being a possibility for me was so exciting that I could barely contain myself. 

It’s also a little overwhelming.  Last time I put together a shop in a little over a month.  I could do that again I think, or come close since I already have so much stuff on hand.  I’ve never had this much square footage before, so it could be a significant jump in the amount of work required.  I suppose I’ll just take it as it comes.  If this door is really going to open up for me, then it’s really going to take some hard work in the coming months.

I’ve got plenty to think about.  The medical stuff I’m dealing with, the adoption stuff, the fund raisers for the adoption, and more.  Not to mention my two jobs.  There is much to consider.

So tomorrow, I’ll go to my first job, and briefly then to the bakery as well.  I only have one cake on the schedule tomorrow so getting out by noon should not be any big deal.  I’ll see the shop space at noon and then be at the hospital in time for my appointment with the ENT Doctor by 1:30.  Maybe I’ll have some time after that to give some thought to these ideas.

What an interesting day.