So in the bad news category, I recently read this post by the owner of Amai Tea House in New York. For those of you who can't be bothered to read it, the gist of it is that Amai has reached a stage where they must either "grow or stop." Is this sounding familiar? The story of their little tea house is one I've been following for years now - they make a lovely, innovative product - and theirs was all about making their dream come true. So here's someone with a) a sellable product, b) a following both online and in real life, c) a hip location and cool store and d) all the things you think you might need in order to be a success. In fact the venture *is* successful, but they've reached critical mass where they need growth to move forward (and make some actual money) or they need to move on.
Yes. Exactly the same situation I am in. The only thing I really get from reading that blog post, though, is how critical it is to get some good financial advice BEFORE making a leap into bigger premises. Now maybe my NY friends did that, I don't know. For me, though, it has only reaffirmed that while I WANT to make a decision based on gut instinct, I just CAN'T. While I am still sad and frustrated and annoyed that my world domination by cake may be delayed by another year ot two, I am feeling more confident about my choice to spend some time and money on financial leadership. (To whit, second meeting with Mr Numbers is on Tuesday morning. More news coming.)
The other Not-So-Great news is how much is sucks to be looking for a job. At least, though, there ARE jobs out there (and I had a great interview on Thursday) and I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I know, you're confused. One minute I'm all 'cake will rule the world' and then I'm all 'so I'm interviewing for jobs.' The gist of it is, I'm not giving up the cake business without a fight ... but my mortgage needs to get paid. So I'm looking for a part-time cooking gig to get us through the next several months, until DH's work gets moving a bit faster (cross fingers, everyone, please). Plus truth be told I miss cooking ... so 3 or 4 shifts a week might make me a busy and tired girl, but it will also mean I will sleep better at night. PLUS I figure it'll be good blog fodder.
And in the Good News category, I saw the below video today and it made me smile a mile wide. Similar to the work done by Improv Everywhere, but made better by the inclusion of Maria.
Wishing you and yours a completely fabulous Passover and Easter...and for the record, Neighbour's Wife wants to know if there is such thing as Kosher le Pesach Easter Eggs. Hmmm.
Monday, April 13, 2009
There's Bad News, and Then There's Good News
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8 comments:
I LOVE that video! Over here we've had some tv ads (for some mobile phone network) along similar lines, filmed in London train stations - I would just want to join in!
Good luck with the job hunting.
:)
Good Luck Emm,
I will be crossing my fingers for you, cause all us Mums need a good night sleep.
Cee
Hello! Thanks for taking the time to follow Amai (I'm the owner of Amai/writer of Lovescool). I think it is a wise decision to make sure you are financially comfortable with your plan before moving forward. We did get advice from many small business associations, other business owners, etc., but there are just some things you can't predict! I'll try to post more about that later, when I have some more perspective on it :) We did start on a very small budget with little extra padding, and if I did it again I would make sure I had more buffer to run with. Good luck with everything! Please keep me posted.
Thanks,
Kelli
That video just made my day. Thanks so much for posting it! I have a rotten cold and it's dreary and rainy today where I live so I was in dire need of a pick-me-up. Best of luck with the job search and difficult decisions.
-Christine
Just wanted to say good luck and I hope your meeting with Mr Numbers helps you get the answers you need to make a decision.
Hello everyone!
Thanks for your well wishes and votes of confidence - much appreciated!
Kelli- You are so right that planning is all well and good, but it's the unexpected which ends up being the most important! Actually one of the essential lessons I've learned from the accountant is that moving to a retail location means your expenses increase overnight, but your revenue does not increase in a) the same amount of time and b) the same rate!
All of these are life lessons, I suppose... and if your story, and mine, mean that we've helped someone else achieve their dreams (and make a living) then I for one will be able to say it was well worth it.
M
That vid is so COOL! I am a sucker for the movie watched it I bet more than 500 times as a kid (well the last time was only last year)
Hi emzeegee,
I have another book recommendation, if you're interested. It's called "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big" I haven't read it, but I like the author a lot. Maybe it will have good insight and/or suggestions. Good luck!
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