Learning as I go

I haven't posted anything in this blog for quite some time now. I only write to make me feel better, but if along the way it helps someone else, well then, good!

So opening a business, this month makes 2 years, has been one lesson after another. I have had to learn not to prepare for the worst, prepare for nothing but the best. Preparing for the worst actually allows you to set your sights low and not do the things to invite the good. Like telling myself not to stock the shop with fun things because it won't sell. Don't spend on exotic, different types of goods, because I need to make sure everything is just so. Uggggg. the list goes on and on. Knowing my customer base is important. NOT SO. In a new business, you don't have a customer base. You are trying to obtain a customer base.. Oh my God, the agony. LOL

I really got wrapped up in trying to be like my competition, instead of letting what I do best shine. This small town that has NOT received me very well and is a hard nut to crack. I thought after a year I would be either closed or making a killing. Well neither of the two has happened. I find that I get customers and I lose customers, and then, they are back again. I have been trying to adapt to what  "I think" they want or need from me. I guess it could be labelled as fitting in. Well, I don't. But...there is always that "BUT". Seriously, I really don't fit in this tight nit community. So, now I have decided to make it work for me.

Yep, my silly self is going to stand strong on the belief that I cannot imitate, I have to be true to myself, my art, and my passions. Having this business for any other reason (well, to make a living) is sure suicide. I started in the knowing that I was different, unique and talented. Giving back to the community what God gave me to share. That's all I really know for sure.

The other lesson that I am pretty sure of...Is the value of my talent and my product. I always let people bargain with me because I was so desperate to make a sale. What I do, my knowledge and my product have REAL value. I am learning to stick to my guns with this in mind. I am not desperate, and acting that way has really undermined my store.

We opened this business with $600.00 in our pockets and have managed to build it into what it is. It isn't where I want it, but we are on our way.  I am going to keep pushing forward, and embrace my quirky weirdness and make this the best flower shop for miles around. I didn't start to stop.

So if you are ever in the south, look for the unique little flower shop, with the owner that really acts like she has a screw or two loose.. I promise, it is worth the stop.

P.S> I have to add this. I know for sure, other shops are rumor mills. Well not here. The ONLY thing that I concern myself with is making a delivery on time, making it beautiful, AND making sure my customer is happy. All the other nonsense, I don't have time  for..And besides, my brain doesn't retain that crap.