Saturday, September 29, 2007

Sober Stream of Consciousness

I haven't done so well with the Sacred Life project, but in my defense, I didn't realize I would be out of town for a week when I began the project. Actually, I thought we were just piggybacking onto Carla's 30 days; I didn't realize we were doing thirty days of our own. So now you know, I'm a little slow that way sometimes. Also, three days ago my camera decided to stop downloading to my computer. I've done everything I can think to make it work and it won't. It's been a good lesson for me though 'cause it's kind of been driving me nuts that I couldn't keep up and finish. I finally had a good talking-to with myself and gave myself permission to cease and desist in my head and just move forward with Sacred Sunday. Since the project started, I've also come up with an idea for a business and that's taking an incredible amount of energy. I'm loving every minute of it. The name of my business isVillage Connections and right now it's a marketing vehicle for Montana artists. I'm starting an etsy site called Big Sky Village which I intended to open October 1st. It ain't gonna happen, though, due to the week away and the camera situation. So I'm going for November 1st to give myself plenty of time to be ready. I'm having a Meet the Artist party at my house tomorrow afternoon for my first client. Since I had the idea, here's what I've done: Registered the name with the state, secured the domain names, created business cards and a brochure, created a contract and inventory sheet, met with an accountant, begun creating the etsy store, talked with several potential clients, planned the Meet the Artist party and distributed flyers, practiced with pictures until the camera went kaput, gotten reference letters from local business owners that know me and done god only knows how many hours of reading and research on marketing and starting a business. On my list for today is to open a checking account for the business, buy flowers and plan the menu for tomorrow, meet with someone who can hopefully help with the camera (thanks Ben!), make calls to potential clients and distribute more flyers which I would picture here, but you know, the camera thing. There have been some interesting synchronicities along the way. There's a local art show here in the summer which I love and always go to and start my Christmas shopping. For some reason, this year, I secured business cards from each artist I bought something from. This was before the idea, so I had a list of potential clients making art that I love before I even knew what I was doing. My friend bought a lot of jewelry on her visit and didn't want to take any of the boxes back so I've got boxes to mail items in AND she left me a great camera she doesn't need - I just have to order the USB thingie. Also, a colleague through my day job has 75 pefect sized boxes he was about to throw away and I'm getting those. My friend, Roberta, has a lightbox I can borrow for jewelry pictures. And I'm realizing something amazing. I don't feel I'm uniquely qualified to run this business; I know it. I have an eclectic background in business that ranges from running a flower shop and designing flowers to having an insurance license to marketing a rescue product. I have the perfect combination of business acumen and design savvy to make this thing work. Since this process began, I've begun planning way beyond an etsy store and have an idea for a product that could be big, along the line of Spanx. Maybe. I've noticed something else amazing. When I let the creative process loose and let it flow, it's like a snowball, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. I'm reading a great book called "Ladies Who Launch" (yeah, I know, corny title). It's been so helpful because it speaks to the uniquely feminine creative process. I may've totally gotten bogged down in the mundane details and given up on the whole thing if I weren't reading this book.

For those who made it through this entire post, thank you. For those with more experience, any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, Angela, it's beyond cool, reading all this. You sound like a comet!

This is SO exciting.

Rick Hamrick said...

You have been getting after it, that's for sure!

Your tale of all the different types of experience you have reminds me of my wife's: she learned all the skills needed to become the spiritually oriented author and teacher she is today, without that being a conscious goal as she was living her first 40 years! She had the passion and talent, and life provided the experience.

Best opening ever to you, Angela! Here's to a great Meet the Artist party tonight, too.

John Eaton said...

You go, Angela.

Getcher rocky mountain gritz groove on,

John :)

Anonymous said...

Whoa, good for you. That's a whole lot of work you have done on your new venture.

Sherri said...

I'm SO impressed, Angela! Don't you love it when the Universe gives you everything you need, before you know you need it? It's the coolest feeling.

This is awesome! I can't wait to hear how your party went.

Mich said...

Like you I travel alot ... I don't always have access to my computer to keep up to date ... don't beat yourself up ... do it when you can or remember ... its the intention that counts!

ps. welcome to Rainbow Dreams!

Julie said...

I wish I was there to celebrate at the Artist party with you..congratulations!

Grandmama Carla said...

What a wonderful idea, and as an artist( Maine, not Montana), I give you big hugs and kisses on behalf of Montana artists. Warms my heart and hands to see you launching this new biz. If you don't know her already, get to know Alyson Stanfield, http://artbizcoach.com. A powerful resource for artists in biz, and she surely has info you can put to use as well.

Angela said...

Thanks, everyone for your support and encouragement! Julie, I wish you could be here, too. Carla, thanks for the link. I'm going to check it out right now.

Anonymous said...

I already knew it, but you are amazing. I can't wait to go shopping on your site.

Love ya, Cindy

jennifergg said...

I'm happy and proud of you and all the work you've done...I too can't wait for the site to be up and running. I love to shop locally and buy products from Montana, especially for the holidays, and your store will be my first stop!

Annie Z said...

Glad you decided to cease and desist and go with what works for you. I was daily for about the first 20 days. I think my last ten sacred days took place over about three weeks!! It didn't matter. I did it when I could. Blogging without Obligation!!
Annie
xxx