Business loans, distributor searches, rental space searches, oh my! For the last two years, I've been dreaming of starting my own craft supply business. Until last week, that's all it's been: dreaming. But last week, I finally decided that I was tired of working for other people. I was tired of working at jobs that were unfulfilling and completely inept at taking advantage of my strengths and talents. I was tired of watching the people I work with get rewarded for being lazy, unethical, and stupid.
This Saturday, I decided to start really researching how I would go about achieving my dream. The first thing I did was search the Internet for distributors of what I wanted to stock in my store: yarns, crocheting/knitting tools, cross stitch threads/patterns/tools, beading supplies, general crafting supplies, and whatever else I decide I have space for in the future. I was wildly successful. I have several folders filled with bookmarked websites that seem like they'll be useful to me. Yay, me! Of course, all that searching has left me confused and worried that ordering stock from so many different places will cause me headaches. Hopefully, though, once I get going and become more experienced, I'll be able make contacts that will make ordering easier. I'm optimistic.
The second thing I did was go to the SBA website and browse through all the advice and tools they have for starting a new business. Holy cow! Talk about scaring the bejeebies out of me. The SBA site is full of information: good, interesting information. There's a whole section about businesses owned by women. It's also got information about help for veterans. The problem is that it's so full of of information, that I'm left overwhelmed and confused as to what to do first. The site tells you what to do, but not how to do it. When I was creating a resume and cover letter for post-college employment, I had examples to follow that made it easier to create my own. I'm not saying that I want some kind of formulaic template that you plug information into and, presto, you have a business plan. I'm just looking for some kind of map to help me find my way. I can find anything with a good map.
The one thing I know for sure, is that there is a definite need for my business. You see, I live in a relatively small, rural town in southern Colorado, and the only option for purchasing craft supplies we have is Walmart. (Anyone who has browsed the craft section in Walmart knows that it's horrible. Not only is the selection incredibly limited, the product is mostly cheap, and not in the good way.) My community is loaded with retirees and artists/crafters. I'm not going to have any problems finding customers. Furthermore, the nearest real craft supply store is Hobby Lobby, 40 miles away in Pueblo. With gas prices today, it's just not economical to drive to Pueblo every time you run out of yarn or Mod Podge. Speaking from a crafter's point of view, a small craft supply store in town would be lovely. My obstacle is, how do I translate that need into funding to meet it?
According to the SBA, I need a business plan to get funding. Well, I have two English degrees. It shouldn't be hard to write, right? Uh, yeah. I can write short stories, poetry,and an analysis of Hemingway's treatment of PTSD in The Sun Also Rises. I can also write detailed instructions on how to bathe your cat. Hey, I can even write a blog! But how the heck do I write a business plan? The site says I need to include demographic information, details on how my business will benefit the community, and a hundred other things that I know trying to organize into coherent written communication will offend my delicate writing sensibilities. (This is where that map would come in pretty handy. I'll keep searching the net for it, and I'll let you know where I find it.)
And, oh yeah, the site doesn't really address how to get financing if you have a questionable personal credit history. As Pooh would say, "Oh, bother."
In all honesty, though, as overwhelmed, frustrated, and terrified as I am trying to figure out how to get this business going, I'm happy. I've taken my first step towards making my dream a reality. Granted, it's just a teeny, weenie step, but it's a step. Knowing that I'm working towards leaving my current job makes doing that job a bit bearable.
Now, if I could just win the lottery, all my financing worries would be history.
With love,
The Crocheting Cat Lady
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