Reading all of the Books to Selling all of the Books: Where Our Story Began...

Every story has a beginning, the moment when the first seed of an idea was planted in the garden of the mind. Understanding how this seed blossomed into the flower that this has become, offers more than just a timeline; it reveals the motivations, challenges, and dreams that have shaped my entire existence. This post introduces you to a little piece of me.

The First Step: Planting the Seed

Every journey starts with a want, a need, or a question. In my case, it began with a little bit of all three. I wanted something of my own, something to call mine, that only I could control. Honestly, so if it failed, I only had myself to blame. I needed a creative outlet, something to focus on that created a little extra income. The question: what skills or hobbies did I have that I could turn into something bigger, something worth making my free time a little less free?!

For example, I absolutely LOVE to bake, especially cupcakes! Do you know how hard it is to become a licensed home baker in the state of Pennsylvania, sooo many hoops...without taking out a substantial loan to completely renovate my kitchen, my dream of becoming a legit home baker was out of the question.

My other passion, I'm sure you can figure this one out, books...and crafting! The skillset I have built throughout my professional career is one of customer service, I've learned to be quite the social butterfly, which comes in handy in large social situations. Now, this little seedling of an idea was something I could work with.

Gathering the Pieces: Watering the Seed

Once the seed was planted, the research began...was there anyone else locally doing the same thing? Where does one find a crap ton of new books at a decent price? What licenses are needed to sell at craft shows? How do you even find events to sell at?

The biggest element: convincing my husband that this was a good investment of time and money. Let's just say, I've had a lot of crazy ideas over the past 14 years, LOL!

During this period, the little seedling of an idea sprouted into a full fledge business plan. I discovered that I am a lot more capable than I was giving myself credit for. The more I researched and discussed this, the more confident I felt that this was going to be successful. The doubts silenced in my mind and I made the decision to do this.

Building Momentum: Turning Seedlings into Sprouts

With a clearer vision of what I wanted this to be and some initial research, the real work began. I set a deadline to have all of this together by our town's annual gathering: Old Annville Day...two months. If there's one thing you need to know about me, if you already don't, it's that I am the most organized event planner you'll ever meet. I am ALL about the details. The cute and fun parts of starting a new business came easily to me...

• Picking the name and logo

• Creating the aesthetic

• Buying and creating inventory

• Organizing my booth setup

  
  

It was what I call, the boring parts, that needed the extra water and sunlight. I couldn't share this idea with doubters or other business owners and only talk about the fluff, what a total fraud I would be. So, I dug deep and forced myself to read state laws on taxes, licensing, becoming an LLC...a lot of nights falling asleep on the couch with my computer open on my lap or my phone in my hand and a lot of mornings going to work exhausted and needing a nap halfway through the day. Yes, your girl has a job, job...what do you think pays for all of this until it's up and running full speed???

But hey, our sprout of an idea is developing its roots!

Persistence: Spring is in Full Bloom

Our little sprout of an idea has blossomed into a beautiful wildflower...I have officially registered Cherry Street Booktique as an LLC, applied for my sales tax license and am patiently awaiting its arrival in my mailbox, developed a decent inventory, and I am booked for several events throughout the Summer and the Fall.

Looking Forward: Turning One Flower into a Field of Wildflowers

I cannot wait to debut my little shop at Old Annville Day (June 13th, 9am-2pm on the LVC campus and adjoining streets), it's only fitting to begin in my hometown. Also, blessed to have booked several other events...

• Summer at the Expo - awaiting my sales tax license to confirm my spot, like feverishly checking my mailbox daily because it would be absolutely AMAZING to get into this event

• 2 Christmas in July events - I am ALL over this theme, love a good theme!

• Handful of fall events as well - my FAVORITE time of year

  
  

Each milestone will bring new opportunities and challenges that will provide me with the motivation to continue and grow. I want to adapt and learn with each event I participate in to make this into something as amazing as a field of wildflowers. I can't wait to see what blooms next...