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Archive for November, 2010

3 days left!

Wow. Wow. Wow. This month has flown by. Its really crazy. Am I stressing?? Not completely. Is everything going smoothly? Not really. Here’s the update.

 

If you are going to get a merchant account – dont go with Mercury. They suck. They wanna withhold 9 GRAND! of my profits til they let me see a dime. WTF is that?! Tsk tsk. Im going to either not go with them or nix Credit Cards — which is something I dont want to do. Mainly because thats a huge selling point. But…it is what it is. I’ll find a way through it. Fortunately – my POS accessories arrived today — even though I may not need the swipe anymore. We’ll see how that goes. Cross your fingers!

I got to meet George and his selling partner from Backfin Studio and Faith [author] — they were all awesome. Alina came to do her magic again and got amazing photos of everyones stuff! SHe’s amazing — It felt great to walk into the studio and have a warm hot chocolate waiting for me. She’s fantastic!

Thanks to Jimmy – nearly all the artwork is now hung up. Ive got a lot of returns to make tomorrow [Marshalls, Ikea, and Michaels] Aye ye ye. So….in the past few days…Ive had soem stresses. UPS is one of my biggest – the guy dropped off 1 of 2 boxes from Target – which had me in a FRANTIC frenzy…basically cursing out the customer service rep [oh yea – super professional right lol] Hey – cant blame a girl – Ive got a lot riding on things going smoothly!

Just as I got the guy to send me a new package — UPS walked in. FIGURES. So, Im guna reject the package and get my refund from Target although I still have a desk. Hehe. Sneaky but whatever.

Dad helped me out immensely this past weekend. He decided to help me with items from Ikea, Michaels and Staples. Jimmy’s been spending most of his time with me at the studio – cleaning out the clutter and extra items. The wall space is getting overwhelmed fast – mainly because we are keeping an entire wall empty due to holiday photos. So after this weekend – we’ll have a whole wall to use.

I have a lot to figure out with my merchant stuff….it sucks that I have to work tomorrow and Wednesday morning — which would be the ideal time to go to the bank — Ive got meetings tomorrow and Wednesday after work with artists. AYE! Not enough time in a day.

Thankfully…I have off Thursday. I will be taking a shower, making my legs silky and smooth, getting my hair done and putting on my party dress — its almost here. IM WAITING…..but super nervous…..

I think Im more worried of how my artists will accept it all — but, it feels great to have such awesome support from everyone. AHHHHHHHHHHHH

Category:

Starting a Business

Frustrations on the Home Front

Im about a month into my new family.  Overall…its an ideal situation. But of course — if im blogging – there is obviously something I want to get across. My issue — conflicting parenting styles. It’s one thing to have a difference in opinion on a few things – especially if you are new at this. Not everyone thinks babies should be breast fed or have a bottle. It’s normal. What’s not normal is not agreeing on anything!

You made this child. You have a COMPLETE say in their life [til they get older at least] and you should raise them as you see fit. But if you actually PLANNED on having a child with the person you did — I feel as if the 9 months that followed should have been figuring out what you prefer and dont. Obviously – this technique never occured to these people.

Week 1 was beautiful. Quick – short & sweet. Somehow the Mom nearly assumedI’d stay even later without asknig but I put my foot down since I had things to do. It was nicely handled and all was good.  The communication sucked over email…and texts/phone. Never available. Which is uncommon for me. I like to be on hands with things…but I sucked it up. Hours and pay are ideal.

Pay. One of the worst occurences with families — has been served with flying colors here. I am paid on time, for my extra time [even if its just minutes – without me saying much] and happily. I am very thankful for that, cause without it – my busines will suffer.

Time/Hours. Overall – pretty accurate. Early hours of the morning are tough for anyone – I only had one morning where I honestly slept in — but it made no difference cause she 1) wasnt really awake herself 2) didnt leave for another hour. Part of that makes me feel comfortable but then some mornings its kinda frustrating. I have to go to bed early enough to feel rested – wake up even earlier to get myself prepped and over here……and yet….idk…you dont? I Get it [[being a Mom/full time worker is the hardest thing ever]] but its like cant we BOTH sleep in then?? Instead of me sitting on my bum for an hour with nothing to do but try to not fall asleep?

[[[[keep in mind – this rant is just to clear my head — not really mad or anything]]]]

Communication. This is where it goes from peachy to sour apple. Im going to be very honest and blunt — on MANY occassion I have made up reasons behind needing to be off work early or for the day or whatever. I’ve had a lot of last minute rash decisions – usually based upon something that has been offered to me. [ie. trip to Disney or the Poconos or a day with the boo] What makes me want to do that – knowing im affecting someone else? One thing – and one thing only. The amount of respect and honesty you old with me.

To me – I wil never screw you if you havent screwed me. Its just not fair or right. Now..fighting fire with fire is wrong too but my temper holds enough that ..well.. oh well. So..when parents decide to dock pay without saying so after an agreement has been made – yeah – if I get offered a vacation last minute or I’d rather stay home sick then babysit and be sick – sorry for your loss. In nearly 70% of my nanny situations end up like this.

Family 1: Docked pay by 2$ an hour as soon as I began – and made up a huge excuse. Planned last minute concerts and would hold a grudge if I wasnt available for a weekend job. No control over kids and would not reinforce the work I was putting. Wanted me to be a maid but not willing to pay for it. ::SCREWED::

Family 2: Paid on time. Kept me in the loop. Paid for time off and the extra driving to pick up kids. Let me go on many outings – unfortunately she started real school a year later. ::NO SCREW::

Family 3: Never on time – would come home past midnight on a school night fo rboth me and the boys. HORRIBLE communication. Wouldnt tell me the mom picked the guys up from school and Id be in a panic when I couldnt find them. Didnt give me my raise after saying so. Expected to have a maid…worse than Family#1. ::SCREW-random time off & very last minute vacation::

This may sound horrible…but you try working at a job where it canbe pulled at ANY given moment, where the parents hold your paycheck and you may never see it, where your entire day is revolved around them and if you realize last minute you coulda done something else…you are pissed.

Category:

Nanny Diary

10 day countdown – UPDATES!

SO..I have slacked MAJORLY on keeping you all updated on here lotshappening! so much happening. let me  start where I left off..

 

With 10 days to go…we’ve accomplished a lot but have so much to do! Ive done ag reat job with Vlogs…which I will post up soon!

 

  • All 3 rooms are painted and ready to go!
  • Hardwood floors have arrived in our main room and look fantastic!
  • We’ve added at least 20 artists since my last blog post
  • We have been featured in two articles on patch.com [search Historic Annapolis and Broadneck]
  • We’ve added a FLASH website – the official page launches this week!
  • We’ve added an official store blog – unknownartist-annapolis.blogspot.com
  • Fixtures are being built and moved in daily!!
  • Tons of help from artists,my family & Jimmy [[[many many thanks!]]]
  • LOts of shopping trips to Ikea, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Home Depot and more.
  • Tons of craigslist hunting – got some great pieces
  • At least 15 meetings since I last wrote you — and still counting.
  • We now have WIFI [Fios] in our store!
  • On Dec 13th the Capital Newspaper is coming in to do a feature article!
  • Ladies Night got even better — aside frmo drinking and networking — we are having aDOVE chocolate host & a scentcy rep!
  • Alina has been snapping photos of items for me to post on the website
  • Our sports section is in the midst of being built and prepared!
  • LOTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS happening!!!!

Category:

Starting a Business

Excitement from Others!

Everyones buzzing…here’s some proof!

Ontheflip Side The Unknown Artist www.the-unknownartist.com will launch it’s Grand Opening on December 2, 2010. There will be festivities, friends and funky creations.

Come out and join us!! Annapolis City will be celebrating Midnight Madness www.annapolismidnightmadness.com as well.

November 12 at 10:06pm · · · Share

Great rates for the winter time! If you’re in need of any type of shooting, let me know and we can discuss as I’m in need of cash now 🙂 Also, December 2nd I have an opening at Theunk Artist (The Unknown Artist) in Annapolis! It’s a great gallery opening up featuring a bunch of talented artists! Check it out the opening is from 6-12!

November 13 at 9:42pm · · · Remove Tag

An article featuring the new gallery/boutique “the Unknown Artist” and features two of my past looks:)

 

historicannapolis.patch.com

Celebrate and Shop for Gifts on Thursday, Dec. 2.

Saturday at 1:06pm · · · · Share

  •  

    Katharina Görlitz likes this.
    •  

      Katharina Görlitz how can i see your collection? it doesnt work… 

      Yesterday at 2:22pm ·
    •  

      Cat Reinheimer double click on the blue letters then the pics on the right….or just look in my album cat reinheimer collection….the pics are in there too 

      21 hours ago ·

My work is published….article and pics of “the Unknown Artist”

historicannapolis.patch.com

Celebrate and Shop for Gifts on Thursday, Dec. 2.

Yesterday at 9:16am · · · Share

COME AND SUPPORT ME DEC 2 at THE NEW ARTIST GALLERY : 99 cathedral STREET ANNAPOLIS MD FROM 6PM-12 MIDNIGHT!
THERE WILL BE MANY ARTIST SELLING THERE PRODUCTS THERE! AT “THE UNKNOWN ARTIST!
PLEASE ALSO SHARE THIS PAGE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES.

19 hours ago · ·

Check out this article about The Unknown Artist Gallery, opening soon in Annapolis, MD. The “Midnight Madness” grand opening is Thursday, December 2, 2010. Among other wonderful artist creations, you’ll find items from SKCreations, LLC!

 

historicannapolis.patch.com

Celebrate and Shop for Gifts on Thursday, Dec. 2.

20 minutes ago · · · Share



Going to meet the owner of a new local art gallery called the Unknown Artist. She’s going to prepare me to sell my prints in her gallery. Woot!!

about an hour ago · ·

Category:

Starting a Business

Days 23-20

Category:

Starting a Business

Videos Days 26-24

Category:

Starting a Business

Studio Blog.

http://unknownartist-annapolis.blogspot.com/

This site is for clients/people interested in our business!

THIS current blog you are reading – will continue to be updated on my journey of starting a business! 🙂 Thanks guys!

Category:

Starting a Business

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23 days to go!

The painting is complete in the first two rooms. This week I’ll buy the final color and finish that up! The floors have arrived — but wont be put in til Sunday [boo!]. Im going to keep the studio free from any guests though. I still have a lot of cleaning/setting up and everyones things are in there. So I dont want to run the risk of loosing things…plus theres a huge lack of furniture – so its not like it makes a good place to be at for very long.

Im super super thrilled to say Jimmy – my love – has been the ultimate guy through all this. He’s the crafty guy who got me through these past few weeks and has made the studio walls look fantastic! Im SO excited to show you guys!!! We’ve been video taping and photographing the process – so you guys can see it all! Its quite funny.

On good notes…our GRAND OPENING event is now being featured on HometownAnnapolis [Capital] and Eye on Annapolis websites. Hopefully we can a few more to the list!

Category:

Starting a Business

Tagged with:

Store Progress Part 2

27 days to go….this is what’s been accomplished…

  • Got the keys
  • Paint shopping [three times]
  • Plan furniture out w Mom and Jimmy
  • Searched and got ideas for displays
  • Moved in half the stuff from my place
  • Met with Alina, Rebekah, Gwynn, Joe, Ann and others
  • Painted 1/2 the studio
  • Got a bookcase from a woman off Craigslist – thanks to Trip for picking it up!
  • Got papers printed
  • went to AACC to display flyers and have my old Humanities teacher pass things out
  • PAINT mess. but its fixed.
  • made a FLASH website
  • made a floor plan

Category:

Starting a Business

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ONE MONTH MARK!

So….a month ago – I came up with this idea…and here we are! 🙂  What a wake up call that is!! Lots has been happening…My lost blog [Woe is Me] touched on the subject of upsetting my boyfriend – without realizing I was doing so. When I arrived at the studio after work – the wrong color was plastered on the wall. Wow did that send me for a loop.  A huge attitude problem was on its way to the surface – and I did my best to bite my tongue but WTF?!!? How do you get the wrong paint color after I showed you SAMPLES of the color, told you the color and told you take a photo PRIOR to painting just to make sure. “I wasnt paying attention”. GOOD LORD. REALLY!?!?!! 40$ down the drain cause BOTH colors were wrong.

Its not a lot of money but my budget is as tight as can be right now. I tried to make the color work on my head – if this was in any other room – itd be fine, but this was the floor getting the dark hardwood floors whihc means this would stick out like a sore thumb. BLEH. I vented to Jimmy but all I got was uninterested eyes and him focusing on his videos. Figures.

I sat in my office and just cried. I spoke to my mom. She offered to go to Home Depot to pick up paint. That helped. I cried it out for a bit more and then waited for them to get there. I calmed down and explained to Jimmy why it was so frustrating to have this happen. He seemed to slightly get it but still no empathy. I messaged Cody. I let it all out – he offered to give me money and help me out. Just knowing he’d DO that for me was a great boost – but of course, I said no. He does enough for me. He’s a great friend.

Anyways…my parents soon arrive. WITHOUT paint and tables [both of which were supposed to come with]. Really…..REALLY?!?!!? The 3 people Im supposed to depend on no matter what – the 3 people who know its SUPER hard for me to let others help…cant come through? As I type this I know its not a big deal – but my days are sooooo scheduled…Im not sleeping as it is…and Ive got less than a month. Its TENSION HELL in my head. [[[and yes…these blogs do help!]]] I began asking questions as calmly but super emotional, as I could. Of course – it upset my mother. Who lasted maybe 5 minutes and walked out [shes famous for not caring when Im upset] and my Dad who thought I was blaming him – when yet – all people have to do is tell me the truth. BOTTOM LINE: I was mad that my mom couldnt just be honest about not having money til this weekend -cause instead of sitting around crying for an hour – I would have gone to Home Depot and gotten the paint myself.

NO one understood that. So of course – what could have been a nice visit from my parents, showing them the store and tlaking – they stayed less than 10 minutes and I sat in tears for another 20. Jimmy soon walked in and told me he’d help me get the paint, we made our game plan and he walked the dogs. I cried some more. I was so stressed out…and it all started from the morning which was so uncalled for – that negative energy stayed within my body [[Woe is me blog]]

The night got much better. We took the dogs home, I got changed into non baby spit clothes. Got the right color paint [took a detour around Home Depot for ideas of decoration]. Stopped at my parents to apologize – which turned into us getting dinner and convo time with them – then we had our late start to painting. Got one room complete – half of another. He brought a bottle of wine but forgot the opener. He’s cute. The night ended well…we were both in better moods, got to film some footage and I even got him to paint a canvas while we waited for walls to dry.  🙂

Category:

Starting a Business