Summer Time Update

I slacked off on keeping everyone updated on my business venture….I’ll keep it short and sweet for this one, but ill probably break it down into numerous blogs after this!

December — we kicked off with a bang. We made great sales and our name got out there fast. I added more artists by the time the New Year sprung along. A few pages of doubt seemed to cross over some faces – due to the location of the space. I reminded myself it was just a jumpstart — and we’d make it through. If not, then I knew this was not going to be worth it. We added a photo studio portion — The Unknown You. George Herlth – one of my artists – became the main photographer. I took care of the business aspect.

January — I got my own camera and began venturing into the PinUp portion of photography. We held numerous events to bring people in since the cold winter days dont call for street wandering/shopping. It worked. We made great money once again and it helped us survive. We got a lot of new people in the door through this and in retrospect, they purchased items. We had a few people who had just simply heard of the place and wanted to check it out. Some days felt so pointless sitting up in the studio – alone – for hours. But, it was something that needed to be done.

February — I attempted implementing the kids days but it wasnt AS successful as I would have wanted but we did have people show up. We included photos and book readings. We didnt profit from the event but it still got people in the door which is what counts. We continued with the girl photo events which increased interest! We held a hotel photo marathon which was a sold out success as well.

March — We began filming various commercials for the studio since no one else was willing since we were not in business long enough. My boyfriend Jimmy directed most of them. Most were really cool and funny. It didn’t bring anyone new in the door but it was worth the laughs. We did one for Valentine’s Day and another for St. Patty’s Day. Our second Kids Day was not as successful. No kids — but a few adults came by.

April — Well. I was beginning to get excited with the weather but giving up hope as far as getting more people in the door. CHANGE..yes…change is what was needed. So I took out some artists and added newer ones into the mix. Most new artists gave me the look of doubt due to the location and parking aspect. At the end of the day….parking in downtown Annapolis will always suck. it will always impact business and it will always be a waste of money for visitors and residents.

May — here it was. Mother’s Day. I got the offer of investment to move my studio into a store space. I attempted to keep a cool…but a week later. I was writing my landlord an email explaining the situation and searching all of downtown Annapolis for a new location. I had found it. Now….to figure out if I could move, when I could do it and what made the most sense…..nerves began piling up and the stress I had felt nearly 7 months ago had risen back up inside of me.

June — This was it. I had met with the new landlord. Everything checked out but I didnt jump the gun. I sent an email to my artists explaining the venture and offering them free rent for two months as a gratitude exchange. I was happy nearly 70% off them stuck it out with me through it all. Granted – most are friends/family who are displaying but then there are some who never met me until this all began. I appreciated them – without them, Id be no where. I didnt begin packing or anything too soon….I couldnt assume this was all going to work out. I had reviewed my lease and no clause stated I couldnt move out or cancel the lease. That eased my mind….kind of….by the end of the month – I signed the papers, got my keys, put the deposits down and took a deep breath. On the last day of the month – 7 of us boxed up EVERYTHING and began moving………