Mom and I were invited to be part of a cool little locally crafted group that assists local artists on getting our stuff out there in the community. I am excited to see what happens with the first mailing we are included in. They send out mailings every couple of weeks (to thier mailing list). We just missed the most recent mailing, but not to worry I have set us up and we are ready to go with the next round.

I went to the SBDC today to meet with a professional to help me get started on my business plan and plan of action for my 'housewares' boutique (still working on a name for it). I spent the rest of my afternoon working on details for the start-up cost.

I am back at the boutique today with my favorite salesperson, Jackie. I always look forward to working with her, b/c of her uplifting personality and her VAST knowledge of retail. I have learned so much from her in the short amount of time I have been there. KUDOS TO JACKIE!

Bibbi sent me my PIF gift over the weekend. It was a delight to open and is doing filling my home with inspiration and assisting in keeping my stress level down. Now all I have to do is get on my 3 PIFs and one bag for the Bibbi trade I promised. So far I have two out of the 4 completed.

small gift boxes

I had a remarkable 4 days. Brian drove up on
Wednesday night and picked me up from work. We spent the evening around the house, after a nice dinner out and hit the sack early. Thursday was my grand opening, which wasn't so grand, but all the same nice to have. I realize now that I should have sent out a press release on it...live and learn. I can send one out now.

Friday I was still feeling a little down from the opening, but pulled myself together to work for the entire day. Brian dropped by earlier in the afternoon with a soda for me. It is always a big lift to see his face around the shop. It will be wonderful to have him here full-time. He will be doing his externship with Hugh at 5 and 10, which is 3 doors down from the boutique.

Saturday we spent the day at Brian's nephew's 3rd birthday party and then returned home to watch a coulpe of movies (only after sharing a plate of oysters on the 1/2 shell and a glass of wine).

Yesterday and today I have spent working around the house and TRYING my hardest to come up with a cute clutch, but it is a lot harder then I thought it would be. So every hour, or so I take a brake for paperwork and etsy updates. I must be going through a block, but I have decided to skip straight to the high end clutch and come back to the $50 one at a later date. I don't like to stand at the sewing machine when things are nolonger fun.

I have an interview for a full-time day job on Friday. I wish I wasn't hard up for work, but.....

Mom's painted suitcase

What a crazy weekend! I was working around the house on Sunday and broke my plate glass table. Cut my finger so deep that it took 2 days to stop bleeding. When it rains it pours. It is find now and I am able to take the bandage off. Looks nice and sexy....like a hairy hooker...hahahaha. I was going to photograph it, but I figured that might be taking it a little too far, since the last time I blogged about my 'head wound' made a few people woozy.

The past 2 days I have taken office days and ran my resume around town and worked on the internet sending out MORE resumes. I have an interview with Dial America, but I can't get so excited about it. I hope to hear back from someone more interesting soon, so that I don't have to break down and take a telemarking job...but we must do what is needed.

Jake is feeling tip top again. whew.

On the handbag issue, I am going to start working with SBDC at UGA on a business plan. I have decided to see if I can get assistance to open a clothing boutique in Normal town in Recycle's old space or 5 Pts. You never know until you try.

ETSY.co,

Well, I have finally given in and decided to open an etsy account for my mother and I. I will most likely only be featuring my sale bags, since the price points on esty are so low, but it might bring in a little cash. I will slowly be uploading slowly over the next few days, so that I can try to get the best exposure possible on etsy. Spread the word to your birds! (please)

Hopefully this will be a better week. I have my grand opening on Thursday and I will have 6 bags sold by the end of the night...mark my words. I keep telling myself to THINK POSITIVE! Hopefully it will start working. -wink

Lylou Boutique

I finally had a chance to take a few snap shots (crappy) of the boutique...they aren't the best, but you get the idea. It has been pretty slow, but I have sold a baby bag and a custom Desi today.

Jake is feeling better, so that takes a load off of my mind.

I have been applying at a number of companies...even ones that aren't hiring...just in case. If I play my cards right I might be working part-time for a sign company as a graphic designer or as the bar manager of Cine.

FINGERS CROSSED!

I have actually starting the process for opening my own boutique that would feature indie designers from all over the world. I am excited, but fear that b/c of my situation it might not happen, but you don't know until you try.

ALSO, thank you Bibbi for the wonderful and kind words...they alway help.

That was a photo of my boutique....a crappy one. I am working there, but only to make money via selling bags, so it isn't steady and not nearly enough to survive on. I found out yesterday that my former employer is denying unemployment income, so times are really scary right now. I have $50 to my name and bills sky high, so things are very uncertain. I have been looking for work every night and working in the boutique everyday, so I have had little time for much and no desire to indulge in much.

My oldest beagle is very sick and I fear dying, but I haven't the money to take him to the vet and it is killing me. I stayed home with him yesterday, but I can't afford to take another day away from the shop...just in case someone wants to buy a fucking $90 bag. As you can tell, I am not very useful these days....but I will try to take a better photo of the shop and post tonight. I think it will be my last until I find work, for I am to the point where I can't afford to keep Internet at the house. Wish me luck!

Kisses to all and I will be in touch via email at some point. Thank God for the public library.

I am off to appeal unemployment and put in a application with Dial America...never thought it would come to this...Have a great day to all!