Hour Glass Figures and Goals!!!

So I’m still fighting with mobile blogging on how to set it up. Most of the frustration is due to the fact that I read two out of four bullet points in the set up section. The other part is due to the fact that I have an inability to stay focused on any one subject for more than a few moments. Hence, the crazy unfocused blog. But focus be damned! I have a better idea. Seeing that I love to write. And, this blog is very sadly updated, I will blog on the progress of my line. Of course this is what it was originally intended for before I deleted everything and started a fashion updating/business advice section.

Now to the reason I moved from that in the first place. I feel like I’m keeping a diary. But lets just take a look-see back to highschool/middleschool where is kept a diary like a nerd (I’m a nerd … it’s o.k.) religiously for years. Embarrassing. But fun, and insightful and focused…on my everyday life in shambles. So here it goes again. But this time on my business which is my clothing line and my journey from small town boutique to full fledge fashion house. And of course all the bumps and lumps and fun in between!

Oh let’s not forget my mission, to dress people to look marvelous and to emphasize the female figure in a pretty way. No more dressing like a dude…seriously. Hello hourglass figure even if you don’t have one! For F’s sake I don’t want to see another woman that I question looking as if she could be a man!

Oh goal, be able to employee my wonderful talented Aunt who collaborates with me on all of this and hire an slightly willing but doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into friend!

Till Next time…I’m designer dreaming! <3

Get Your Finances in Order

Alright, so it seems like the research in opening a business is endless...that's because it is. Research is a never ending educational journey in which you can keep improving your business. But in the middle of researching your market, competition, and location...you need to start researching something additional. This should not take as much time or effort as the rest but it is just as important.

Financial research includes finding yourself an accountant who will help you keep your finances in order. In my initial search I asked an accountant I had heard good things about to sit and talk to show him what I would need. In our first meeting I had five basic questions that I wanted to know about his business. I found that he kept insisting that we would have to book an hour consultation that he would charge me $60.00 for because he can't just "give this stuff away for free." I was almost insulted. I was trying to find out if I could bring him business and he wanted to charge me for just that.

So instead, I called around and found the name of another accountant that was well known and gave him a call. Over the phone he was more than willing to answer all of my questions and also give me advice on some software and accounting books I should be looking at. I ended up going with him. His willingness to share his knowledge without knowing if I would be a regular customer was encouraging. He ended up getting all of my business and still does. He is my go-to accountant and I recommend him to everyone. In the end he will end up making money on my loyalty due to the fact that he did not try to get money out of me before I knew if we would make a good team.

You can also do this by asking local businesses who they use or could recommend for accountants. If they seem willing to work with you and answer some of your questions then give them a try. One important thing about accountants is the ability to trust them. If you feel comfortable with them then it's good to go with that. Also, look at how many local clients they have.

Some great recommendations he gave me were...

Accounting Books: Dome brand accounting books available at Staples (He also took the time to show me how to keep good track inside of the book and answer my questions...ask your accountant to do the same.)

Accounting Software: Quickbooks...it's fairly easy to use and can keep track of so many things for you.

Until next time...I'll be Designer Dreaming.

You really can do it! So this post is about the importance of a todo list when designing your dream. You might ask .."hey what gives I wanted to start in the beginning...You know...like how to do a business plan"...but what do I have to say about that? Well nothing. That's going to be important, but right now I'm starting with what I like to call the designing stage before what I call the particulars. The designing stage is still non formal paper work, but still one of the most important stages there is. Why? Because this is the networking/idea collecting/question asking/exploring all your options stage.

What does a todo list do for you and what should be on it you ask? Well simply this...You have an idea. You want to make it happen. Your todo list to start is going to be all the things you need to do to find out how you will make this happen before you actually make it happen.

Example: for a clothing store I decided to have a location as well as an online presence. My model Deanne wants a coffee shop so therefore will need a physical location (until the day they invent coffee that comes out of your morning emails...one can only dream) and for my other model Erica will just need a small office space. Each todo list will have this on it... 1. Scout a location. 2. Research the market in the area (competition and all). 3. Research your own options.

Now each todo list will be covered in a different way but here's what its about. The todo list is a list of all the things you need to research for your dream. Location scouting for physical stores is a huge todo! How do you go about this? Well just like this. Go to the area you want to open the store, as well as view two or three other areas that are possibilities. Walk or drive around. Stop at open venues. Call standing outside of the store. Ask some questions. How much, how long of a lease, build to suit? When is it available. This is not the step to make a choice. This is about knowing what you've got to work with. WRITE DOWN THE NUMBERS!!!! It's a numbers game out there...don't forget to come with players.

Next on our todo list. After calling about 13 places and getting what information I could I set out to see the competition. Stores that were about 50% or more of what I was going to be offering. For me this is other stores carrying at least 50% of their stock in clothing. Go in. Be polite. Look around. Don't take pictures...don't ask personal business questions. Just look and act like a customer...enjoy what you see...check out what they have to offer. Note why they work. Write it down when you leave.

Third thing on the list. Researching your own options. Will you be able to afford the places you looked at. Will it require saving or just taking out loans. Knowing the numbers will help you make decisions about what type of challenge you are taking on. Talk to your bank about loans for small business if savings is not an option. Or maybe you have savings and can supplement them with loans. Another great option is looking for business associations in the area that offer small business loans to encourage business to come to their towns.

The point of the todo list is to get the ball going. This week is the week to go out and scout locations. Next week visit the competition. By the end of the month you'll have research business loan options and run numbers against your savings. These are not steps you're committing anything to. But getting out there and getting a grip on what is out there and what your lacking is a great way to start good solid planning for your dream.

Ideas are great, research make them possible.

For now, start going out there. Looking. Take a hold of the ideas and see what you can do with it!

Till next time, Your Designer Dreaming

Are You Designing Your Dream?

Well here it is. While I'm bringing you the latest fashions, I will also be bringing you a little insight into the making of my dream, which is of course my own fashion line and store that I now have. But the thing is, there are lots of you out there with dreams, and not just fashion dreams, but other dreams. And how did I start? Lots of dreaming, planning (todo lists and financial planning), research, asking, and of course listening. Amazing people have helped me and given me great advice ( like my current accountant Jim!) and I will be passing them a shout out as well as their advice to you.

But why? Why spill the beans on my little endeavor? Because, I needed the help and found people reluctant to give me advice as well as others willing to share their secrets. I believe in dreams and small business and big business for those who can make it there. But most importantly I believe in my friends. Inspiration one: Deanne who wants to write and publish her own books as well as others but more in the forefront of her list is opening her own coffee (European Style) shop and wine bar. And Inspiration two: Erica who wants to own her own wedding planning and event business. So here's to our journey no matter what stages we are all in. I hope to help them out and watch them grow as well as help anyone who sits to read this blog and take what I have learned and use it for themselves.

Cheers, from your Rum & Couture designer

Another Blog to Take a Look at!

So I stumbled upon this set of tops when looking through other fashion blogs. I discovered www.fashionatabargin.blogspot.com which is a blog that focuses on finding great fashion without spending a ton of money. One great tip this blog offers is to not pass up on out of season items that are on sale. Stash them away for next year because you won't find deals like these in the beginning of the seasons. The blogger does a great job of posting amazing finds that anyone can go and search out at their local mall. Some of the finds come from stores like Forever 21, Old Navy, and JCPenny! Take a look at her fashion shopping advice!

photo courtesy of www.fashionatabargin.blogspot.com

The Cocktail Ring: Reinvented

PHUZE DESIGN'S

GLASS COCKTAIL RINGS

Redefining the cocktail ring this season is Phuze Design's Cocktail rings cut from glass. These transparent gems come in several shocking jewel tones and promise to be the talk of the party. If you were ever skeptical about making a spectical of yourself with large gaudy cocktail rings, which it a A+ move in my book, then think about toning the ring down by doing it simple. Cocktail rings don't need to be all bling and shine to be interesting. Instead go for a classic color and new age alternative to the ever popular cocktail ring!

photo courtesy of www.aplusrstore.com

A little Feathery Flair

For an instant hit and addition to any outfit, feathers are a perfect style add on. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about wearing feathers in my hair for fear of looking like a bird had taken up nesting, but after finding a clip that fit my hair, I was suprised to see that it created a halo like effect on my face! Feathers have a light feel without being overbearing on. These head bands are both by Emitations and are featured on www.int.com for sale. Pair the large black band with a little black dress and the little green band with jeans and a tee for some added style!

photo courtesy of www.int.com