This Is Really the Last Entry

Am I a Future Action Hero?

Me, Pondering

I jumped the gun thinking my last entry was THE last entry. So now I would like to share the lessons I learned from my business experiences over the last several months. I hope you all will benefit from this, and that someday I may be an Action Hero. 

How I Became a Team Player, Sort Of

Patty and Me

I have worked at a local Interior Design firm for 8 months. My colleague and I were hired to work together as a team.  It has been hard and frustrating. At times we have wanted to take ourselves out to the parking lot and have it out. It has been hard for me to learn to work in such a close team. I would never have really described myself as a "Team Player" so this has been a huge learning experience for me to figure out how to do this. I am learning to listen more. I am learning to cooperate better. I am finding out that I am not always right. (Although I am right a lot!!!)

I find that being in a team does not mean that we always have to agree. In fact, my teammate and I often don't agree. However, we come together on that which is most important, marketing and serving our clients. We are learning from each other, and I think we are both better as a result. We respect each other. We are two diamonds who are rubbing off some rough spots.

I Love My Clients, and They are Mostly Right

Ahhhh!

My happiest moments are when I have put together a design, and the client likes it. Recently I chose 3 fabrics for a window treatment. My boss thought one of the patterns was very traditional, but that is the one the client loved.  Overall, I think the client is mostly right. If I think they are going in a wrong direction, I try to steer them in the correct path. But I am gentle. Residential Interior Design is so personal. I want each of my clients to love what I do to help their space be all it has the potential to become. 

Last Entry of the Semester!

Me with my supportive Husband

Last Entry

I can't believe this is the last blog entry of the semester. I learned so much in this class, and it really combined well with the fast learning curve I am on in my current job. I hope that my work experience, combined with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Management, will help me be highly successful in Interior Design.

Entrepreneurs are Unique 

I liked learning about the various entrepreneurs. It was interesting to find out that they actually come from many different back grounds. For some reason, they each have had a relentless determination to make their mark on the world. Most of them are trying to leave this world a better place, even as they have found ways to fill needs in the marketplace.

 

Interior Design Graduates Often Don't Make It

I learned a fact about Interior Design that I found absolutely shocking. It was from the head of the Interior Design Department at Scottsdale Community College, which is where I earned my three year Interior Design degree. She told us that only 1 out of 37 Interior Design graduates actually make a long term career in this field. It is hard to find a great position where potential designers will receive the mentoring they need to progress.

 

I Will Succeed!!!

I am hopeful for my own future. I will graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Business Management from BYUI in Spring 2017.  I am also counting mentoring hours hours with my boss to become eligible to earn my Professional Interior Design National Certification (NCIDQ). After I accomplish those things, I will have a decision to make. Will I stay at my current place of employment, or will I start my own Interior Design business?  I know whatever I decide, the future is bright. 

Growing Professionally Through Interior Design Competitions

Projects Entered, Deadlines Met

This past week, I entered two projects in our local  annual American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Awards Competition. I spent many hours putting together the packets, each with 2 CD's containing a Power Point explaining the project, along with high resolution photos. I also had to fill out paperwork and get photography releases signed off by homeowners and photographers. 

A Kitchen Project-- After

Kitchen After
 

After Materials Selections

A Kitchen Project-- Before

Kitchen Before

Annual Event of Design Excellence Awards

The Design Excellence Awards Gala  is an annual event held at a local luxury hotel. Everyone dresses up, and there are usually at least 200 guests.  The designs that win first, second or third place will be shown to the attendees in a Power Point shown on a large screen. First place wins will be published in Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine, which is our regional shelter publication.

Two years ago, I won third place for a master bathroom I designed. I could not change the footprint in the bathroom, because it would have been too expensive to change the plumbing fixtures to different locations. My goal, which I believe I was successful at doing, was to make the area feel more open and airy within the constraints I had to deal with.

Award Winning Master Bath-- After

Master Bath After

Master Bath After

Master Bath After

Master Bath After

Award Winning Master Bath-- Before

Master Bath Before

Master Bath Before

Master Bath Before

Master Bath Before

How I Attained My Current Position as Jr. Designer for a Great Interior Design Firm

I Am A Degreed Interior Designer

This Picture Makes me Laugh*

I was hired last summer to be a Jr. Designer for a local Interior Design Firm, Debra May Himes and Associates. I, along with my colleague, were chosen to work as a team on our Interior Design Projects. We are both degreed Interior Designers. I have an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Interior Design and a third year certificate in Commercial Design from Scottsdale Community College.

Internships to Gain Experience in a Difficult Market

Besides being degreed, we had to have prior experience in the field of Interior Design. I graduated from my program in December of 2009. I found it extremely difficult to find work in my field due to the real estate crash that severely affected the Phoenix area. I learned that it was going to take great persistence if I was going to be able to actually work in my field. I decided to work internships, free if necessary, and look for opportunities to learn what I needed to know. My dear husband supports my dreams, emotionally and physically, so I was able to continue.

Internship #1 High End Furnishings

I knew I wanted to work in high end design, and so I looked for opportunities to learn and gain experience. I did my first internship at a high end furniture store called Robb and Stucky during my last semester of school. I was so green. I had never been in an Interior Design firm, and I was pretty clueless at the beginning about what was going on. Over time I learned to navigate the store and the system.

We had a huge Interior Design team upstairs, with about 20 Interior Designers. It was highly competitive, and if the designers didn't meet their quotas, they were out. It was also hugely political, and in my prior life, I had not had to navigate politics in the workplace This internship was when I first became aware of what a tough business this would be. Many people would have left with very bitter feelings, but I  loved it despite the flaws and wanted to continue.  The creativity, the beautiful furnishings and the quirkiness and style of many of the people I met were incredibly stimulating, and I wanted more.

Internship #2 High End Trade Showroom

Next, I interned in a high end To-the-Trade showroom. Not everyone is aware that certain furniture and accessory companies work only with professionals such as designers and architects. I wanted to learn the behind-the scenes of that environment. How do they work with design professionals? How does pricing work? I absolutely loved this showroom. Today it is still as gorgeous as ever with beautiful home furnishings and accessories. And yes, some things are slightly quirky here, too. This is a privately owned business, and the owner, Sylvia has a great eye, constantly on the look out for unusual pieces that stand out. She has style and flair. She is a great grandma, and proudly admits it, but you would NEVER guess it by looking at her.

 I became more aware that many of the businesses who sell to design professionals are family run businesses. Many of them, especially those based in Italy, have been around for a long time, and take great pride and care in what they do. They are passionate about their trades and offer beautiful products that are often unique to what can be found in a retail setting.

Internship #3 Small Interior Design Firm

My third and last internship was with an established Interior Designer. Her business was going through growing pains, and overall my experience there was very difficult. She did not have time to mentor me most of the time, but I did get to see a couple of her projects. One was a really neat high end apartment for seasonal Canadian clients. (We get a lot of snowbirds from Canada) Mistakes were not acceptable, and it was a high stress environment. I did learn that I need to not work in that type of environment. But for a period of time I put on my big girl pants and did what I needed to do to navigate that experience.

Continuing My Development as a Designer

Between then and now I have done many design jobs on my own. I also did some of my own remodel projects, and had a lot of fun with them. I have also made mistakes that I will now not make on client projects. I have learned to work with licensed contractors vs. people who are just "experienced" and will say what I want to hear to get the job. I learned that some tile setters want to be in charge of designing the project, and in the future, it is best not to work with them anymore. I learned that everything should be drawn out ahead of time, a lesson I am still reminded of as I look everyday at  a funky area that I "designed'  for my washer and dryer, I learned (again) not to take the cheapest quote when refinishing furniture. (Another thing I am reminded of every day when I look at my dining table and chairs)

Grit and Determination

I am thankful that I have had the grit and determination to be where I am at today. I finally found the Interior Design firm I want to be a part of, where people are treated well, the attitude of the office is "low drama", people have a sense of humor, and the lead designer is generous in sharing her knowledge accumulated over many years of experience. We service middle to high end clients, and great customer service in an integral part of our culture.

 Now I just need more clients. And client generating is a whole challenge in itself...

* I was getting head shots done and my photographer was old school. She wanted me to hold fabric so I would look like an interior decorator. Plus the obvious cropping is funny.

Just Plugging Away to End of Semester

Busy Life

What a busy week. I haven't had time to work on the KIVA project, sad as that is. In the beginning I got really excited about it and thought it would be really fun. The problem is, my life is just too full. I managed to blow out my adrenals as well as get Epstein Barr virus several years ago. So it is not possible for me to manage my life on short sleep as I tend to become ill when I do that. I am doing my best to accomplish the most important things in my life right now. Even though I struggled with some sicknesses earlier in the semester, I have been feeling better lately. My energy seems to be mostly consistent.

Health Has To Be Managed

Over the past few years, I have learned that I have to manage my health. Whatever I do in life, if  I don't have my health, the other important things in life will not fall into place. As a business woman, it is important for me to remember that the energy I can put out toward personal care, relationships, work, school and interests is finite. I have learned that the Grand Trifecta of health is proper sleep, exercise and nutritious diet. I have to make sure I meet those needs every day and then I will be able to achieve all that I am meant to do in my life. Also stress management and spiritual nourishment are very important as well, and I strive to work on these.

Family Challenges

My mother has stage 4 cancer and has been close to the end a couple of times over the last several months. We thought she would need to go into hospice care several weeks ago. As a family we don't want her to have to suffer unnecessarily, and she has been through so many treatments that have caused pain and discomfort for her. When she was so ill last time she spent a few days in the hospital, but her oncologist felt that it is not time to give up. Treatments have continued, and we shall see if she is on the path to slow recovery.

Pursuing My Dreams 

I'm not sure I realized quite how demanding it would be for me to be in school while I am building my Interior Design clientele. After work I used to do a lot of things that were more focused on leisure activities, and I thought that the time trade off would be about the same. But my life has become homework and more homework. My husband has been somewhat lonely as I pursue these goals. But he is really supportive because he wants me to achieve my goals and dreams. Fortunately, it will only take about a year to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Applied Business Management.

Interview With an Entrepreneur and Other Fun Stuff

Interview with Christopher Barry of Desert Design Solutions

A Company Get its Start at Home

   Christopher Barry graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor degree in business. Soon after graduating, he got a job at a local tech company. After a few years, he was promoted to Project Manager. During the economic downturn in 2009, Chris was downsized from that position. Fortunately he was given a great severance package, which allowed time to think about what he wanted to do. He decided to open a computer repair business, and named it Desert Computer Solutions.

                Chris first ran the business out of his home. He hired an office manager and did the repair work himself.  After a few months, he needed to hire a computer repair tech to come in everyday and work full time. His business soon overtook his 2400 SF home. His office took up half his bedroom. Customers were in and out of his home all day long, and he would have six to eight cars parked in front of his house at a time. His home is located in an HOA, and the neighbors started complaining. After 18 months, he was compelled to find office space.

Business Moves to Office Space

                He found a roomy office in complex located by main cross streets. It is in a centralized location that is easy to find. He laid out each area, and set up shop. His reliable office manager is still with him. He said that it is most difficult financially to make the transition between being a technician, as well as doing the other necessary operating procedures, to having enough business to comfortably pay for the people he needs to hire to replace himself.           
               The whole operation is incredibly neat, clean and organized. He has an area for repairing macs and PC's. The computers are lined up in order of oldest to newest intake, with a nice big table with tools and components organized nearby for the repairs. He has an area especially for I-pads, with all necessary repair components hung up in a neat and orderly fashion. He has an area set up to show reconditioned computers ready for sell.

                What if a computer cannot be saved? He has two solutions for that. One is to sell its individual components. An area is set up with a computer for researching and photographing the computer components. An employee goes online to research components to find out their value, then posts them on the web site to maximize their salability, typically either E-bay or Craig's list.

                Any computer components that are not salable are separated and put in recycling. Chris has a big storage facility next to his place of business. In it are several large crates, of a specific size, pile two deep, in which the defunct computer parts are separated. Precious metals are in computers, among other things. Periodically a truck will come by and take the parts for recycling. Over the year, the amount that the business earns from this simple but effective practice really adds up. He uses it for his yearly bonus check.

Owner Focuses on Running Business and Driving Business

                From almost the beginning, Christopher stopped being a technician for his business. He focuses on two main jobs. The first is to oversee the business. He uses his project management background to keep everything running smoothly. As intimated earlier in this report he uses many systems that are periodically re-evaluated and improved on.

                The second is to drive business. When asked about how he does this, Chris said that he relies mainly on networking. I met him through the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, in a lunch leads group. We give 30 second commercials about our businesses, and his is always clear and concise about what his business has to offer. He will often warn about current viruses, and occasionally tell horror stories about people he knows who lost all their data. It is very effective.

                Chris gave me great information about networking in our chamber. He said that there are about 200-300 people who are key players. He said it should be my mission to get to know every one of those people. He prioritizes his own time to go to as many networking activities as possible. He said at first, people don't know you, so they don't send you business. But if you keep showing up, they begin to know and trust you, and you become part of the referral network.

Future Business Expansion

                Chris has been working hard, and after 6 years, Desert Computer Solutions is becoming very successful. He has worked at it a step at a time. He is currently making decisions about how to manage the growth of his company, and hopes to expand to a larger space in the future. He is looking forward to working with an architect to plan his next space exactly how he wants it. He is considering what would be the best way to expand, and has not yet decided. I look forward to continuing to learn from him as well as seeing what he does next.

Other Fun Stuff

                My boss, my design colleague, and I met with our metalwork artist today. I recently designed a metal  fireplace surround for a client. I used a picture of an industrial style lighting fixture-- that the client gave me-- for inspiration. We met to show the metal artist our other materials for the space. We wanted him to have visual context for what will be happening so all the design components will flow together.  In discussing my design elevation with the metal artist, he felt that my design is actually quite different from the inspiration. 

                My lead designer was really excited when she saw my design a couple of weeks ago, and said I should enter it into the design competition.  However after she saw the design inspiration photo, she became worried that it was not original enough. However, I  believed that my design stands on its own, and it was really great that the metal artist-- very experienced-- agrees with me. We talked about how most art is referential, and he said the only way you can not be affected by what is around us is if you live in a box. (Some contemporary art is not referential but that is about it)

                I hope the client moves forward with it!  Everything was designed and selected based on her own personal taste and preferences, and I think she will love it.

Business and More Business

Becoming An Enchantress 

This is a great class, and I really like it. I like the Guy Kawasaki videos, especially the one about The Secrets of Enchantment. Overall, it seems to do well in business you need to be a person that others know, like and trust. A lot of becoming successful is about developing character traits. Interesting.

I haven't had a great week in regards to building my own business for myself or this class. I worked very hard at my design job. I had company this week, so it was hard to do everything I wanted to do.

Entrepreneur Interview

I did my entrepreneur interview, and it was very interesting. My friend, Chris, was very generous in sharing his experiences. During the economic downturn in 2009, he was downsized from a project management position and given a good severance package. He spent some time thinking about what he wanted to do and decided to open a computer repair business. Chris first ran it out of his home, but grew out of that space in about 18 months. Next, he moved into office space.  He has been working hard, and after 6 years, it is becoming very successful. He has worked at it a step at a time. Now he focuses on networking to drive business to his company.  He is currently making decisions about how to manage the growth of his company, and hopes to expand to a larger space in the future,

Business Building Through Networking

Chris gave me great information about networking in our chamber. He said that there are about 200-300 people who are key players. He said it should be my mission to get to know every one of those people. He prioritizes his own time to go to as many networking activities as possible. He said at first, people don't know you, so they don't send you business. But if you keep showing up, they begin to know and trust you, and you become part of the referral network.

I am trying to learn how to be great at networking and so I appreciated his willingness to share what he knows.  I am glad I am learning the fine points of networking as I find out how to be a successful entrepreneur.

Have I Started a New Business for Real?

Kiva Project

Well it was another busy week. Trying to do too much in too little time. Plus this time of year some illnesses are going around, and so sometimes I am not doing so well. Meanwhile, I think that a class like this is teaching me that, despite the ups and downs, I must persevere.

That is how business is. Nothing is perfect, and we have to make adjustments as we go along. I had my business idea for doing the Easter treat, but honestly it doesn't excite me anymore. At the beginning of this class, I called my stepdaughter to ask her opinion about what I could do, and she said if I made dresses for the girls-- her two daughters, ages 5 and 8, that she would buy them. Also she knows other young moms who might do that as well.

Recently I decided I would rather sew for my Kiva project. But I don't want to do anything complicated, so I am making personalized t-shirt dresses. I bought shirts for $5 in colors the girls will love, and then I found a corresponding knit fabric to add a little skirt and possibly trim around the sleeves.

I found a product called "Print-N-Press", which is a fabric on  a backing that can go through a regular printer. I can print on it whatever images I like, then heat set it with a dry iron. Then I trim it and iron on to the shirt, then peel off the backing.

 I am thinking about what I want to print, and I love the idea of personalizing. I think I can ask a little more money, because it is no longer just a simple t-shirt dress. I thought maybe I can do the first initial of each girl's name, and then a representation of maybe 3 things that they are interested in. It will cost me about $11-12 for each dress, I'll spend about 1 1/2 hours per each, and because they are personalized I think I can ask at least $25 a piece. That sounds a lot more fun to me.

A New Product

On a longer term basis, I want to do a business that doesn't compete with my boss's Interior Design Firm. Also I want an alternate source of income.  We have a gentle-ladies agreement that I don't try to run any Interior Design jobs on the side while I am working for her. In exchange for her mentoring and training, any clients I pick up have to be run through her business. I am honoring this agreement.

This class started me thinking about products I could invent as another type of business for myself.  I tried a moisturizing body wash a couple of months ago by L'Occitaine. It was a great product! And you only need to use a few drops. But I checked the price, and it is $35 for about 6 ounces. Also I couldn't pronounce some of the ingredients.

I am interested in non-toxic, natural and gentle skin care anyway, so I thought why not do some research and come up with my own product? So I made this body wash that is liquid unscented castile soap, with coconut oil, honey and a few other key ingredients. It's not quite edible, but almost.

I have been using it myself for a few weeks, and I love how soft my skin is now. It seems to be concentrated, even though that wasn't my original intent. I only need to use a small amount. I made it as body wash, but started using it on my face, and I love it.

I was using the Neutrogena body wash from Costco before I started using this. I have a bottle in the shower that is almost used up so I wanted to finish it.  I have used it for so long, up until now. But after using my own body wash for a couple of weeks, I no longer like it!!!

Also my husband has really sensitive skin, so I asked him to start using it. He hasn't had any reactions to it, and it is very moisturizing. I want him to try it for at least 2 weeks, which he will do if he continues to not have any reactions to it.

Product Testing

 I want to do more product testing on a small scale. I made my second batch of body wash and made a few small sample sizes. This idea has been on my mind for several weeks so I have been online buying bottles in bulk in the sizes I think I will need, as well as the ingredients I wanted to use.

My friend, Jennifer runs a nail business out of her house and has many clients over. So I left a few samples for her to pass out to any clients she thinks will be interested. I made a sheet that lists the ingredients and talks about the properties of the product, I asked that anyone who wants to try a free sample leave their name and phone # so I can ask questions about how they like it and anything that needs to change.

So that is where I'm at with it. We'll see what happens.

I Can Do This

Overcome Fear Of Failure

My fear of failure is coming forward as I consider how to embark on this project. I want to do well, and I don't want to fall flat on my face. However, this attitude can't be what sets the tone for my behavior. I need to have a positive attitude, because my attitude will make or break the experience.

Take a Positive Approach

I enjoyed Deshe Deshmande's biography. He started of with extreme disadvantages, having come as a foreigner to this country with only eight dollars in his pocket. I was impressed with his high level of positive attitude in approaching his challenges. He came to a new culture and made the most of it. He looked around, saw a need, and made it happen. He became very successful as a result.

Recognize Opportunities

He made a good point that when we grow up with relative prosperity around us, we don't always recognize opportunities. It's like we have blinders on. I think that is true about me. When I went back and re-read how to approach my journal, I found that we are encouraged to  look at everything with "Fresh Eyes". We will start noticing those opportunities that we haven't seen before.

Keep an Open Mind

Also, going back to my book report on "Think and Grow Rich" and the "Law of Attraction". It is my opinion that it is not so much about things being attracted to us because of our positive attitude. I think it is us keeping our minds open so that we notice things that are already there. I do think a positive attitude is helpful, but that only goes so far.

What is My Business Idea?! And I have my $100 Business Plan!!!

I went through some exercises to come up with the business plan for the $100 challenge. I like how it helped me answer all the little questions that would make my idea become a reality.

$100 Dollar Business Plan

My business, Amy's Edibles, will provide unique, tasty individual chocolate covered brownies for the Easter and Spring season. 2 shape options will be provided to increase sales. Customers who don't celebrate Easter will still have something they can enjoy. The Easter shape will be an Easter egg, while the Spring shape will be a flower.

My goal is to sell between 56 and 72 of these treats, with the average price being $3 per each. I will sell individuals for $3.95. Half dozens will go for $20. My minimum goal is to earn at least $150, but I would like to earn at least $200.

I will approach family and friends to get pre-orders. I will educate them about what the loan is for, and on the order form they will have the option to voluntarily increase their payment for their order.  Approximately one week before Easter, I will make these treats in my kitchen from my  proprietary recipe. During the Thursday-Saturday prior to Easter, I will deliver the treats and take cash or checks as payment.

I will put everything away, add up the money, and make the payment for the Kiva loan recipient. I will write thank you notes to all who participated, with information about the loan recipient. I will then officially close down "Amy's Edibles".

What Is My Business Idea Worksheet

I liked the What Is My Business Idea Worksheet. It gave me the opportunity to think more about the Interior Design business I would like to have in the future. I am not currently going to have my own firm because I am going through a learning program at the Interior Design firm where I work full time.
 My lead designer is very experienced and she started a program called Designer Leap so that 2 Jr. Designers could come in and get professional training from her. It is a unique and special opportunity. She does true high end design,which is what I want to do. One of her projects she is currently designing is a private residence that is 18,000 s.f. As the project moves forward, not only is she designing all the interior spaces, she will do furniture, window treatments, rugs and accessories. along with anything else it might need.
There is an art and a science to managing a large design project. I want to learn systems that I can use so that each project stays organized and meets the needs and wants of each client.

I Made this for Valentine's Day. Cute, huh? And it's delicious!

What Are My Business Ideas?

2 Parts: $100 Challenge, Interior Design Business 

1.       What is my business Idea?

a.       Make a special Easter/Spring chocolate covered shaped brownie.

b.      Own a thriving Interior Design Firm serving the Northeast, East and Southeast Valley of the Phoenix Metro area.

2.       How Does it meet a need?

a.       A special yummy treat that is only a few dollars.

b.      The city of Phoenix has a huge population of homes with values of over $500,000.

3.       What business model suits me best?

a.       Keep it simple-- order form for family and friends

b.      LLC

4.       What is different about my business?

a.       A specialty shaped brownie that is covered in chocolate and decorated.

b.      Solid client focused design for upper middle class and high end professionals and entrepreneurs.

5.       How big is the market?

a.       50-100 friends and acquaintances.

b.      More than 100,000 millionaires in the Phoenix metro area, countless others who earn over $100,000 per year.

6.       What's your role going to be?

a.       Baker, sales, delivery.

b.      Interior Designer and client cultivator. Oversee staff with talents that complement mine.

7.       Who is on your team?

a.       Me.

b.      Me at first, with subcontractors hired as needed for autoCAD, marketing, and administrative tasks.

8.       How will customers buy from me and how much will they pay?

a.       Individual treats will cost $3.95. Half a dozen will sell for $20. I will also take donations higher than list price.

b.      I will work against up-front retainer to be agreed upon according to job and delivered, with a signed letter of agreement to my firm. My hourly billable rate will be $125.

9.       How much money do I need to start? How much will I make?

a.       I will spend around $30 to start my $100 business. Should be able to gross $150-200.

b.      I need $5,000 for marketing, administrative and office supplies, etc.. Because I will work from retainer, business should propel itself forward.

1     Where will start up money come from?

a.       Family and friends.

b.      Personal savings.

1     How will success be determined?

a.       I will earn at least $150 and be able to fund my KIVA loan recipient.

b.      If I am working at least 21 Billable hours per week 48 weeks of the year.

1     What will be milestones of my business?

a.       When I sell 10, 25, and then 50 chocolate covered brownies.

b.      When I have 1 client of my own, 2 clients of my own, 3 clients of my own. When I am able to keep 3-5 client projects going at a time, picking up a new one after a project is completed.

The $100 Challenge! What Next???

I am excited but nervous to start tackling my $100 challenge. I look forward to going through the process and learn things I didn't know before about how to start and run a successful business. With this experience, I will learn how to close down the business, as well.



I think my success will depend on a simple, actionable idea. I like the idea of being able to "Pivot" if something isn't going towards success. I was happy to learn that a lot of this is about being willing to go on a journey that is not completely foreseeable. Some challenges may come up unexpectedly  and I will need to figure out what to do next. I thought that you figured out the plan ahead of time and followed it, I didn't realize there is so much elasticity in responding to challenges.

This flies in the face of what I guess was an assumption about building a business. In one of the readings, it talked about overdeveloping the business before you need to. I have been guilty of doing that. When I started my first Interior Design business, I went to Legalzoom.com and spent $300 to form an LLC. My husband was very upset because he thought I was getting ahead of myself. Now, in looking back, it was really unnecessary for me to form the LLC. 

I really like Entrepreneur magazine, and I have subscribed to it for several years. I think this class is helping me take the knowledge from it and other sources and distilling it down in a way that will be more actionable for me. Anyhow, when I was reading through articles I came across  a speech by Barbara Corcoran. I have long been a fan of Shark Tank, so I was interested in what she had to say.

The video stream got hung up after a few minutes, but I did get to hear a few points that were interesting. She said our background affects our future-- our life experiences show up in different ways that either help us or not. She talked about her father and the wacky funny things he did with the kids in the family when they were growing up. Even though her mother was organized and had a positive attitude, it is her father's influence that sticks with her in what she does. I think his wacky attitude has helped her be resilient in her challenges.

My father is very good in business. However he was preoccupied with it, and had little time for family. I remember sometimes asking him questions when he would start talking about his business experiences. For some reason he didn't want to talk about it.  I resented his work because it took him almost completely away from the family. He spent his weekdays working out of town, and was usually stressed out, and/or still working on the weekends. I had a hard time expressing what was going on for a long time because it was so ingrained into our family culture. But I knew I didn't like the lack of positive attention from him most of the time.

 I have always been interested in business but didn't focus on it when I was raising my family.  I would hear church leaders talk about being a stay at home mom and I guess I got tunnel vision as well, thinking I shouldn't "Work outside the home." Now I don't think it would have been a bad thing to do, but then I didn't see how to raise my family and run a business.

 My father was so focused on his business at the expense of family time and I think maybe I was afraid because of it. I was sometimes bored as a stay at home mom and looking back I wish I had a better understanding of how to balance everything. Plus my kids are smart and it would have been good to get them involved in a small business of some type.

Anyhow, now I am a business woman selling my Interior Design Services. It is darn hard to get the clientele rolling. My colleague and I -- we work together as a team-- have been trying out a lot of different marketing ideas, but so far we are still struggling to bring in clientele. We seem like we go two steps forward and one step back and sometimes it gets very discouraging. But I have this determination in me that I want to keep trying.

The point is I want to provide my children with an example of a parent who works hard and becomes successful. I also want them to understand the importance of a work life balance. Much of what I read points out that most of the really successful people prioritize relationships and other things that bring balance to their lives. I want my children to see achievement that is happy and fulfilling and I want them to realize that they don't have to be a workaholic like my dad, and that they don't have to crap out like their dad did and trade in everything valuable for whatever it is he spends his time doing.

Amy Strang, Professional Interior Designer Majoring in Applied Management

I have learned and experienced so much in B283-02. I have written my 50 Things I want to Do List, chosen my Kiva Entrepreneur that I want to sponsor, come up with a list of business ideas, and written a report on Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, among other things. It is sure to be a great semester.

50 Things I Want to Do Before I Die:

1.     Take a watercolor class

2.     Take a drawing class

3.     Take and acrylics class

4.     Take a sculpture class

5.     Have my own artistic studio

6.     Grow Roses

7.     Grow tomatoes

8.     Grow herbs

9.     Have a lemon tree in my yard

10. Have an orange tree in my yard

11. Travel to England

12. Travel to France

13. Travel to Italy

14. Travel to Scandinavia

15. Travel to India

16. Go on neat vacations with my children and grandchildren

17. See my grandchildren regularly

18. Take a European trip with my husband

19. Go on a marriage retreat with my husband

20. Visit my siblings regularly

21. Take fun trips with siblings

22. Interior Design High End homes of 8,000+ SF

23. Teach Teenagers Interior Design for their own living spaces

24. Have my own Interior Design Firm

25. Have my designs published in an Interior Design magazine

26. Win first place in a Design Excellence Interior Design competition

27.  Be recognized as an expert in the field of Interior Design

28. Make home furnishings and accessories out of flea market finds

29. Use my professional talents to give back to my community

30. Design my own line of furniture

31. Be on a televised Interior Design Competition

32. Be on a talk show

33. Get a Master's degree in Project Management

34. Design fabric

35. Have a tailor make my dress that I designed

36. Design little girl's dresses

37. Design girl's accessories

38. Design handbags

39. Write a book

40. Take singing lessons

41. Learn to sail in a sailboat

42. Go hang gliding

43. Learn to snow ski

44. Take cooking classes

45. Pay for my grand children's college expenses

46. Learn martial arts-- get a black belt

47. Go to the Chandler Ostrich Festival. If it is fun, make it an annual event.

48. Go to a health spa retreat

49. Go to a day spa and get pampered

50. Watch every episode of "Married at First Sight", discuss.

 I have spent a lot of time thinking about my Kiva project. I want to earn more than $100 profit  to help a mother from Kenya. I chose the country of Kenya because it has the most Kiva loan opportunities in the world, over 600. I am choosing a mom because strong mothers strengthen their communities. I am choosing a mother in the food business because I want to help  her be self sufficient and hopefully also be able to provide nutritious food to her own children. 

I have brainstormed business ideas for my $100 project, and am deciding from the following:

1.     Tie die baby onesies and socks, sell to friends and online

2.     Applique cute designs on baby onesies sell to friends and online

3.     Sell Brownies or cookies to friends and co-workers ( I can legally make certain types at home because I have a food handler's card and so I know kitchen conditions and also how to legally package items)

4.     Teach Interior Design class to Tweens or teenagers in home, network with friends to find interested participants

5.     Make earrings, sell to friends and family

6.     Make girls super cute hair bows, sell to friends and family

7.     Make doll clothes, sell to friends and family

8.     Make a simple little girls dress from a t-shirt and fabric

9.     Sell mugs with homemade hot chocolate (Can get mugs at dollar store)

10. Valentine "Gift Shop" Take orders for  heart shaped brownies, hot chocolate mugs and beautiful homemade cards

11. Use Facetime to give quick Interior Design advice

12. Sell quick bathroom upgrade

13. Paint goblet glasses and sell

14. Make bracelets and sell

15. Make and sell homemade greeting cards

16. Sell interior paint consultations

17. Sell embellished journals

18. Sell my own designed pillows

19. Make a Youtube video to teach a skill, ask for donations

20. Make and sell a cookbook of favorite recipes

I had a great time reading "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. Have you ever heard of "The Secret"? What is "The Secret"? Who thought of "The Secret"? Does knowing "The Secret" really help people to become successful?  In his  book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill was the first author to teach  how to effectively use this principle. Up until then, it was only known by  a privileged few...