CAN'T APPEAL TO EVERYONE AND THAT'S FINE

Recently, I made padded hangers for my mother for an auction at her club, but no one bid on them. Did I cry? Nope. I wasn't happy but she reminded me that a lot of folks just don't appreciate the value of handcrafted items. Or understand the purpose for the item.

What does one do with a padded hanger, they may ask? They are purrfect for hanging lingerie. Or a special garment like a wedding dress, evening dress, or scoop-neck garments, etc so they won't become misshaped at the shoulders or slip off the hanger (at least not as readily as naked wood hangers). Yes, I said 'naked'.

Over the past few months, I've learned that I cannot stress over an item that doesn't sell the first time out. [Although I've been pretty spoiled by selling everything I've made up till now, reality had to bite sooner or later] One item simply just can't appeal to everyone's taste. Some ladies don't prefer feminine or over-the-top designs and others just adore them. That is life, right? Right!

In the wake of this non-sale, I simply must continue with creating my product line. Someone will buy those hangers, mark my words.

BUILDING MY SELF-ESTEEM and A PET-PEEVE

Good Day! 



How Am I Holding Up?


On a high note! I have received wonderful compliments on my bags, and my computer class instructor (and customer), Kyle, has been a true champion with building up my confident. The gentleman has been my trumpet, and I am grateful that my Divine Father has put this man in my life to encourage me. It has worked marvelously.

Another God-send is a repeat customer who has bought several bags for his special girl and nieces. Recently, he ordered a tote bag. I also have an order for a friend who wants a stuffed doll. I had made her one years ago, and it was misplaced. She's a nice, good soul and I'm going to try and make it as adorable as possible . . . the dress will be the easiest part.

The funny thing about getting orders at this stage of my business, is that the payments mostly if not all go toward buying and restocking supplies for the current or future orders.

I need about 5000 dollars to update my inventory. Unfortunately, a personal debt outweighs the cash that's coming in. I desperately need an industrial machine that can sew multiple layers of thick fabric and a programmable embroidery machine (Truthfully, I'd be very happy to have just a standard embroidery machine).

 Pet Peeve

What is up with local stores only selling that crappy polyester-covered polyester. Seriously? Where I live, Walmart and A.C. Moore sell the aforementioned Coats and Clark thread that constantly breaks BECAUSE it isn't designed for heavy-duty sewing. All purpose thread? No, I don't think so.  

Can I PLEASE have mercerized cotton-covered polyester with a range of vibrant colors? 

For now, I have to use the stronger cotton quilting thread--but it only comes in white, black and shades of cream and taupe. I need bright shades of pink, orange, yellow, lime green, etc. 

What I'm Thankful For

My customers. Thank you customers and God Bless you all . . . 



NEXT INSTALLMENT:  Stay Tuned . . . .

Keeping The Faith While Closing The Welfare Door

Hey, hey, hey! 

Soooo,  

So I Really DID take the plunge?

You bet! I am officially registered as a business with the State of New Jersey. Yippie! Still have to register with the county. Filed my first quarter for taxes but could not actually pay them because the Gov only accepts electronic payments. Since I have no money to get a valid picture ID, I cannot open a business account. Sooo, my useless money order for the tax payment has to wait until I can deposit it.

What Now?

Two weeks ago, I went to the county Social Service office and requested that they close my case. I did it not because I don't need to eat nor have medicine, but because welfare rules will not exempt me from a 30-35 hour work week. Why should I work for free doing slave labor when I need to be working towards making product, updating records and securing customers? Since my only source of income is what I can squeeze out of each order after expenses, cleaning toilets and floors for free is NOT the best use of my time.

Still awaiting an official letter from Social Services that confirms my case has been closed. If I'm lucky, I will receive at least one more month of food stamps and Medicaid. It is all in Father's hands. Whatever His Will shall be, so it will be.





NEXT INSTALLMENT:  Stay Tuned . . . .

 

Why I Took The Plunge and What Happened When I Did

When my General Assistance cash benefits ran out, Social Services sent me one last check for $140. I felt there would NEVER be a good time to start a business. I had been unemployed for years, my health was torturing me from the daily work activity that Welfare mandated, and I was miserable and depressed. Despite that--actually, because of it all--I decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge. Money or not, I'd had enough of the sorry path my life was taking.

In a plea for help, I sent a text to the NJSBDC counselor I had been meeting with months earlier and asked  "How am I ever going to start a business with NO money. He asked if I wanted to meet with him. Two weeks later, I had an opportunity to present to him my new skills (making handbags). Last time we spoke I was designing and making doll clothes, now, I had stumbled onto a niche that appeared lucrative and, for me, doable.

The SBDC counselor went over the process for filing for an EIN (Employer Tax ID Number) and a LLC (Limited Liability Company).

Seems crazy to start such an important venture with no real start-up cash (beyond the mere pittance I received from Welfare), but in this world people often say that God creates miracles. Okaaay . . . I sure do need one. Let me see what my Divine Father can do. I know He's good at pulling off the impossible. Gee, I can't wait. Currently, I am waiting for state approval for the LLC. Wish me luck!!

Last Updated:  March 30, 2014

STARTING A BUSINESS WITH NO MONEY?

Hello, everyone! 

I am chronicling my efforts to start a small business even though I have NO money. But I have plenty of talent, perseverance, and two great inspirations: kicking Welfare to the curb, and using my creative ability. I've been wanting to take the entrepreneurial plunge for 15+ years. There was never money to do so even when I was working. And I definitely did not have enough confidence in my skills.

How Did I Choose My Business Name?

I named my business Silk City Girl Crafts for two reasons. First, I was born in Paterson, NJ, USA, and waaay back in the day, Paterson used to manufacture silk. Thus, the town was called Silk City.  Second, my chief talents lie in the craft/sewing realm. Soooo, I'm the girl from Silk City whose chief talent is making crafts (home decor, doll clothes, and so on). Easy, right? Nah, I tried out some 150 names before I settled on this one.

Starting a Business With Zilch Dollars!?

Yes, believe it or not. Why should I delay my dreams because I'm financially poor? Even poor folk have dreams, and we have a right--a duty--to pursue that elusive, fading American Dream. All my life people have said to me "God is going to help you. Just have faith. Be patient." Well, I'm not known for patience (though I've gained plenty of it), and I fall short of the faith ladder. But I've always prayed to the Higher Being. His Presence has evolved in my mind and life over the decades, and I've had quite a few one-sided verbal battles with Him. Hope he has a really good sense of humor.

Just talking wasn't going to get me any closer to financial freedom. I felt it was time to step out of my turtle shell and test God (actually, I mean test myself). I needed to see what the Divine Father would do for me if I chose a goal and made attempts to accomplish it. Would doors open? Would my years of begging for a direction, for help, for money, for the moon and sun be provided if I stepped up to the plate?

NEXT INSTALLMENT:  Why I Took The Plunge, and What Happened When I Did