Foundations of Business

Yesterday was the first day of my Foundations of Business course and it solidified a lot of things for me. First and foremost, that it's OK that I quit tattooing. It's been a struggle because so many people ask me why I quit. "You were doing so well... Give it a couple of years you will be rocking it" Naturally I am a people pleaser, so I kept thinking (and losing a little sleep) maybe they're right... maybe I gave up too soon. But every cell in my being says that this is where I belong... on this track that I am on.
For the first time in my life "I" am making the decisions on the direction in which I am faced and walking... putting in the work and being proud of every brick I am paving my way with.
I am grateful for all the opportunities I have taken advantage of up to this point and I plan on remaining grateful for any opportunity that may come my way. And the minute I feel I have gathered enough knowledge to help someone on their journey, I will not hesitate in doing so.
Things that I learned:
I am a people person: I really enjoyed meeting a new group of people yesterday, networking and talking about all their different ideas. I like working in groups to brainstorm. I realized that trying to work this all out on my own and alone got me face to face with a brick wall many times. Feeling of defeat before there was even a something to be defeated.
I think I could be good at this business thing: I am excited to understand the in's and out's a little more, not at all rolling my eyes at the prospect of having to deal with the business end of things. In fact, the complete opposite and ready to take on this way of thinking by storm. (Never thought this arty girl would be excited about this kind of thing)
This Mercy Corps course is one of the best things I have done in a while: I am really excited to make my idea/concept come to fruition. I recommend this course to anyone looking to gain a little more knowledge and perspective about any small business idea they have rolling around the brain or even to those who are a little further along. If you think about it, it's a small price to pay for "tools".
On an ending note, I am glad for the journey and the people I have met and encountered along the way. I would not even be considering this road if I were not surrounded by some of the most artistically talented people in the trade.

Much love and respect.
j-

Thanks to a friend...

And so I'll jump right in... cause like I said, "tired of sitting around just talking about it"
Signed up for this class today.
http://www.mercycorpsnw.org/what-we-do/foundations-business-course/
And now I make chicken stock... cause I am a fancy multitasking lady.
Thanks Kirsten for the link,
j-

oh shit, jobless.

This blog will be a chronicle of a journey and if it ends where I want it to end, then we'll have succeeded in making this blog segue into a business blog. And, if it doesn't end where I wanted it to end, well then, I hope I gave it a "God's honest shot".
I want to open an independent, niche bookstore/gallery. I have no fucking idea what I am doing. All I know is I have a love for books, tattoos, art and a knack at being good at pointing people in the right direction. So I imagine holes will be dug, walls will be hit, toes will be stepped on (including mine) but I will raise a glass (any alcohol substance will do) and toast to the hope that my defeatist ways do not get the best of me... procrastinator to an ending fault! 
As the story goes:
I quit my job as a tattooer for more than one reason but what it all boiled down to was, unhappiness. I was tired of being unhappy. I kept thinking if I could keep my eye on the pie (opening my own business) I could at least make money while I worked on the whole deal... But the pie just got further and further away. I came home grumpy, tired, feeling defeated by my day. A bottle of wine cured everything, and nothing except talking about it ever got done.
I kept putting it off. "I will read this book about bookstores" "I will start working on a business plan in a month or so... in spring... by next fall" never happened. I have had this idea for well over a year now... and nothing. Just a clock ticking and a liver trying to come up for air occasionally.
So I quit.
I figured if there was anything to light a fire under my ass it would be to let go of my security blanket. The daily grind that makes us a comfortable living but truth was I/we were drinking and eating it all. Although, I do love good food and drink but I don't need it every night.
So here's where it gets tricky for me: I am a great and notorious procrastinator. (Admitting you have a problem is the first step)  I can hardly make a decision in a supermarket isle let alone on what move I need to make next. I shall revert back to prior sentance... I have NO FUCKING IDEA WHAT I AM DOING!!! So I am making lists and reorganizing my house... I figured if I can make order out of a cupboard or a drawer or my entire basement then maybe my brain can apply that to making order out of a business plan.
I may and should probably seek a mentor soon, even if it means paying for it but for now I have my "Small business for Dummies" and "How to open a Bookstore". Step in the right direction... right?
Oh and a Buddhism book so that I remember that I am a nice, humble, loving and loved, talented gal who should not worry so much about all the things that could or could not happen. Cause right "now", all is peachy keen.
Shit happens at any given moment and there is not a whole lot we can do about it, except roll with the punches... Is that enough cliches in one sentence?
Maybe I'll get that shit tattooed on my ribs so I always remember it...
j-