....We began our journey

Milestones Along The Path - - -

As I think about the milestones that make up our journey, many come to mind. I will share a few of them so we have a log that reflects the path we chose. You may find it interesting or not *smile* We do hope you will share your thoughts with us. The need for discretionary or non-federal funds is the underlying principal for creating a business plan to present to the Board for support and approval. The business plan was crafted to sell on the internet and teach beading classes. The plan had little face-to-face selling other than local craft shows and the Community Action Partnership national convention. The Board support and commitment of $7,500 provided the means to begin August 2004.

As we discussed our new business~Beads in a Box, yes we had to come up with a name that the domain was still available. Beads in a Box wasn't our 1st choice and possibly not our 4th, but we were able to purchase the domain name. It fit with the idea of bead project in frosted Chinese take-out boxes. Upfront expenses included web designer, photographer, and beads of course. A few of the staff stepped forward to help create the jewelry and I taught basic bead techniques to them. They created inventory and ideas for our beading classes. Our inventory was ready! We researched local craft shows and found one in Kearney. We were on our way after signing up to sell at a November show. Now all we needed was a way to package our sales. We found burgundy jewelry boxes and gold tissue paper. We then put the item in a frosted handled bags. Of course, we had designed a gold foil sticker for the box and bag.

Two months before the local craft show I arrived home to a phone message that the show promoter had canceled the craft show! What now? Next morning I called the "team" together and asked them if they wanted to manage a craft show? Of course they did! *smile* We now had a place to showcase our jewelry. Of course we had no idea how to set up or manage this craft show. We found the original manager of this craft show, Marlene Hadwiger. She was a blessing and became our cheerleader. She helped us every step of the way and loaned us the booth dividers for the newly named Holiday Splendor Craft Show. Beads in a Box had a place to begin selling our creations.

This was the beginning of our journey and it was so much more than one can write about. We had so many ideas that we thought were genius. *grin* Many, many false starts and do overs. We were determined and dedicated to the creating a business that provided discretionary income and would hire a couple of the folks we are here to serve. The idea to hire, train, and enable a young parent to be at home in the evenings with their children, give up a second or third job, and create inventory was at the core of what we had to accomplish. Thus, began our journey!

Karen