I haven't updated my blog for a long time. I've been occupied with something that has taken nearly all my energy and almost all my time, too. Also my book has been put on the back burner for the time being.
Yesterday, I started a business of my own. The process of making this decision has depleted my mental reserves. I'm exhausted and scared but, also, relieved.
The process started one Friday night in April when I was in my cups, prattling the night away with a friend of mine. She told me about her difficulties in finding clothes she likes. She expressed a wish that I were a boutique keeper in our town; she believed that she would get what she wants from me. As the closing time of the restaurant drew nigh, we got a bit carried away with the idea. Next morning I woke up with an aching head and the idea of a business of my own firmly lodged in my mind.
Ever since that morning, I've been ferreting out ideas, rejecting them, and ferreting out some more. I've been hunting for information. I've been hunting for a place for my business. I've been hunting for money. And above all, I've been fretting.
Emotionally, It's been a roller coaster ride. At first, my friend was supposed to partner me in the business; she backtracked on her commitment. At that, the butterflies in my stomach got even more frenzied. One moment, I was excited by a find of a perfect material for my collection of knitwear, the next I was devastated because I failed in gettin a loan. I've had doubts, and I've found my nerv again.
At last, the most energy consuming part of the project is behind me; I've reached the decision of becoming a businesswoman. The firm exists. Since I need to get the confirmation from the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland that the suggested name of the firm is available, there's no point in revealing that bit of information just yet.
The next phase of the profect, the building up the shop and manufacturing the products, will take time and effort, but it'll be less demanding on my psyche. And, of course, I still need to get the loan.
