Chronicles of Narnia, I mean, "Nana"

Since I’m starting this log today as a means of chronicling the art of opening a business, I’m going to back up a few days to let you know that I’m on the other side of a day of great uncertainty.

Three days ago, when my husband and son left me home alone for various other activities, I had quiet quality time with myself and the plans for my business, Nana and Company—Children’s Resale Boutique and Parent Resource Center, in Dixon, California. The moment of doubt attacked again when I opened an email to discover the Kiwanis Club sent me an advertisement seeking a House Director for a cause I support whole heartedly. The job duties fit me like a glove—a job I would love to have with regular pay that I know I’d love, too. I looked to the Heaven and asked, “Why now?”

I am far too deep into the commitment of opening this retail shop and have already spent close to $2,000 on the endeavor. (I have been working on the plan since last September, firmed up a commercial space rental in November, and diligently since.) I spent the next two days on robot as I contemplated whether or not I was too far into plans to abort mission when suddenly it dawned on me that there have been numerous jobs that ‘had my name on them’ but I had never even got a call back much less an interview.

“Oh, riiigghhht,” I said out loud to an empty house yesterday. That is why I’m opening my own business. No more looking backwards I reminded myself. This is the right path for me at this time in my mid-50 life, I said to encouraged myself--a habit well known to fellow entrepreneurs. So, I spent the day yesterday on the phone with AT & T to go through their various business plans and felt pleased with my order and the costs. I also brought out my storage tub filled with files from when I owned a similar shop four years ago.

Last night I waded through all of them and made stacks of tasks I needed to do and then organized them to put into a binder titled, ‘Nana Start Up.’ I was pretty discouraged by nightfall, as it really is a huge amount of work still to go.

“This is why NO ONE should sell their business for less than $10,000,” I said with determination. The dog cocked her head trying to figure out if I was talking to her. There are weeks of hours put into it before it even opens the doors. At even minimum wage, my investment of time has been thousands and my experience to make that contribution even more effective is worth even more. First timers often get it wrong and I was no exception. However, I’ve now opened a business several times, closed unsuccessful ones and sold those that were successful. This one, despite all my planning and time with professional consultants, is a leap of faith.

Today I will file the fictitious business name, which means a drive to Fairfield, and get a reseller’s permit, which is in Suisun.  Then I’ll swing by the City of Dixon to apply for a business license. Note I’ve already spent time checking with the city for approval to know what I had to do and also spent time researching these other requirements online. Forms are filled out, cashier’s checks already drawn, and much to do in between. This week I have to make a decision about a bank as I need a credit card to run all transactions through for the paper trail and record keeping part of this.

If you ever want to own your own business, follow along and see why the American Dream needs to be exposed. Some say business ownership is actually a nightmare. I’m constantly reminding myself that this is just the start up. Once it is all up and running, things get a lot easier, you get great customers, and you love to go to work.