So the Unemployment ran out, I'm getting married in 10 weeks or so and the economy in in shambles - I know! I'll start a business!
I told you I was batshit crazy!
I have to do something. That's a fact. I can't sit here and let the boat and the mess pile up around me because I don't have a job and can't find one. So I'm making one.
My shrink thinks this is actually a good idea. So does my fiancee. So we're going to go for it. I can sew, and damn well actually. My work study job in college was costumer - I've made everything from doll clothes to wedding dresses. I learned as a child and I have a good Singer machine that can handle heavy duty fabrics - so I'm going to do canvas work for boats. It's the perfect time of year to do it - as it warms up people come out to work on their boats and a lot of the owners are from Portland or other towns - they don't have time to do that kind of thing - but I do.
So we will be renting some studio space here in downtown, getting a business name and Tax ID number and rolling. I have one small job already for a local charter company to do some canvas finishing work on one of their charter boats, and another commission to do some private work for another liveaboard. In addition I've been pricing power washers to offer a boat cleaning service as well. Why spend your weekend scrubbing when I can do it for you midweek and you can just spend your weekend enjoying your boat. Not really catchy, but certainly practical.
Of course, I'm nervous. This is a horrible time to open a small business. But there is so much potential for it that it seems worthwhile. I've been helping out on the charter boats a couple days now as they prep for the first seasons halibut fishing trips and it's been so good to just work on a boat, even if it's not mine.
We also have a Sunday market that will begin this week - I'm going to see what's there - and what's not - and come up with some fun items for the market as well. I think I can make enough to at least keep the rent covered - and G-d willing a little more for the boat fund. September is coming up fast.
So as the weather clears slowly on the Columbia river, there's a new shop in town. Need canvas? I can do it. Need a steampunk costume? I can do it. Need SCA or Midsomer Scandinavian Festival garb? I can do that too. Come on down to Wenarwe Studios and get what you need.
If you're an artist in the PNW area - one room will be a gallery. Feel free to hang your stuff with us.