There is always the business side to look at. Making and selling scarves is my passion but I still have to look at all the other things that go into making a company successful.
First off, we applied for a patent and are waiting on approval. The patent award process takes up to 18 months so we do have to wait for the final word. In the mean time, however, Curly Q Original is officially "Patent Pending". What a great feeling!
Also, we've applied for a trademark. Need to protect that original design. The trademark went live a couple of days ago. It is a great feeling knowing my business and ideas are protected.
Taxes. Wow, this is my first year doing business taxes. I don't want to complain too much but I do have to say the government takes a lot of money away from the small business owner. Seriously, they usually get about 1/3 of my profits (and that doesn't even include the sales tax that all my customers have to pay). Ok, done complaining. :)
Anyway, my sweet, financially savvy husband began doing our taxes and, well, with all the rules we decided that it may be best if we hire an accountant. This is our first time using an accountant. I'm glad for the service but, once again, it is another fee to running a business.
So, with a patent, trademark, and taxes it cost the company around $2700 when all is said and done. Fortunately, the patent and trademark will not be repeating themselves every year. I'm actually not complaining about the cost. I have been writing this blog, however, as a way to document my journey as a new small business owner. It seems there are unexpected costs around every turn and I would hope, as people read this, they can learn some of the ins and outs of business so the unexpected might be a little more expected (if that makes any sense).
I'm excited for what this year has in store for Curly Q Original. I'm doing a trade show in Albuquerque in mid March. Hopefully I'll pick up a few stores in New Mexico and Texas while I'm there. I'm also planning on doing Oasis again in July. I was thrilled to be called during the January show by a few people wondering where I was. I just love being loved.
I'll keep updating on the Spring shows. In the mean time, it is back to manufacturing. I'm only about half way done with the spring line and need to get cracking. Hope my sewing machine doesn't blow up (haha).
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Whoa, spring already!
I've been completely negligent in my blog posts. Frankly it is still a whirlwind for me. The entire Fall and Christmas Season was absolutely incredible. I was able to do retail shows every week. The feedback was extremely positive.
Some firsts for me was my first outdoor show at the Paisley Pumpkin in October. Such a different experience setting up outside and a little disconcerting to leave all my displays up overnight. I would repeat a couple more outside shows during the season but at least I knew what to expect. Every show I did I met amazing people. There is such a strong network of small business owners here in the Southeast Valley, I feel very blessed.
Christmas time was amazing. I started the season with a few small shows. My first huge show, however, was the Believe Boutique at the Cornerstone Church in Chandler, Arizona. I was so blessed to be the first booth when everyone came through the doors. Oh my, I was so busy. Non stop fun accessorizing women of all ages. I sold 200 scarves in two days. So much fun.
Later, I tried my hand at doing two shows at once. Each of them had central checkout so I mainly just had to make sure the booths were stocked and looking nice. Once again, had a great time, did well, and met more amazing people and vendors.
Much of my time was spend stocking my stores. Several of them just flew through the scarves all season long. Well, they ARE great gifts and they look great on everyone so I really can't blame them if I do say so myself. I just loved the fall/winter colors and so did everyone else. There was a part of me that was happy to sell out of certain patterns and a part of me that was sad to see them go, knowing that they would never be again (sigh).
I finally got a break just before Christmas. I was pretty slow for about a week. I sent off my Spring 2012 fabric and was waiting for the cuts to come back. I thought I would be really slow come January, boy was I wrong.
The calls started coming again. Not only did they want to order, but they were very anxious for my Spring Line (as was I). New colors and patterns just make me so happy but I digress. I got my cuts back very quickly and started the assembly process. The stores have loved them.
I've also been so pleased this last week to welcome three new stores to the Curly Q family. Things are catching on! I feel so blessed to have this amazing business, amazing friends and fans who support me, and an amazing family that helps and encourages me all along the way. Life is good and very stylish here at Curly Q Original.
Some firsts for me was my first outdoor show at the Paisley Pumpkin in October. Such a different experience setting up outside and a little disconcerting to leave all my displays up overnight. I would repeat a couple more outside shows during the season but at least I knew what to expect. Every show I did I met amazing people. There is such a strong network of small business owners here in the Southeast Valley, I feel very blessed.
Christmas time was amazing. I started the season with a few small shows. My first huge show, however, was the Believe Boutique at the Cornerstone Church in Chandler, Arizona. I was so blessed to be the first booth when everyone came through the doors. Oh my, I was so busy. Non stop fun accessorizing women of all ages. I sold 200 scarves in two days. So much fun.
Later, I tried my hand at doing two shows at once. Each of them had central checkout so I mainly just had to make sure the booths were stocked and looking nice. Once again, had a great time, did well, and met more amazing people and vendors.
Much of my time was spend stocking my stores. Several of them just flew through the scarves all season long. Well, they ARE great gifts and they look great on everyone so I really can't blame them if I do say so myself. I just loved the fall/winter colors and so did everyone else. There was a part of me that was happy to sell out of certain patterns and a part of me that was sad to see them go, knowing that they would never be again (sigh).
I finally got a break just before Christmas. I was pretty slow for about a week. I sent off my Spring 2012 fabric and was waiting for the cuts to come back. I thought I would be really slow come January, boy was I wrong.
The calls started coming again. Not only did they want to order, but they were very anxious for my Spring Line (as was I). New colors and patterns just make me so happy but I digress. I got my cuts back very quickly and started the assembly process. The stores have loved them.
I've also been so pleased this last week to welcome three new stores to the Curly Q family. Things are catching on! I feel so blessed to have this amazing business, amazing friends and fans who support me, and an amazing family that helps and encourages me all along the way. Life is good and very stylish here at Curly Q Original.
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