No joke, it was a struggle. Slow slow start, working to bring people in and have happy customers at our little art studio. Very slow take off, barely to cruise... and then...
COVID-19 smacks us right between the eyes. Closed down for 2 full months. No money in and still money goes out to maintain our space. Our savings is draining away. We are constantly asking if we should throw in the towel or keep fighting. There are no answers. Covid-land doesn't let us see through to the other side. It's not like a hurricane where you take the hit, clean it up and move on. Some say this could last another year. Can we?So, how to keep from spiraling down into a deep funk? I concentrate on the things I can control.
We're open again but business is super slow. We are not making our rent. We applied for a grant and got it. Okay, this month we're paying rent. Worry about next month then. I often go from freaking out, to crying, to anger. When I walk the dog I talk to myself. It helps me work through the myriad of feelings coursing through me every day. Then I recite a mantra of wishes but I speak as if they're all ready here. I learned that from the Law of Attraction. It's part of my plan to retain my sanity during crazyland.
In the mean time we're trying to come up with ways our customers can get the same great experience we offer in our art studio at home. Don't want to risk going out? Let me see what I can do for you. (and make $$ to pay the bills)
It's a daily struggle. When I'm ready to splash down into a puddle of misery I stop and think, "What else is out there? What else can I do to bring $$ in?"
Luckily I know a great group of business owners who brainstorm together. Are all our ideas great? No, but some have possibilities. Success will come. I will it to happen. We all know, Success comes but it has to find you working.
I think of that fish, Dori; Keep on Swimming, Keep on Swimming....
