'Tis The Season

Wow, I am EXHAUSTED - 8 events, 1 each day for over a week. I didn't even unpack my Earth Alley samples. There were a times when I wasn't sure where I was going. Then I am made a complete ass of myself!

So why did my sweet husband laugh at me for about an hour? After one long intense day at an event, I was driving home and noticed all AND every car whizzing by me on the highway. I looked down to see the speed odometer read over 100. I called my husband crying: it finally happened - I was losing my mind. I was really spooked when a ghostlike old guy gave me the dirtiest look I had ever seen when leaving the exit ramp. 2 days later and after almost committing myself, I realized that I switched the odometer to kimometers. Dah$#%%&&&* - and I lived in Europe.

What come of it...Well...I made up for all the over-spending I did for the store this fall during the retail economy melt-down, I was interviewed for a spot on comcast on-demand's local channel (coming out in late Jan.) & I got a glimpse at what it would really be like to be INSANE!!!!

This Day Leaves an Indelible Mark

I want to shout out a big fat THANK YOU to Rick!

Not only is he the primary bring-home-the-bacon man as I try to make a go of retail. He helped when I worked about 100 hours a week in a day job & the store to kick this baby off the ground for its first 6 months; he helped when I decided to quit the day job to do this full time.

After working about 50 hours a week for little pay at a non-profit with a 1.5 hour commute, he works another 20 hours in the store. He does the maintenance, the financial analysis, helps with quality control, traded carpentry in exchange for store help and - when I really corner him - he'll do some networking and marketing - when I just can't get my list done.

Hey, what the hell do I do?

But today like a few other times he is a volunteer. Now in York County, PA where he is urging last minute voters to get their asses to the polls as he did at 7 am in order to be on the road in time. Why, because it is so important this day - Nov. 4th 2008. Change I can feel it!

This stupid economy

Wow I thought last year was stressful (ok - shear terror) of stepping into completely new territory just opening Earth Alley. And man, this takes it to another level. You hear people talking about it, the presidential candidates are saying how the economy is hitting small business but, man, to experience it day to day...

So I stepped up my game. I.E., my week - 2 federal building gigs that obtains extra money (for what, not sure, I ask no questions) by charging people like me a small fee to display items in the hopes of a few sales, a new customer or to advertise. It is similar to cold calling - only difference is you get, first-hand rejection, suggestions and sometimes the friendly purchase. I am getting tougher. The last gig I was body searched while going through a security check point with at least 6 guards (who were sweet), nothing compared though to the tough cookie womaning the parking lot, Hand over your keys, pay up & a grin that also said no attitude, all before 8:30 am. Next week is mellow, I think....

1 Year Anniversary Celebration

Well, we did it! One year this past Fri. Lots of mistakes, lots of looooooooooong days, weeks & months like Jan - March when I really thought we weren't going to make it. Several part-time jobs to buy more inventory and countless - 1000s I think - emails, promotions, festivals, discounts, flyers, coupons, articles, reminders!

And we received many accolades and great support from the press: Best Eco Gifts from Baltimore Mag, 2008, MPT featured Earth Alley on August 28th's "Your Business and Your Money", Baltimore Magazine's article on best modern cars (I was photographed with a Smart Car)Sept, 2008, & in May The Sun featured us on an article on alternatives to plastic bags. The Urbanite & Style mentioned our South African wire bowls in '07 and we've presented our items at 2 farmer markets, Pride Festival, the International Festival in Columbia and the Social Security building's market day. This Sat. will be an eco-lounge at Hampden Festival. What I crazy year! And here we go again!

Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance Happy Hour

Last Monday, Earth Alley hosted the Chespeake Sustainable Alliance's monthly happy hour. Over 60 people came - wow - I never knew so many people could fit in this space - well they didn't really. Our great neighbors loaned us their parking space. We had wine from Spoutwood Farm and great treats from Grano's - people looked like they had a great time. I had to take a picture to remember this many people.

I'm pissed

Yeah, I am really pissed! It was my goal to be as positive as possible on this blog. AND...It's hot and humid and I've gotten heat stoke twice already and I just came back from Seattle and I really miss it and July sales stinks almost as bad as January and I knew that the first year of business would be hard and I am used to working long, hard multi-tasking hours with little pay (wasn't I in non-profit?) Crap, I don't even have a salary to drown my sorrows in.

All the first year perils that comes with the territory - as I am often reminded.

So what set me off? Some asshole stole a Retreads wallet from the store yesterday - $53 dollars. Because $53 is a lot of money right now. And yet again I am reminded how human I am - how I am sometimes sinking with the sales, inventory, marketing, emails, updates, promotions, networking, budgets, trade shows, self-promotion, part-time jobs and now theft prevention.

In a nutshell, despondency.

What's Pooh Got To Do With It?

Our latest and greatest addition to our inventory is made of something you would never imagine! You might never guess so I'll just come out and say it - made with straw and pooh! Yes, elephant pooh. Beautifully hand-crafted paper that gives a percentage to saving the Asian elephants. I can't remember who first told me about this product but when I called up to order a sample, I had no idea what to expect. Well, I was very pleasantly surprised. In summary, the shit I get into!!!

The Season of Events

Wow! What a whirlwind. Thanks to Rick for helping with a number of events: the kick-off in St. Michael's, long ride, lots of gas but what a pretty place to spend a day; then Eco-fest, good to meet like-minded people; Cylburn Market Day - I think the photo says it all - and just when we were done, a special invite from a private corporation - yes, worth it. I couldn't have done it without my friend, Amy, who watched the store. Thank you Amy!

Next round: 3 dates at the Waverly Farmer's Market, Mt. Washington's Wine and Jazz festival in September and the Social Security Admin building. We can do it... We can right? Oh, I forgot Hon and Hampden Fest.

Bracelet Workshop a great success!

Our May 2nd Bracelet Workshop was fun and successful!

In celebration of women's health day, we made the bracelets in support of breast cancer awareness. A big thank you to our friends who made it possible.

Bay Day in St. Michael's

So what did Rick, Theo and I do Saturday? We participated in eastern shore's eco-fest. The sponsors of the event, the Maritime Bay Museum, were so kind to us. They didn't even laugh at us when we were crawling on our hands and knees looking for a lost jade earring blown over by a gala wind from the amazingly beautiful bay just behind us. Out of a movie this gala wind sent everything from our table flying. Try looking for a dime-sized green earring in blades of grass! Rick was the hero that day when he explored one last time. Jade is supposed to bring luck - we'll see!

We were camped next to Michele and Tony, great folks who own Michele's Granola. If you ever see it in stores buy two bags. You will thank me.

Hey, if this is what we have to do to get out of the store and Baltimore, it's okay by me. A big thanks to Amy, our very friendly and competent friend who held the fort down at Earth Alley on the first really warm day of spring!

The grace of Grace

Why do I forget to be grateful? A sourpuss – that’s me. And, I can see the positive change spring is bringing in me. Yesterday was a great day. I had a cup of java with a new friend, Jill, who I met a while back at Satchidananda Ashram (aka Yogaville) – a peaceful place I sometimes go to when I need to ground myself. And it doesn’t end there. My friend Grace who I met back in the fall when we both had booths at a holiday fair - she was selling great crafts from her native country, Kenya, some of which I sold at Earth Alley. Eight months pregnant she could hardly fit behind the register, Grace came to help wait on customers on Sunday while I was supposed to "catch up" on paperwork. Thanks Grace!

How amazing I feel when I am around people with positive energy. Thanks Jill! Thanks Grace!

Gardening classes offered at Earth Alley

So I am relying on my Master Gardener knowledge from years ago to generate interest. What will I talk about, if nothing else I will brush (pun intended) up on my plant skills. Check out our new classes:

Design Your Own Landscape - April 12th 3-4 pm
Edible landscapes - May 17th 3-4 pm
Tea Time - May 24th 3-4 pm

The best part is the Eco-Pots are in! I love these pots because they are durable, affordable and colorful - made from rice husks, 100% environmental!

Wacky Birdhouses - First Friday Event

Our First Friday event for April went really well. Alan Hicks came with a bottle of wine which went fast. Luckily our good friend, Shea, brought another just in time. Thanks Shea! My friend Tom brought some co-workers from his firm and it nice to catch up with an old friend.

We are really appreciative to Alan for his good humor, good will and good creations! Go Alan.

Boredom is a state of mind, right?

Wow, a long time since I wrote. I could have sworn I jotted something down in a late night, one-too many glasses of wine stuper? On a napkin somewhere? Well, I swear to be better. Hell, I’ll swear period.
Last night I had a margarita with a new friend who is editor of a great magazine that is locally produced. She’s cool. It is rare that I can meet someone who can talk as fast as me, understand when I talk faster than I think or at least puts on a good show at pretending to understand my gibberish. We talked about lots of things and some specific ways to get this store looking good for spring – displays, ad, festivals, you name it. I am excited to be excited again! Did we fall into the trap some small business owners face when things are slowing down – ugh I’ll say it out loud – Boredom? Boredom is a state of mind, right?
Tonight Wacky Bird Houses with Alan Hicks for April’s First Friday.