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.