a BIG change~

On Friday, May 13th my career turned around, again, in an amazing string of events.  I viewed a building in down town DeKalb Illinois that was on the market to rent.  I knew of the opportunity, and even took a peak in side before, but never imagined in a million years I would ever be able to open my own shop.  Friday the 13th my eyes were opened to that very possibility. 


That same day, Annie Sloan, creator of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, published a link on her social media networks to my review on this blog of her chalk paint.  I knew my career would benefit from this, but I never imagined how awesome it would become.   


Since that day, I have been working on getting that shop open.  It's been quite a crash course in business, tax information, LLC or INC or Sole prop., and let's not forget insurance!  I am counting my blessings from all the knowledge I never thought I would use from working at the bank...it has proven priceless more than a time or two!

This opportunity has also shown me how every endeavor in life is a foundation for what is to come.  Years ago I used to paint murals & faux finishes and was known in the small town I lived in at the time as the  painting girl.  Its hard to believe now I would be looking into carrying a line of paint and teaching others how to use it, and opening my own shop.  I am blessed beyond measure :)


I know this doesn't look like much, but it will give you an idea of what Carter's Cottage the Shop looks like.  Today I spent 3 hours vacuuming, 3 hours painting, and 1 hour cleaning.  Oh, and these are the before pictures.  I'm sure I will be posting so many pictures of this place everyone will be so tired of hearing about it!

We are set to open on June 15th with a grand opening June 18th.  When I'm not working on the shop, I am home working on projects.  I'm truly sorry I haven't been able to post much lately, but I'm sure that will change once the shop is ready for business.  I have many projects that I can't wait to share with you...it's just going to take a little time to get them posted.

                                                                                    This is what it looks like standing in the front window.

This is what it looks like standing in the far back corner looking towards the window.  Mr. Cottage taped ol news papers in the windows.  He says it will build excitement and people will try to peak in to see what's going on.  He surprises me with little things like this and it makes me smile:)

And the periwinkle is soon to be GONE and replaced with a nice neutral Dusty Trail...yes staying in my comfort bubble on this one lol~

This is a picture of the far off corner where I was standing in the previous picture.  These are little dressing rooms which are a perfect size for someone with glass ware or smalls to sell!

I know what you're thinking...what is this?!  This is going to be my sales counter! Duh! lol~  And man is she R-O-U-G-H! She has such great character though!  It'll be worth all the work that's going to go into her to get her ready!  Just having a hard time convincing Mr. Cottage about that lol~

These are the sliding doors I took off to hang behind the sales counter.  I think they will be awesome in Duck Egg Blue!  Wha-d-ya think?  Oh, and that black speckle stuff, yeah that's mold.  A friend salvaged her from a barn in Wisconsin.  She kinda smelled like the cows so I had to give her a good scrub down!

I know this has been a long post.  Thanks for sticking with it to the end.  And even though I don't have anything really finished yet, I'm still going to post this on some of my favorite links.  It will have to be a first in a series...that has to be done SOON!
Enjoy~
Christie


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