Beginnings in Rochester

Well we are beginning a new experience in Rochester.  My daughter, who has had an online business for a little over a year luvaboos.com is opening a "brick and mortar" store, which for the uninitiated into the world of our internet connected world means a store with actual walls rather than virtual ones.  She has been looking for a location for a while and finally found a place.  She is a creative also and is able to see beyond the obvious into the possible.  So she found a lump of coal that she is polishing into a jewel.  And it was more closely related to coal than you might think because it used to be a print shop and there was black ink dust liberally scattered throughout the space.

I started taking pictures after the cleanup process began.  As they began cleaning it up they began to uncover some of the building's old character.  After discussions of how to make the drop ceiling look more interesting they happened to look under it and found a beautiful old tin ceiling.

So we began the process of discussing how to make this sow's ear into a silk purse. I began my sample making and design ideas. My first trip there involved seeing different businesses that my daughter liked the feel of and if you ever visit Rochester you can visit them also. The Lovin'Cup at the RIT Barnes and Noble plaza and The Boulder Coffee shop in the South Wedge.

Both are interesting, artsy places with yummy menus.

We also visited another place that is one of my favorite places to go;  the Habitat for Humanity Restore store.

At this place we looked for things to use in the store.  We found three chandeliers, some mirrors, tile for the mosaic, and various odds and ends. These were more sow's ears and many would pass them by.

All this is a little daunting and overwhelming for my daughter and her husband because they are taking a risk with little back up resources and a young family to raise.  But it seems to me that most amazing things happen when people are willing to step out on a limb and risk failure.  All you have to do is research the stories of successful people in all walks of life.  There is a safe way to live life and there is a way that involves risktaking.  I remember hearing of a study done years back that involved questions about the regrets of people towards the end of their years on this earth.  A very common regret was that they didn't take enough risks.  I think about that oftentimes, because I like to be safe...