Dreaded 501c(3) Pathway and other riveting news

I wasn’t going to pursue a not for profit because I didn’t want to share my vision of the business with others . This whole idea has been my baby . It’s taken me awhile to grow my understanding. I’ve learned I can manage the business by setting up classes, cultivate teachers, organization and planning are second nature. What I’ve concluded over time though is that having a board that has has representatives of various types of fiber arts is smart business. I am passionate about rug hooking. Its what I will be teaching. I need others to help me when it comes to determining the best course of action for each of the various fiber arts that will be fostered in the business. Their passion will help drive us forward. I was scared of losing something I love. So after a lot of careful consideration, research, and talking with individuals whose knowledge was key, I decided to pursue a framework that utilizes a not for profit structure without going down that road for now. . It’s quite a process. I’ve written Revival’s Bylaws and I have a Board of Directors slate that I am still building. I really want to make sure that the various fiber arts have a representative. Of course this leads to its own issues because, as a fiber arts community, we all seem to have a specialty we are passionate about but still dabble in others. I’ve capped the board at 10 max. Too many cooks in the kitchen can create havoc. This adage is also applicable to creating a board. I have been looking for funding sources and as a sole proprietor there are grants available just not as many but I remain undaunted. Regardless of business designation I need to be in business at least two years before I am considered for any grants. I will meet a year in August of 2021. I’ve kept my records for all the outreach I’ve done in Kokomo and Greentown. I am so happy with it. I’ve learned a lot from everything I’ve been doing about how important it is to be focused on the communities I am serving regardless of having the building open or not. Part of that focus involves a decision I made a long time ago. I wanted a jury of fiber art folks who have experience in selling their products to help me in determining whether an item meets consumer quality standards before it’s added to the shop. I’ve approached several of my fiber folks about assisting with this. I’ve gotten some positive feedback but am still looking for others in different areas to round off my jury. I am doing this because I want to make sure that items sold meet a quality standard that consumers look for, will return, and recommend to others. I am still working at the building to get it ready and with COVID its been a terribly slow process. I’m not used to slowing my pace so this has been difficult. I’m really good at repurposing so there are many things that I’ve been able to create to help in the shop. I’m scraping walls to be sealed and painted so there is lots of stuff that can be done by myself and anyone willing to volunteer. Everything adds up after awhile. It surprises me one day from the next I will walk in, look around, and realize it’s coming along. I wish I had other options but this is my path right now. I am not inclined to look at bank loans given the current economic state. I believe that its just not prudent to take a loan right now so I move along slower than I would like with the realization that, just as in Aesop’s fables, the tortoise wins the race. I’m providing classes. I attend my rug hooking group, RugMatters, here in Kokomo every week again now. I’m back with the VFW Military Rites Team providing funeral rites for Veterans and their Families. I had to take a break because of a fall. Third degree sprains are no joke. I just completed my occupational therapy. The sorority I joined in college, BSP, hasn’t been meeting regularly and neither has my rug hooking group in Fishers Indiana or the quilt guild, Kokomo Piecemakers. This pandemic has wreaked havoc on everyone and everything. Life still moves forward though and I’m looking forward to spring. I will be working on the landscaping separating flowers and creating a small patio area for a table and chairs just to be able to enjoy the seasons. I’ve talked to several of my fellow rug hookers who dye their wool and will be placing a clothesline so these can dried outside when the weather permits because, I’ve been told, its so much better than the dryer which would felt the wool more. I am going to be installing a couple of art displays outside and putting out the sign in the kiosk at the front of the building. Additionally I’m going to be revamping the kiosk so its brighter and happier looking. Like I said lots of little things that add up to something special. My hope is that this business will be a way for people to get to meet each other and build lasting friendships. Life is just too short. My Sister-in-law, Barb, told me once that as long as no one is blue or bleeding out life is good. I couldn’t argue with her about this and I adopted it for myself. It helps me stay grounded in what is really important. Well that is enough for now. I wish you all the best. Come visit the shop when it’s open.