Redesigning the Just Off Pine Boutique

Some might ask - "Didn't you just open the Boutique three weeks ago? What could you possibly need to redesign?" Those are very reasonable questions. However, if you have been following me for the past few weeks on this incredibly wild ride of small business ownership, you know that I had the opportunity to open a shop of my own and I did so - opening for business within 24 hours of getting the keys to the front door. Set up was quick and effective so that we could open the same day as Hidden Memories, our next door neighbor, and the shop I have a pop up shop in.

Opening day went very well. The entire weekend went well. We had many visitors and everyone was very complimentary. It's been a great start, but after week number two in business, I knew I was going to need to make some changes. The Boutique is tiny, a mere 225 square feet. The set up needs to be space saving as well as on trend and artsy. I really want it to stand out as a place potential customer want to come and explore regularly.

Due to my addiction to Pinterest, I did have a few ideas about the new design layout. There are several display design companies that offer display kits or systems that are exactly what I had in mind. Unfortunately, these kits are offered at a price tag that puts them way out of my small business range. However, when I see something I want, but can't afford - I don't give up. I get creative! I pull out my handy sketchpad and pencil and get busy. I then take stock. I look at what I have in my inventory and figure out how I can make my display dreams come true.

You may remember from a previous blog that I am blessed with a husband who can take my detailed sketches and design ideas and help me turn them into reality in his woodshop. Although at one point he did ask "do you really want me to cut this Duncan Phyfe table in half?" and "Honey, isn't this an antique? Should we really be cutting this in half too?" Of course we should!

After much to do.... cutting, painting, engineering, a little high school math - I had the display of my dreams! The Just Off Pine Boutique now has the Pinterest worthy display I dreamed of and the beautiful on trend artsy look I hoped for. As a bonus, it supports my business plan of upcycle, vintage, repurpose and find an excellent bargain to stay debt free! After all, if I spend less on displays, I will have more to spend on nifty offerings for the Boutique.