I recently had the incredible opportunity to help a fellow woman in business.  I'll try to keep a long story short and simple. 

This past September, I celebrated another birthday (the number doesn't matter, right?) and wanted cupcakes for my party.  I visited a local cupcake shop with all intentions of purchasing a dozen cupcakes.  If you don't know me, you will know that for the past 1.5 years I've been doing my very best to only shop local businesses.  This community supports me in my business and I feel it's only fair to support my community in return.  By keeping our money local, we are able to provide much more opportunity.  Oops, I digress.

Needless to say, I ended up with no cupcakes because I just couldn't bring myself to purchase from this local business.  There were several factors that brought me to the decision and I did feel guilty and awkward leaving with nothing.  Perhaps I shouldn't say nothing.  In a matter of seconds, I had redone this shop in my mind and had a handful of instant ideas for the owner that would increase her business.  Thoughts that stuck with me for months and I couldn't seem to shake.

During a dinner out with some girlfriends 2 months later, this particular shop came up during conversation.  It just so happened the group of seven are also all local business owners.  A couple of girls mentioned how delicious the cupcakes are and I was instantly upset with myself for not looking past the aesthetics during my initial visit.  Everyone knows I rarely pass up sweets!!!  I mentioned my experience and ideas in wanting to help this business.

Before we knew it, we were on mission to help a fellow woman struggling in her business.  We all have had firsthand experience with starting, maintaining, and growing a business.  And let me tell you, it's not work for the faint of heart. 

We further came to learn that the owner of the cupcake shop was dealing with life issues beyond what most of us could even begin to fathom.  Simply starting a business is enough to put you over the top many times, but add a litany of other serious troubles and it must feel impossible.  My heart strings had officially been pulled.

We brought the idea to our WiNGs (Women's Network Group) group and asked for volunteers to help with painting, cleaning, moving furniture, and offering their business expertise.  In addition, I put a plea out to some of my women in business connections and received over $1000 in cash, gift cards and supplies to make this project happen.  We were going into this starting with a $0 budget, but were then able to purchase paint and other necessary supplies thanks to the generosity of our community.  I failed to mention that these donors didn't even know who or what they were helping.  They simply answered my plea for assistance and never asked about the situation.  Isn't that amazing?!

Work days were scheduled.  Over 18 women showed up at various points over these two labor and energy intensive days. 

Women came with buckets of cleaning supplies, tools, sewing machines, tubs of fabric, furniture, artwork, and other decorative items.  Each ready and willing to give whatever she could.

I'm not going to lie.  The days were a bit chaotic and disorganized.  I had never been involved in a project like this and was a little overwhelmed on where or how to begin.  I imagine it's much like what my organizing clients feel when trying to organize an area of their home or office.  I simply remembered what I tell my clients...you just start somewhere. 

Before long the sewing machines were spewing new pillows, tablecloths, and seat cushions...walls were being scrubbed and sanded for painting, furniture was being sanded and given fresh new life with a few cans of spray paint, carpets were being steam cleaned, closets were being cleaned out and organized.  And we're not done yet.  This was just the beginning of the shop and business transformation.

Work on this project will continue into the new year.  Support in many areas is needed for this woman to succeed.  Women have volunteered their time each month to help with areas of their expertise.

When I started my business in October of 2004, one person is particular stands out to me as being vital in my growth process.  That person is Mike Sullivan with Automated Records Center.  Thank you Mike for seeing something in me and being there are a valuable business mentor.  Whether it was a simple "you can do this", or words of advice, or introductions to your business associates, or even just listening to me whine...I appreciate it! 

Another thank you goes to Michelle Damiano of Impressions.  I met her through Mike Sullivan very early on and believe she may have been a godsend.  If any business relationship was meant to be, it was with her.  Thank you Michelle! 

It feels pretty awesome to complete the circle of giving that started with me many years ago. 

A community that sticks together will stay together.  I have no doubt about that now.

Simply,

Jessica