Its June 4th 2010 and I can’t stop thinking about the little business I hope to begin – a little dream really. Just something simple. A studio in the garage and selling my wares at the Handmade Expo. I don’t expect to make millions but to have a little joy doing what I love. If I was to make a little money that would be nice too!! I am nervous, scared and excited. I hope that the creative mojo I once thought I possessed was not in my mind and I can indeed harness it and produce some old fashioned fabulous toys. I am hoping to make cubby houses that fit over your dining room table or card table, tee pees, fabric puppet theatres, hop scotch mats and maybe hobby horses. ……………. Deep Breath!!!! Wow it is out there! I have said it and now I need to make it a reality. First thing…….. a name and funding. I am probably heading back to the classroom next term to cover the funding ……. another Deep Breath! Only for short time to get the dollars organised so I can fund my project. My dream is to work from home so I can be the best Mum to Ben I can be. As for the name……mmmmmmm……… not going that well there. I want something that captures the essence of childhood play. We are still tinkering. These are some early ideas – SMILE+LAUGH+PLAY, Play the Old Fashioned Way, Old Fashioned Fun, and Aunty Bee’s. All ideas welcome….. please.
I have to thank some really wonderful people for inspiring me…… Tam for sourcing the most inspiring, sensational and extraordinary toys in her shop – Billycarts and Ballerinas. It is truely fabulous and if you haven’t been for a visit it is a must. For me it is like stepping into a fairytale. Claire for always being a positive voice in my head – thank you thank you thank you. My Mum for encouraging me to orgainise the garage and set up a studio. My wonderful husband who believes I can do anything and of course my beautiful little man Ben who reminds me that childhood is an amazing place every single day.
Fingers crossed that in the next six months……. I get myself organised.
love the idea Belinda! I can really see you doing well, you are a very inspirational Mum. My vote is for ‘Aunty Bee’s’.
How about (Aunty) B;s old time toys!
I love this idea and hope you remember us when you are famous (on Oprah)
Have fun
Belinda, everything you do is amazing! I’m sure your business will be a raging success! Now to get off my own botty and do something……
Btw I like Aunty Bee’s the best so far……
Wow B! Sounds Amazing! You definately need to put that creativity to good use. Aunty Bee’s is a winner!
Can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait. Two Lattimore girls in business, you know what that means – gift fairs together, yay a female to confer with! Only thing is Andrew would be off looking at the remote control cars with Philba and you and I would want to go to the handmade market scene. I can’t wait to stock your products in our little shop and bags exclusive rights to be the first retailer with your lines.
Great start with the names but don’t commit too soon as I am sure the one that fits best for you and which encompasses the direction you want your business to go is just around the corner. Something a little bit vintage and a little bit fun would be my vote. I am sure you would have already come across loads of fabulous names on the net but I should send you the collection of wonderful names we came across in Melbourne at some handmade markets. You will think of something yourself I know you will. Not sure but I thought there was an Aunty B’s honey company so that name could be already taken but you can do a check on ASIC (Govt. bus/comany name search website) http://www.search.asic.gov.au/gns001.html.
I couldn’t help myself I just checked and the there are a lot of Aunty names already registered but the only Aunty B type of one is called ‘Aunty B’s’ and was in Tasmania and now is deregistered so would now be available I guess. If you do go with this one, I think you need to jazz it up a bit to distinguish you from all the other ‘Aunty’ type business names out there. Maybe ‘Aunty Bee’s Vintage Haha’. I have just bought the latest Bambini mag which lists hundreds of new and established child-related businesses so you are welcome to borrow all of them if you want to do some more research.
Cb you know I am eyeing off those cutie pie owls you made too…
Exciting, exciting, exciting times ahead …!
Inspirations are coming thick and fast – out of my school I think. try that Jude, she is your way this week.