Friday, September 11, 2009

Dreams Do Come True

I love this topic because I am a perfect example of it. In 2004, I started a business. I did it all on my own, didn't know anything about starting a business so I researched and talked to people about it. Determination was my motto to make this dream of mine come true. I have always been into designing, fashion and anything related to being creative. I knew way before this whole thing started, that I wanted to end up designing handbags but didn't know how to approach it, so in the meantime, I decided to buy tees/tank tops and give them my own personal touch. I visited an accountant that gave me advice and explained how to get a fictitious name, how to open a DBA bank account, how to file taxes... then I researched the internet for independent artist like me, to see what they were doing and how they were getting their name on the market. I placed items in various on-line boutiques on consignment, drop-ship and also put up my own website to sell my designs at a retail price. I also had private parties where clients could place an order making their own very special design (tees and handbags.) At one point, companies overseas were placing large orders, wow, what a surprise my dream was coming true!

So I kept tapping in different directions, talking to friends that owned boutiques and that knew other people that had a business where they could introduce my products. Paying for advertising on-line was a great way of getting TuffCooki's name out there. Giving friends and family my designs as B-day gifts/Baby shower gifts... I have been making a little bit of money here and there but most important, knowing that TuffCooki is a recognized name, gives me chills.

I am not going to lie, the road hasn't been an easy one these last couple of years, the market has been a bad one but I haven't stop creating and believing that my business one day will boom. I have set up goals that I know I will achieve, I am excited about the future and I am so proud of myself for getting TuffCooki to where it is today.

Trust me, you might have a dream but if you don't put all your efforts and energy into it, it will never become a reality. Focus and believing in yourself is most important, don't ever let anyone tell you "you can't do something," I did it and you can too!

"Success comes in cans, not cant's"

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