Starting out with your first brick and mortar business, the tasks are many. After homing in on your business specifics, selecting a name, designing a logo, deciding colors…you have your license and your business plan, you’ve found a place and then you need to present your business to the world!
A few weeks ago, we began a new project that is just what I have described…an exciting first-timer in the business world, having worked for others is now ready to do her own thing, be her own boss, make her own decisions and assume the risks necessary to take this leap into entrepreneurial adventure.
It’s exciting and scary, daunting at times and fun too. And it should be fun. Finding something that you enjoy, something you believe in and believe that you can do as well as, if not (hopefully) better than, anyone else in your market.
With inventory determined, name and logo designed the last task was to create the space to present her concept. We won’t divulge that today, the project is yet to be presented, but the framework is on what I want to comment.
We began compiling some finish options…paint, upholstery, privacy curtains, carpet and a little brushed aluminum bling!! We want to reinforce her brand with key colors and finishes.
Knowing the terms of the lease agreement – what is the landlord’s responsibility, what is grandfathered-in, what can be changed, any spending allowances amortized into the lease…these are all things that are necessary to determine how to go about designing the interior. It is necessary to establish costs within the over-all start-up budget. Having helpful, knowledgeable, creative people around you with whom to assemble your team is imperative.
We arrived at the site to find a very clean slate. Located in a retail strip center, it was a white box.
We instantly decided the flooring would be a combination of polished concrete and broadloom carpeting, some lights stay and some go, spots will be added, colors will reinforce her brand.
Toward the back, a break-room kitchen area needed demolition. This pocket would become fitting rooms.
There was existing ceramic tile on the floor that also needed to be removed. These were things that our client could attack herself – saving money and getting to know her space.
We learned that the restrooms were grandfathered in and did not require any additional improvements – other than cosmetic.
We learned that we could make changes and additions to the lights and only needed a permit for electrical portion of the work.
Many of these discoveries were of pleasant surprise to our client who had been miss-directed a bit and was in a state of frustration and near defeat. Gathering good information is imperative, in order to save time and money, make good decisions and know your options. Get out there and get busy!!!!!
Soon to bee completed, watch for this transformation in coming weeks.
