Is it haute in here?

It is truly amazing how much can happen in a short span of time.  I don't know about you, but I can't even get through a song on the radio without completely derailing my line of thinking and arriving some place completely foreign mentally that I never could have expected.  These past few weeks the band has played on and things have certainly spun me in new directions, landing me in unplanned and unfamiliar territory.  Rather like a road trip gone awry, I am trying to enjoy the process of "being lost" because it's typically the unforeseen parts of the journey that always seem to be the most fulfilling.


A few weeks back I was scanning a local newsletter geared towards mommies in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley (yes, I said mommies and no, you can't comment).  There was a posting somewhere between swimming lessons and divorce support groups for a business opportunity.  A well known, local salon & spa was looking to rent out a retail space in their Woodland Hills branch.  All it took were two little words..."boutique wanted"....and I was sold.  I immediately became victim to delusions of grandeur starring me as the successful entrepreneur.  


As quickly as the excitement swelled. the reality set in.  The inevitable questions fueled by self doubt crept in to take their ever-present stage.  How could I possibly find the time to run a small business, let alone afford it?  Oh, and did I mention I have zero experience in retail or business management?  But, wait...I love shopping, clothes, accessories, fashion and girl time at the salon...there has to be something to this.  Suddenly, it all became clear, this was an opportunity to have the things I'm passionate become a part of my growth process.  Allowing play to bleed into work is typically a challenge yet almost always guarantees success when done in the proper spirit.  It is time for a merging of happiness and prosperity.  I call the girls, the ones who I know won't hesitate to gamble on the upshot of fashion infused madness.


As usual, in less than a minute, Amy, Trina and I were all on the same page.  We would spend our free time shopping together anyway so why not do it for a living?  Granted, we may not retire on it, but there is more to profit than just dollars and cents.  We could have a whole store dedicated to dressing up the world in our style, sort of like having our very own adult dollhouse.  We get to hunt and gather and give back all in one fowl swoop.  The best part, we can lean on each other for the love and support these ventures require.  Whether needing more help, a word of advice, a shoulder to cry on, a wallet to open or a smile to crack, what better partner to turn to than a best friend?  Some say business and pleasure don't mix well, but I am here to tell you from experience that is far from true and had I believed it, I would have missed out on some miracles.  


So, here we are, it's a few weeks past reading a random posting and the doors to Haute Stuff Boutique are officially open.  It has been a whirlwind of late nights, learning curves and it's just the beginning.  I am filled with hope while managing my expectations.  I am excited about the journey and fearful about the outcome.  I am overwhelmed with the feed back and grateful for all the support.  Mostly, I feel lucky.  Lucky to have an opportunity to live in a place and time that not only allows me, but encourages me to live my dreams.  I am blessed to have such incredible friends to share my life with and I am humbled to have manifested all of this for myself.    


Unlike Dorothy...I like living in this crazy dream because it is my masterpiece....I hope I don't ever have to go home!


HAUTE STUFF BOUTIQUE
20855 Ventura Blvd. Suite 6
Woodland Hills CA 91364


Grand Opening: June 18, 2011 - details to come!!!