The Big Dream
- Dusty Santos
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Hello Hen House readers!
I've been thinking about my end goal. What I would do if I had all the money in the world. The dream business.
Problem is, I've always thought about it as a dream and nothing more. Something that will only happen if I win the lottery.
Lately I've shifted my mindset. What if I were to create a pathway to my dream business. What would that look like? What would I need to do?
The End Goal
I suppose I should start by visualizing what I actually want. A small store stocking wooden decor, homesteading essentials, and hosting classes. Style should be rustic wooden shelves with weathered white walls to highlight all the products.
Homesteading Products
Quality homesteading goods all in one place. Canning, gardening, bee keeping, bread making. Everything a self sufficient person needs.
These items are scattered all over and most are shipped. Quality is spotty and country origin is everywhere.
My store will have made in America, quality goods that you can feel and ask about. Which brings me to my next store feature.
Classes
Weekly classes for everything a self sufficient family needs.
Sourdough making
Gardening (even in suburbia)
how-to for non-electric appliances
Soap making
Canning and Preserving
Livestock raising
So on and so forth...
These classes get customers in the store. Give a unique new thing to do for date night, sell products on the shelves, and more importantly.
Teach everyone how to be more independent. Generations could benefit from it. It's better for the whole community!
With AI taking over lots of jobs, many families will be looking for cheaper alternatives. By learning how to do most things yourself, families can save lots of money in the long run.
But Wait! There's More...
Amazon Affiliate Time
Seriously, this is the easiest way to support my business!
Click the link and anything you buy
- within 24 hours -
gets attributed to me and I get a small %
If 24 hours passed just click it again.
You don't have to purchase what is showcased, you can get anything!
Featured Item:
Every product featured I've purchased and approve.
Decor
Not just any decor. Long lasting, made local decor.
My store will be different from all the other stores. It will feature sturdy, well made furnishings for long lasting heirlooms.
By supporting local crafters, my store helps the community.
Plus, if I ever do franchise out, each stores decor will be unique.
How to make it happen
Lots of signs in my life have shown me that this is possible.
Reading about Red Antler Apothecary. How they started and got a store in 1 year.
New series of store fronts are being planned in Lowell as we speak.
Opportunity's like working on Red Antler Apothecary's farm, and access to a lumber yard.
If all those people at Mill Number 5 can do it, why can't I?
The Next Step
I need to increasing my revenue and line of products.
Making all my own products is fun and rewarding. Knowing I created something out of nothing and people actually loved it enough to pay for it, fills my heart.
But...
Quality products take time. I should be doing a market every weekend. Instead I'm doing one a month.
Meanwhile I'm spending spending spending. $40 a month for Amazon with zero sales so far. $50 a month for Lowell Makes makerspace. $25 to $40 for each market. Website, Materials, and supplies. On and on.
I need other products to fil the shelves along side my decor. Items that work with my brand. Things people want. I need a supplier!
That's why I did my research this weekend and found a perfect fit. I emailed them and I hope it works out. If not I'll try another supplier but honestly, this one is the best fit, not just another email.
Why am I even doing all this?
Apart from having an unquenchable thirst for creating things, the reality is, AI is going to hit my family hard. My husband works in customer support on the phone. His job will be one of the first jobs taken in mass scale.
I have to do something.
I need to save my family!
lol ok ok, lets take it down a notch. That might be true but lets not get so crazy about it.
I need to help support my family during this unique time in history. (That sounds a bit better)
Having readers like you inspires me to keep going. Thank you for supporting me and my journey.
Do me a quick favor. If you enjoy this, leave a comment on here or wherever you found me.
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to join the Hen House mailing list...
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