My business is finding wonderful vintage and antique items that are unusual and matching them up into collections that are chic and fun. These collections are an easy way for people who struggle with decorating to add instant soul to a space. But deciding to go out on a limb with this idea was not easy. Here are ten truly honest reasons:
10. Outlet for my creativity
Before starting Finder Not Keeper, I was expressing my creativity with the photo above. And you should see the photos of the spook houses I've put on for Halloween. Nothing wrong with this, but it was time to channel that creativity into something else.
9. I love planning
I have four sons. Hello. I will never get to plan a wedding unless, JOY! one marries an orphan girl or one marries a man. In the meantime, I’m planning the launch of my own business. You're welcome, Future Daughter-in-Law.
8. I like control
Again, four sons. Perhaps I’m displaying my inexperience, but this business is something I can control. It won’t ignore me. Look through me. Glaze over when I’m begging it to please not plow into the nice construction worker.
7. Matchmaking is a blast
Not everyone likes to play matchmaker with stuff. I love hooking up a cast iron beetle with a Spode platter that wasn’t really looking for a relationship and then they’re all perfect together.
6. Finding my "One Thing"
According to Jason Goldberg who founded Fab.com, if you want to be successful, you have to find your One Thing which falls at the intersection of three truths. First, you have to be passionate about the One Thing. Second, you must have a realistic shot at being the best in the world at doing the One Thing. Third, the One Thing represents a huge untapped market opportunity. It took me a year of solitude to come up with my One Thing. More about that process here.
5. Coolness factor from teenagers
My sons' friends thought it was a cool concept. They got it right away. And because teenagers are notoriously smart, that gave me confidence.
4. Financing my new dining room
It’s pretty ugly. But two years ago, I swore to myself that funds to update it would come from the earning of my own business. If you want to see some if my luscious ideas for it, here's my Pinterest board.
3. Turning 50
That birthday. Let me introduce you to my midlife crisis, Finder Not Keeper. Michelle Obama joked that on approaching fifty, she cut bangs in her hair because the Secret Service wouldn’t let her hang glide.
2. The faith of my family
The people who count in my life – husband, sisters, parents, kids – they have faith in me. Not gonna let them down.
1. Love what you do
Hunting for treasure, matchmaking treasure, shooting treasure, writing about treasure, it’s a dream come true. And it’s what we have tried to instill in our children, this idea that if you are doing what you love, you will be just fine.