After many long hours and hiccups the shop was finally put together. Although it was exciting, it was also scary. Opening the doors to the public meant I would now have to talk to people!!! It was a frightening thought because I have always been the behind-the-scenes guy and I was comfortable with that. With the shop, it would just be me and well, me. I have to be the back guy, the front guy, the side guy, and all the other guys. It took a while to get used to but is has been amazing. Since I’ve opened the shop, I have met so many new people and have been able to build amazing relationships. I came into this...
Now that the flooring and paint were done, it was finally time to start thinking about decorating. I already had a few things like clothes racks and a bench that I made out of various parts, but I wanted to have something else. I wanted something memorable. I thought about finding a fiberglass mascot or at least creating one and having it made. You know, like those huge Bob’s Big Boys or Ronald McDonald's from the past. I had no idea where to begin. So I started looking at Craigslist. Not much luck. Yvette planned a family trip to Disneyland for my last weekend before opening the shop (although that didn't happen until 30+ days later). So I started searching...
Once the walls were painted I realized that my “vintage” linoleum squares didn't really do the space justice. I ended up going with laminate flooring. This seemed really easy but once I got to the door it was super tricky. I actually had to take the floor apart three times in order to get my door to work. I would come late at night after the kids went to bed and the neighbors were already closed. After a few nights (several tons of sawdust) the floors were in. It was starting to come together.
After receiving the key, I realized that THIS was truly happening. I grabbed the family and went to check it out. The kids saw a big open room which was great for running around and playing. I saw something completely different - a glimpse into the future. I imagined clothes racks, artwork, accessories, music playing, and customers coming in and out. It was an amazing vision until I started to think, “How am I going to do that?” What I originally thought would be easy, actually wasn't. I had an empty space, a huge sense of “what have I done" mixed in with a ton of excitement. This place was a complete blank canvas. It was time to get some...
From what I understand, Maria's Wig Shop was at 260 3rd avenue for over 25 years. I don't know exactly how long they were there but I'm very curious. My Mom had cancer and several chemotherapy treatments so wigs were part of her routine. Growing up I remember wig shopping often. I have no idea if I have ever gone to Maria's before, but it is a constant reminder for me. It gives me comfort and a sense of feeling that my Mom is watching over me. From what I hear, Maria and her husband were a great asset to the community. An honest business and good people. I hope to do the same on 260 3rd. Ave with my...
