I treated myself to lunch today (chicken teriyaki...yummy!) and walking back to work I walked past three empty shops that have been for rent for over a year (one of them for almost two years). They are great little shops with a pretty good location. Yet they sit ... empty.
And I thought about how fun it would be to have my own gift shop. The front windows of the corner shop are huge - taking up the whole front - and I can envision the displays I would create and the handcrafted goodies that I would carry.
Yet why should I? I have no incentive from my government to put myself at risk. The reward (at the moment) is too low and the risk too great. If I succeed they will tax me to pieces at the state and federal level, not to mention the business rules and regulations that hinder progress. If I fail, I'm on my own. My state is hideously anti-small business, no matter what they say.
It's sad that in today's recessionary times that the government stands in the way of innovation and progress. I have no hope that the new administration will do anything to help businesses - small or large - to succeed. Like FDR during the depression they lambaste business as greedy and blame corporations for the ills of the economy.
I'm reading an incredible history book called The Forgotten Man. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who loves history or anyone who wants to understand a little more about our economy (and somewhat how we got in this mess...it does stem back that far). Because the "Great" Depression was nothing more than an economic experiment held on the backs of the people.
So as much as I would love love love to open my own shop (yes, even in these times) I won't. I'll continue to make my jewelry and slowly build up my stock and reputation online. Perhaps someday I will be able to help other artists showcase their work in a gift shop gallery setting, but not today.
Musings from a jewelry designer addicted to TV, politics, and the internet. A Mom. A Wife. A Daughter. A Sister. An Aflac Agent. Life is never dull.
4 comments:
Big biz is the only thing government cares about and that includes the new president elect. He's a big spender and wait till he starts spending. I just can't wait.
Have a terrific day and weekend. :)
Mark Steyn wrote an excellent piece (I can't find it now, drat it...) about how when the depression hit in 1929, it affected the entire world.
The only country where it was The Great Depression is America. And that is traced directly to FDR's New Deal. It was the largest leap toward Socialism this country had ever seen, and it was a failure.
Largest leap until now, that is. Have you read any of the details of Obama's New New Deal? It is much, much worse. The only thing it will do is increase the size of the welfare state and the size of the Federal Government.
I've thought the same thing as we have several lovely little shops sitting empty in our area. I would want to have all handmade items, but it's not going to happen.
I know Jana...reading this book is a scary glimpse into what is coming only larger. *shudder*
Anna...we need to start one together! =) LOL
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