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What does your business do?
Roo's Realm is an alternative lifestyles store specializing in books, clothing, news, entertainment, ritual items, and collectibles all within a community retail environment. What this means is that we sell and produce items for the pagan/newage, bisexual/lesbian/gay/transgenders, and punk/goth lifestyles in a retail store that focuses on community awareness and unity. We offer a place for all those of the alternative lifestyle community to shop, discuss, and feel connected to others of like interests.
When and why did you start the biz?
I started the business in the summer of 2002 online and have been working up the nerve to take it into a brick and mortar location. I began the company with the soul intention of giving the alternative community a place to shop, gather, and connect with one another without "pushed" into regular society stereotypes.
How Many People are in your Company?
Right now there is only myself but as the company grows I look forward to employing others to help with the vision.
Where's your office?
Right now my home office is where I do most of my work. Although storage of inventory for website and opening day are in my basement storage room of my house. But I plan to have a full retail store with an area to use as a community center for gatherings and information postings.
What's the toughest part of running your biz?
I have been working through a lot of family financial situations that have hindered me from being able to get funds together to open an actual brick and mortar location. I am now finally working towards my opening day goal of April 30th 2010! Every little penny my husband and I make is being put into my vision for my shop.
What's the most fun part?
The people that I meet through my website and gatherings that I do. I love hearing stories about their lives and especially if they purchase from me-I truly love the stories they send me of how they loved my products whether I made them or they were supplied to me for the shop.
Anything you would have done differently?
I would have been more careful with my money and credit as a younger adult. That is what is holding me back this far from my dreams. It is rough starting a business...even rougher still if you yourself cant finance it.
What's next on the horizon for your biz?
Sky's the limit for Roo's Realm! I plan to be a full Alternative lifestyle store that sells many different items and host many different gatherings. I also am looking forward to giving back to my community by helping other that are less fortunate than I am.
What advice do you have for others?
Hold on to the dream. It may take a lot of work and determination but with out strength and remembrance of the dream you will truly go nowhere. Remember your reasons for doing what you want. Remember how it makes you feel to do what your doing. There will be people that will try to stop you and tell you that what your doing may not be right but as long as you hold on to the dream you'll come out the winner you truly are!
How do you use Idea Cafe to help your biz?
I plan on digging through all the wealth of information and learning from those with more knowledge than I. I also plan on giving back to those coming up the ranks after me. I believe in order to be a true success you have to help those around you or you'll just be a lousy person with tons of money no one wants to be around and NO ONE like a scrooge.
School (where, still in school, degree)?
Oak Hills High School Cincinnati Ohio
Prior jobs or business?
I currently work at Fashion Bug Inc
Favorite Food?
I go weak for pecan pie and ice cream!
What are your pets' names?
A 6yr old tuxedo cat named Salem, a hyper Yorkshire Terrier named Mya, and a big black bunny named Monster
Do any of these pets help with your biz?
I am very nature based in my personality and being so any time I need to decompress I take a walk or spend time with my animals. But as far as actually working in the company no they can't really help with that. But most of the time they're better than my friends and family at keeping me grounded and sane!
Is there any one person or event in your life that led
you to go into business for yourself?
I was a single mom of alternative background. I always felt a little odd shopping for things in regular stores and finding ones that were for me were also a challenge. I vowed to have a store that was fun to shop and helped those less fortunate of the alternative path.
Contact Info:
Laura Beckett
Website:
http://www.RoosRealm.com |
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