Searching for something new in more ways than one

It turned out that in the end the retail space that I had pined over did not happen. When I found out, I was upset, but I think I had already prepared myself subconsciously to be disappointed because, I didn't think it was the end of the world. I guess that all along I had the sneaking suspicion that the Worthington building space would never happen...and it didn't.

I have started my search a new and so far have found two prospective locations that would probably be even better than the Worthington building in both size and price. I suppose I must have been so focused on the one space that I totally blocked out other, better options completely from my view. So is life I suppose. I think it is in the nature of humankind to set our hearts on something so intently that sometimes we forget all else. Maybe I have learned my lesson.

On another note...I have been searching for a studio apartment in downtown SLC for the past few weeks and I think I have finally found one that is both affordable and adorable. I'm not going to mention the name of the place here because if I do end up moving there I would rather not have stalkers if you know what I mean...but I will post some pictures.

Cute right? I think the (obvious) problem with studio apartments is the fact that your bed is in the middle of the living room. However, there are ways around this. I was browsing the net and found some great ideas for living in a small space. Like this one from Apartment Therapy, Laura was a semifinalist in Apartment Therapy's "Smallest Coolest Apartment" contest and I just love what she did with her space! Although she lives in a studio apartment she was able to use design to make it seem far larger, and her bed area much more private.

I think if I end up getting a studio I'm going to do something like that with it but probably in different colors. Let me know what you think and make sure to check out Apartment Therapy!

Venting a little excess heat

Disclaimer: I'm going to go ahead and say that this post is a tad bit bratty. Please forgive me, I need to vent.

Green Sleeves was steadily gaining speed. I had collected start up inventory, a website, and my mom began working on the logo. However, it seems that my progress has been halted. I am ready to move forward but unfortunately Salt Lake City isn't ready for me.

My problem: I can't secure a location. It's not that I don't have a place in mind, in fact that might be precisely the problem, I have the exact place in mind. There is even an opening in my dream location but so far there is no confirmation on whether or not I can get into the space. It has been upwards of a month now, and Green Sleeves is still homeless.

My major frustration is with the Broker, who promised to update me daily. I haven't heard from him in a week and whenever I call him, it's the same story.

"Blah blah because of this blah this and this
have to wait until next week blah blah blah
nothing new blah blah not this week blah."

All I want is a definitive answer, yes or no. He gives me hope one day and then shuts it down the next. I almost gave up altogether when he told me that the larger space that I was initially led to believe was open was actually not and the smaller one next to it was. Ugh!

I suppose I could look elsewhere but I don't want elsewhere, I want there. There is perfect. It's an up and coming urban mecca with kitschy shops and a record store. I can't imagine anywhere better. As I told the broker during our first conversation, the moment I thought up my business I knew I wanted it to be there. I can't stop daydreaming about painting the walls and decorating making it my own, making it Green Sleeves.

Grapple Coat Rack

I love love love this grapple coat rack that I found on NotCot . I might make my own. I think they could add a really cool feel to the overall ambiance of the store. They don't look too difficult to make...rope, grapple hooks, something to hold the pieces of rope together...I love DIY projects!

Recycled Light Bulb Hanging Vases

I was reading Design Sprout today and found this really cool idea for recycling old light bulbs. All you need is a fine metal tooth saw, a hand held drill and some wire to make these cool hanging vases. I think I'm going to make some for the store.

For instructions to make your own light bulb flower vases visit Design Sprout's website.

Do you like these recycled vases? Let me know in the comments section.

The Beginnings of Green Sleeves

My dad is a real entrepreneur. For the past few years he has been spouting out ideas for businesses he wants to start. When the US economy started to dip he gave up on his own ideas but began to encourage mine. None of them have come to fruition, except this one. Green Sleeves: An Eco-Friendly Clothing Exchange.

Dad and Me: High School Graduation 2006

I first came up with the idea in November of 2007. My dad had looking for business opportunities for me. He searched through a broker to find startup businesses that were being sold. After a few days of searching he discovered a consignment shop in Salt Lake City that was for sale and told me to go take a look. Unfortunately it wasn't my thing. The store was cramped and cluttered. It was packed from floor to ceiling with vintage furniture and house wares, things I didn't have a clue about. Even though I wasn't interested in the shop the trip was not a waste. The idea of taking used goods and reselling them as a gems stuck with me.

Instead of furniture I settled on fashion and felt I had enough savvy to open a business selling just that. For several years I have been an advocate for "going green". The nature of a resale/exchange clothing business was in itself good for the environment, but I didn't want it to end there. I wanted to create a business that encompassed the "green" idea in all ways. From using soy based inks for printing to painting with environmentally friendly paint, I chose for my store to be green. Green Sleeves was born.

At the age of 19, with my dad as a financial backer, I set out on a journey to set up my own business in the heart of Salt Lake City. This blog is my story, and the story of trying to make the world a better place, one green idea at a time.