How Nangellini was Born
It was November 2004 and I mentioned to an acquaintance what I was learning and doing of late(Knitting and crocheting free from fiber art), when she gushed "Look at how excited you are talking about this, you should open your own place and do this, I mean see how your face lights up?" She was right, but I had not noticed until that moment. I had been managing an art gallery for a local pop artist, but it was his place and his art.
I began to investigate business licenses, incorporation, sales tax and other legal paperwork necessities, I looked into grants and centers that assist women starting a new business and consult on business plans and investigated basically whatever came to mind. I called about potential properties I found listed locally. I drew pictures of what the floor plan of this mythic and thus far, hypothetical place might look like.
I had some ideas of what a gallery of my own would look like, feel like and be like, but I really did not know what was happening. It was like it was happening to me, rather than me doing it all. It was evolving organically.
I found a space, negotiated a lease, created a business plan, applied for a loan, ordered equipment, purchased inventory, painted, spackled, sanded and painted more, and at some point shortly thereafter, I looked around me and here was this beautiful place with art and yarn and art-to-wear knitted and crocheted bikinis and scarves and hats galore, and bright pop art on all the walls.
It was a whirlwind adventure and now, four years later, I am so grateful I began it. I now have a wonderful and ever-evolving community of knitters, crocheters, and customers for both my finished art-to-wear, the glorious and delicious yarns, and the fine art.. Things continue to grow and expand and I continue to enjoy the ride.
Do your homework, investigate, learn, ask questions, take notes, plan, imaginge and dream.
Then follow your intuition and heart. The rest is necessary, but the value of such internal guidance is immeasurable.
