Launching my business

7:00 am

My days running bluedotpapershop.com are a blur. De-ice car despite yesterday’s record 30-degree heat wave. Dodge schoolkids as the radio tells me why the industry I work for should collapse. Suck down XXL coffee and nutrient-rich donut and head to “real” job. Did I mention I’m a full-time art director at an ad agency in Detroit for one of the Big Three? Enough said.

8:00 am

I’m the first one in the office. I steal a few moments of silence in my corner office (two-walled cube.) Before my “real” work begins, I return bluedot e-mails, answer customer questions and field “inspirational” call from Mom: “When are you going to give this business up and stop killing yourself? Are you pregnant yet?”

9:00 am

Time for “real” work (at least until noon). Lunch: fuel up on a combination of soda, bacon and chocolate (not necessarily in that order). Return bluedot voicemails and read week’s worth of mail. Lovely! Credit card

company has raised interest rate to 38%! No reason – just helping small businesses! Prepare Powerpoint

presentation for engineer husband explaining why interest rate has tripled and detail plan to rectify financial crisis. Return call from Accountant (Sister): “Yes, I have that receipt.” (Still looking.)

5:30 pm

Done with “real” job. Only three stops to make tonight. Pick up inventory, drop off overnight package, and make U-turn at Golden Arches where they know me by name (Order #10). Arrive home. Loading dock (porch) is full, stock boy (husband) is concerned, office (living room) is a disaster. Make mental note of botched order. I own a paper store, but have nothing to write on. (The irony.)

7:30 pm

I’m just getting started. Head to warehouse (basement). See Inventory Manager (me). Pull orders. Pass off to Shipping Department (me). Ship orders. Head to Financing (me). Pay bills. Fight bills. Cry over bills. Meet with board to discuss future of business (me and me). Kiss stock boy good night.

11:00 pm

Bedtime (right). Instead, I lie awake wondering how my idea of turning my background in design and passion for paper into an online business once seemed so simple. I never imagined it would turn me into the poster girl for chaos. Nonetheless, as I close my eyes I see bluedotpapershop.com (my baby) and all it can be. Money would be nice, but I’d settle for just one full day to devote to my store. Scratch that. I won’t settle. Running bluedotpapershop.com full-time is my dream, and I’ll get there. But not tonight. I’ve got a big day tomorrow.

Advice for others

If you don’t love it, don’t do it. If you’re doing it for the money, don’t do it. No matter what obstacles you face, with passion and a love of what you do, you’ll make it. (Or die trying.)