Learning from our Personal Brick-and-Mortar Business Journey

I want you to imagine this with me. If I were to sit down with you for a cup of coffee and ask you about opening your OWN retail store, what would your response be? Typically when I do ask this question, the look I get feels a bit like I asked if they had plans to move to Mars. 

For a lot of people, opening a retail store can feel like a massive ordeal. Something you need to wait for until all the stars have aligned, and your ducks are in a row. But here’s the thing, opening your dream storefront will always remain a goal that is out of reach until you start putting one foot in front of the other. And the great news is that it’s WAY easier than rocket science. 

That’s why I am here to guide you through what you REALLY should know about owning a retail store. I’m sharing three valuable lessons I’ve learned over the years throughout my experience owning multiple brick-and-mortar product and service-based businesses. Let’s dive in. 

YOU DON’T NEED EXPERIENCE, JUST CONFIDENCE

One of the biggest challenges I had to overcome when we opened our first brick-and-mortar was imposter syndrome. I had a product I loved and knew a lot about, but when it came to owning and managing a storefront, my experience was zero, nada, zilch. Imposter syndrome is so natural when you are doing something for the first time, but rest assured, you don’t have to know everything or have the experience to be a successful brick-and-mortar business owner. You just need to have the confidence to know that you can and will learn as you go. 

IT WILL TAKE GRIT

First off, if you haven’t read the book GRIT by Angela Duckworth, go ahead and pop it into your Amazon cart now because is a must-read. GRIT is about perseverance. Owning a brick-and-mortar business is not a get-rich-quick model. It takes time and persistence. I can tell you from experience that when you commit to being in it for the long haul, and continue to persevere, it will pay off in dividends. When we approached the scary days of the recent pandemic, we had two choices, to shut our doors and wait it out or get creative and persevere through the unknown. We went with the latter and started an over-the-phone consultation and delivery service that wound up being a HUGE hit. In fact, we still use it today for those who are unable to come into our store. If you are passionate about what you are doing and set your mindset to persevere through any obstacle, you won’t have anything to worry about, my friend. 

IT CAN BE SO REWARDING

When I first dove into the world of brick-and-mortar ownership, I had no idea what was in store for me. No pun intended. I knew I had a dream of owning my own storefront and a desire to be my own boss and I found I was able to accomplish that and so much more. Owning our product and service based stores has not only been profitable, but fulfilling. I find joy in coming to work and quite frankly I wouldn’t even call it work. I’ve met amazing people and helped others in my community. I’ve built a life on my own terms where I get to choose my own hours and pursue my own passions and best of all, I see the direct benefit of my hard work. 

If you have that gut feeling or dream of opening a storefront that seems far off, just start by putting one foot in front of the other. Before you know it, you will be standing in a store YOU created. If you are looking for guidance from someone who has gone before you, join the Brick N’ Mortar Academy waitlist to be the first to know when the doors open. Brick N’ Mortar Academy is a 10-week online program where you will learn how to open a profitable, sustainable brick-and-mortar business by following a step-by-step process that takes you from idea to Grand Opening WITHOUT confusion or the feeling of being overwhelmed. I can’t wait to see what you accomplish.