my personal situation

[matronmedusa]

I have no bank account. I have no credit cards. I work only in cash. I don't live week to week like most people who collect a paycheck; rather I live from day to day. I do not own a home, I have no assets, and my truck won't be paid off until next year some time. Health insurance?? That's a joke. Social security? Yeah right. I guess you could say I have "nothing," not even a future.

What I DO have are two children and a loving man who support me and are proud of me. I support them by doing what I know to do, and doing it the best that I can.

I am a tattoo artist. For many years I have gone from tattoo shop to tattoo shop, trying to find the place I "fit in." It always ended on a sour note. Either from a shop owner's inability to manage a business and a drug addiction at the same time, or another artist's inability to swallow their pride and their ego when customers request me by name.

Finally, I refused to play the drama game anymore. Because these "businesses" were little more than a breeding ground for ego and adversity, I refused to step foot into another shop until it was my own. After building a reputation that speaks for itself, I did the "unthinkable" and started working from home. So far, it has worked to our advantage.

No, I do not file income taxes. I figure that money is better spent feeding my kids than funding some secret organization, or better yet, spent killing people I don't know in a country I know little to nothing about. As it is, I have no choice but to pay sales tax, and I still help the oil companies profit each time I fill my tank. Besides, because I don't claim, I don't get back, either. There's plenty of time for all that legal nonsense once I open my own shop.

How did I purchase a truck with no proof of income or tax returns? Easy. I tattooed the sales manager!

Fortunately, I have made very strong connections in this industry. Now, it's not like I have $10,000 to jump right in there and open a business, nor do I have good credit or a bank account to rely on for a loan to help me out. I have heard from a few people that they would be willing to invest, but no one's ever been serious; until now.

Hands shook and a contract has been signed, and just when I think my "American Dream" is about to come true, the nation's economy falls apart. Everything is at a standstill.

Do I:
1. Open the business and hope it survives? If my customers are broke, I'm broke.
2. Wait to see how the economic situation pans out?
3. Wish for Armageddon just so I don't have to worry about paying an electric bill?

Okay, the last one is a joke, sort of.

How is this crisis going to effect me in the long run, and what, really, do I have to lose from it, if I already have "nothing?"

This shop has meant more to me than just a way to secure my kids' futures. I have viewed it as a catalyst for spreading truth, planting seeds, and opening minds (which, I do on a local level). Wanting so hard to make a difference, I, being a nobody, have been depending on this moment to open doors for me and everyone around me.

Any advice?

[Steve_A]

Hi matronmedusa,

I won't give you any advice as I really don't know your complete situation. However I could tell you that if I were trying to open a business in an uncertain future, I would wait a little bit first to see how the possibility of a stable future holds out.

If you are interested I can send you a business plan (just send me a message privately) which will help you organize and plan your future, it also helps you to forsee any problems you may encounter during your endeavour.

Best regards,

Steve

Originally Posted by matronmedusa

Do I:
1. Open the business and hope it survives? If my customers are broke, I'm broke.
2. Wait to see how the economic situation pans out?

Any advice?

[THE eXchanger]

kids are NOT forever...
sure, it is a parents responsibility
to give the best they are able too,
and, NOT all parents own that,
as a responsibility--so, it sounds like you are eXceptional

my advise is, to buy a home,
and, run your business from there,
if you have investor's money,
perhaps, you could find a
tri-or quad-plex (3-4 units in one building)
work in 1, live in 1, and, rent 2 out for more income ?

you do NOT say what state you are in
and, that could make a big difference
as, to how you should make your choices

it sounds like you really know how to eXchange
with others -- and, create win-win for both sides
that in itself, is quite signficant

brightest blessings
susan
the eXchanger

[Chesmayne]

Hello Matron-Medusa,
Click on 'A' on my web page & scroll down to 'Advice'? http://www.chesmayne.info - I am witty!

[Orion Morris]

:-)

I was waiting to see what somebody would say to that question..

I really have no idea, but I understand your delema...

Steve gives good advice, I would listen to him....

Maybe you could take all your money and head to the casino :-)

[matronmedusa]

Originally Posted by Chesmayne

Hello Matron-Medusa,
Click on 'A' on my web page & scroll down to 'Advice'? http://www.chesmayne.info - I am witty!

Unless I did it wrong, it says, "Not Found..."

I appreciate the understanding comments, I knew this was the one place I could confide in for non-judgmental viewpoints.

As for purchasing a tri or quadplex, that does seem like a very good idea, but the investment I'm receiving is only for $10,000; just enough to get this thing started...

[Ampgod]

I would say it depends on what situation you would be in if the business fails.
If you are back to where you are now. You may as well try it. If it sends you into some kind of huge enslavement of debt then wait a bit.


Peace,
Ampgod

[recallone]

Buy a home? With everything that's going on in our economy?! No way.
Keep renting, working from home. Buying a house is not going to give you a different opportunity than the one you already have in the house you're living in.
What it will give you, is more debt - more debt in an unstable market where the threat of having the government relocate you and claim your home as necessary for national security is very real. If you haven't educated yourself on the Executive Orders, you may want to take a look at Executive Order #11004. I'm not saying that it will happen, but that it can happen. And with our banking system becoming more centralized with every passing day, I think it would be wise to sit tight. Keep slinging ink, feed the babies, love your man and expect a society bereft of debt. It's on the horizon and you don't need to stress yourself out trying to get that white picket fence and all the other trappings of the American dream.
Peace and light.
By the way, I stopped paying taxes too - this is one way we the people take our power back against a tyrannical government.

[THE eXchanger]

people from here, are from all over the world

in many places in the USA,
homes are very very cheap,
as, compared to major cities,
and, other places around the world

here in canada, my home increases in value
about 8% per year --
if i rent out portions of it,
then, my own costs fall down

it is possible to find locations,
with NO down, or, a private mortgage,
and, it is an option,
there is only so much land

also--you have to live somewhere,
so, why make a landlord rich ???

(if you pay 1000/mo in rent)
you might be able to carry 1000/mo
by renting out 3 out of 4 of the spaces for $333.00
and, live for FREE !!!

IT IS AN OPTION

Dear,

why would you want to open a shop and in this way forced to get legalised when your legal government is not giving you anything legal in return? Wah would you pay taxes for a government that uses it to exploit and make war? Why would you pay even more taxes for a bailout bil that sounds like a forced sacrifice to the powers that control us? Why getting into a system when by entering it enforcing it? Why not taken the idea of a new paradigma seriously and remain out of the system as you did, live your live and take care of the family? People are gathering into communities, setting up health and social care for each other... care that makes sense and is not set up to poison, enslave or disempower us. Why would pay for care that does that?

Why not looking this collapse of the system as a sign of good luck? indeed, what could the positive message be? Stay out of it? Go on as you did until now? Good thins are coming you way dear. Things are about to change... and at the end, when we ar through ll this, there waits the rainbow of human that are turly humans

love
ewald

[pilot]

Thank you Madamemedusa for posting this thread, it helps to discuss these kinds of things and while I was reading it occurred to me that we could all be getting played...look at it this way:

They have engineered another collapse of the financial system just like back in '29, that collapse was beneficial to the top of the pyramid because they knew what would happen, they bought everything dirt cheap, the REAL wealth, property, etc. was swallowed up and the banking industry was consolidated.

Now if this is just another engineered collapse, like last time, and many suspect this is so, why are we bailing out and looking for ways of escape?

Could it be that the AGE OF AQUARIUS is upon us? Are we who put a degree of stock and hope into exopolitics, whistleblowers, alt media, being played to exit the system so even more real assets can be absorbed by the state and their puppetmasters?? The idea that the system must be destroyed and rebuilt could very well be an idea planted in our consciousness that they will take advantage of---just a thought.

I hope that I am wrong and REAL change is imminent, but I couldn't help but put that kind of spin on it because of the "extreme" predictions coming at us these days, esp. this month!

If what I described is true to any degree, maybe playing the system would be to your benefit at this time, buying property once the price has hit bottom for example.

dunno, lots to sort through and contemplate these days.

[matronmedusa]

Well, I've pondered that often, myself. I could easily go as I go, living and benefiting for myself and my family.

BUT.

That just seems selfish to me. I KNOW my family will survive anything; we have love, a tent, and three dogs to help us hunt if worse comes to worse.

Like I stated before, I really wanted this shop for deeper purpose. Sometimes I feel I NEED it, in order for people to take me seriously. I have things to say, messages to spread, and people to reach. I feel an urgency for it; pulling at my heart from somewhere in the void.

I have a gift. I am an artist in every aspect; and I feel that the Creative Force (whatever you wish to call it) is trying to use me because it speaks loudly through me. To use those talents for personal stability is NOT my intent; otherwise, I feel I would be doing that force a great injustice.

Many things in my life have pushed me on the path that I am on, and I do feel that nothing is by accident. I am at a crossroads. It seems the powers that be do everything they can to discredit those who speak truth. A legal business, I feel, would open doors for me to be able to reach the masses....

I'm just not sure that posting poetry on internet forums is the extent I'm supposed to be stuck at. I know I've made the choice eons ago...I'm just trying to remember...

I just don't know how to reach out...and as I type, I feel this urgency so much so, that tears are welling up now...

I'm such a dork sometimes! LOL

Originally Posted by matronmedusa

Any advice?

You are a scrapper, a survivor. You have good street sense and will be better off than most.

Look to the great depression for answers. How did your art fare through the hardship? Get creative. Could you
skip the bricks and mortar shop and do house calls, for example? Lack of that overhead could be passed on as discounts for referrals. Viral marketing is effective and CHEAP.

More than one iron in the fire is always a good idea. How can you make that work for you. You have the advantage of clear vision. You know what is coming and
can position yourself for it. What will the people need and want? Find a parade and get in front of it!

Trust me when I tell you that you and yours will be
just fine

Trust your instincts. You already know the answer to your question.
You don't need our input to validate you

Don't ask how I know that.

[Mummy_bean]

I was thinking quite a few weeks ago about how this economic situation might affect small businesses and freelancer (me). I think for a while a lot of the leisure type business might be hit, including things like beauty therapy, hairdressing, the tanning salons (! - yer we need those in the UK!!) would get hit as soon as people's disposable income and access to credit starts to fall. I work for small businesses a lot, some of them like this, so I looked at my options and made steps to get to a situation where demand would be steadier and less likely to be affected by the current situation. I guess I'm saying that as a tattoo artist you might want to think about that - that if people have less to spare, getting a tattoo might go down the list.

Is there anything else you could do that would be good for your exisiting clients? I dunno, parhaps you can give advice on sustainable living, for example..? Dunno what other strings you have to your bow.

Anyway, I'd be thinking along those line - have a back-up trade.

I've done bartering with some clients too when I could - especially the holistic masseurs! But I'm expecting in the future I'll be needing the cash, at least for a while.

I do hope things work out for you - I also have kids that depend on me, so that makes it even more imperative to plan.

I also think that things will settle down eventually.

Good luck!!

[ralok_j]

Originally Posted by matronmedusa

Fortunately, I have made very strong connections in this industry. Now, it's not like I have $10,000 to jump right in there and open a business, nor do I have good credit or a bank account to rely on for a loan to help me out. I have heard from a few people that they would be willing to invest, but no one's ever been serious; until now.

Hands shook and a contract has been signed, and just when I think my "American Dream" is about to come true, the nation's economy falls apart. Everything is at a standstill.

Do I:
1. Open the business and hope it survives? If my customers are broke, I'm broke.
2. Wait to see how the economic situation pans out?
3. Wish for Armageddon just so I don't have to worry about paying an electric bill?
Any advice?

Is this an investor or someone willing to loan the money? There is a difference: An investor is willing to take a loss, but a loan is to be repaid. If the business did not work out would the relationship with the "investor" become damaged?

Will you be leasing space for your operations? Have you calculated what your break even point is? Are there any zoning issues with the town/city you wish to operate in?

You stated you have developed a reputable name in your industry, which is great when you do open your own place. Realistically, like you stated above, if your customers are broke you are broke.

[Reveling John]

Not that my advise is worth much, seeing as I'm in my 20's, I don't have kids and I'm trying my darnedest to avoid working (submission to economic slavery).

Leaving all that aside, it sounds like you already have a business. You are self employed and your work has a location that is controlled by you. If the location is inconvenient, maybe there are things you can do to make it more "professional". If so, you have a chance to continue the business that you already have.

It seems like the main advantage to having an official shop is that it's easier to market. On the one hand it markets itself by simply being there, with the big sign and all. On the other you can tell people, "Go to this place. That is where my shop is." Granted, that first point is BIG, because people just passing by will see the shop.

However, it is very possible to be successful without the highly visible shop situation. You have the internet, you still have access to print media, and you have the most important thing: your talent which will be broadcasted via your work and the praise of your customers.

The other thing is, this economy is going through a drastic shift. In fact, this society is going through a drastic shift. I personally do not feel that it is collapsing into chaos, but rather collapsing in order to make space for a new paradigm, a new type of economy/society.

Now, how we want to perceive the emerging world is entirely up to each one of us as individuals. Here are some questions to answer for yourself.

Do you want there to be a place for what you do in the new paradigm?

Is it necessary that you profit from the work that you do?

Is it necessary that you contribute through the work that you do?


Well, these questions may not put any bread on your table, but by answering them for yourself, you may be able to answer the other questions you've asked on this forum. I, myself, am struggling for such answers, being also an artist and a musician and I suppose a sort of personal philosopher (which I believe we should all be, anyway). My most immediate solution is to help someone.

I could use some help and I'm sure I'll need more in the future, but right now I'm very committed to the realm of fulfillment through compassion. If I can assist in someone's needs, and specifically in a way that seems honorable to me, then I am contributing to an environment in which everyone's needs can be fulfilled, and thus my own needs will be fulfilled... eventually

I suppose your children and your man are that someone for you. Well, are there others, possibly even strangers that you are ready to give to, as well?

Maybe this is hogwash, but right now I'm thinking that if you make the effort to fulfill the world (which is you) then you in turn will be fulfilled.

Maybe this will help you find what you are looking for.....maybe,

[atlantianferret]

I agree with Steve on having a plan. This is very important. As far as waiting or not waiting, you are taking on risk no matter how the market is doing. Rich or poor, people will always get tats.

If you have a strong reputation and are networked well, then you have a great start.

sba.gov can be a resource for starting out. Make sure you meet the local regulations for operating a tattoo shop. A lot of times you won't get caught until a competitor or ****** of customer turns you in. That could kill it quick.

My wife ran her own massage therapist business for 3 years. It is hard. She could still have it but she did not want to manage staff and found it more profitable to work for an established corp.

I wish you the best.

[matronmedusa]

I have had an outlined business plan for a long time, and opportunity after opportunity that just simply fell through.

When I say "investor," I mean a client that has become a friend. He is a local rap-artist who recently signed a contract on a record deal. He is, for the most part "cattle," but his mind is open with the best intentions, and he comes by often to involve himself in deep and enlightening conversations with me and my other half. He invests $10,000, we give him 49% of the business profits for giving us that chance. We keep 51% controlling interest; so the final business decisions are solely mine and my better half's. It's not about the money.

[THE eXchanger]

51-49 for $10,000 -- that is NOT a good deal at all

you do all the work -- and, he gets 49% - forever,
that is a very bad choice for you
excellent for him --- esp; in light without you,
there is no business, since you got the talent,
and, he's got the money

you would be better to borrow $10,000 from him
at 5-8-10-12-13-15% interest
(at the very highest amount of interest )
and, pay him back over a 1 year time frame/or 2 year time frame/or 3 year time frame - out of all the profits

and, then keep 100% for yourself

this doesn't sound like a friend to me,
it sounds like an opportunist !!!

what does a business like this net in a year ???

you do all the work - and, he gets 49%

sounds like he's getting you to be "his slave"

also, if you can run a business from home,
that is almost always the best way to do it,
if you can - since, you got to live somewhere,
and, it appears, you desire to put roots down
somewhere -- also ask yourself, is the area, you are considering
a safe zone ???

love susan
the eXchanger

[matronmedusa]

My husband (I HATE that legal term, we're NOT married, but "boyfriend" sounds so highschool) has been in this industry for 17 years. He's managed many high-end shops, and we've been working this industry together for the past 6 years. We know all the risks, ins and outs, loopholes, regulations, and yes, we have a HUGE following.

I don't work as hard as I could; with this industry being in my home, I do get ALL walks of life; some of them not necessarily those you want in you personal home space. I work appointment only, so that I can regulate my hours and the time I get to spend with my kids, which is partly the reason why I haven't been able to save enough cash to get this started on our own. I can't advertise, because though I have a license to tattoo, I do not have a "business" license. Which, is another reason I'm afraid to continue out of home. Every shop in this area knows who I am; I've taken half their customers---giving them PLENTY of reason to rat. I'm feeling pressured, and I don't know how much longer this can hold out...

[Steve_A]

Hi matronmedusa,

Now there's a dilema. I'm not sure how things work in the US about business licenses and such. Not being one to encourage illegal activity, but I'm sure you will e able to act 'informally' without too much problem. I imagine the Avon lady acts informally. Doesn't she?

If you have a following and are taking up half the clientelle of the neighbourood, I imagine then that you must be making the most money, after all the rest of the competition must be dividing the other half of the clientelle between them. How do they survive?

Sometimes the answer is in front of your nose. I don't think your main problem is wanting another place to open a business, I think you are wanting some peace of mind doing the thing you are already doing where you are.

Have you thought of opening a limited company. You can get them ready 'off the shelf' for a couple of hundred dollars. The rest you take up with the local city hall, things like hygeine control, licensing etc.. That lot would come nowhere near your 10,000 bucks, and you can carry on doing what you've been doing, raking it in with your following.

Best regards,

Steve

P.S. Please enter in contact in private if you need further advice. This forum has nothing to do with opening Tattoo shops.

Originally Posted by matronmedusa

My husband (I HATE that legal term, we're NOT married, but "boyfriend" sounds so highschool) has been in this industry for 17 years. He's managed many high-end shops, and we've been working this industry together for the past 6 years. We know all the risks, ins and outs, loopholes, regulations, and yes, we have a HUGE following...

[Racsouran]

Wait to see how the economic situation pans out

Rock on! Glad to see your following your spirit!

[recallone]

I have a few tattoos. I had a tattoo artist come to the house to touch up one of them up.
That's the way to get a tattoo, if you ask me. Comfort of your own home, cold drink in hand...
Go mobile - it'll make it more comfortable for someone who doesn't necessarily like the idea of sitting in a tattoo shop too - especially for those first time "just give me a little butterfly" types.

[Mike_Jetson]

Keep any spending down to the bare minimum right now. You obviously know the business very well. In this climate, buying a property can look way cheaper than renting so its an option, especially with a mortgage that lets you pay off more when you can and take back the overpayments if you need to.

when the other guy gets 49 %, you can safely say this 49 percent should come out after youve paid yourselves well for your time too, more than you would have got working for someone else. Then 49 percent out of whats left. No?