Things are ramping up; the store is growing and maturing, the Cafe is becoming a reality on paper and the construction is due to begin. My mind is stretching to find new ideas for logos, advertising, brochures and events to promote the business. It is all uncharted territory and I feel vitalized by the challenges.
Our little oil and vinegar store has doubled in size in under a year and we have a track record to look back on. Beyond just checking the statistics and finances, I’m heartened to review the building of the website – something I had no idea of before in my working life. Stepping into the role of the point person for aspects of business where I have no experience means dusting off talents and polishing them with new colors. It’s not that I don’t feel confident, despite the slight uncertainty associated with unmarked territory.
I know how to ride a horse but I’ve never ridden this particular mount before.
A logo, the face of a company. I came to Monadnock Oil and Vinegar after that decision was made and it is a lovely face. Korey and Kim have impeccable taste in color and design. Starting from scratch with Joe and Andrea means careful thought to hues and fonts and design. I’m working with JOEs At The Grove Cafe (how to make a pun of it – Joe IS at the Grove or the possessive Joe’s Cafe At The Grove) A Taste of Monadnock from Garden to Grove. We agreed on nothing cartoonish, no sketch of a chef, but rather lots of “gardeny” glyphs to say fresh food. I’ve poured over fonts and colors and have my first examples from the graphic artist. I am not a designer but if I can convey the fuzzy image in my mind to an artist we will be fine. The clearer my vision, the quicker the process to perfection.
Meanwhile, advertising deadlines are looming and events wait to be scheduled. We need to build a website, a Facebook page, create a Google account, and design menus. All of this has to come together in a timely fashion so the excitement builds and the buzz drives growth.
We sat around the table after an excellent dinner prepared by Joe and Andrea. I unveiled the sheet of draft logos and we poured over details; fonts and colors and placement of colors and shapes and wording. Brainstorming is good for the mind. Slowly a concept is becoming a reality.
I wish I were riding every day. I wish it were summer but I also know this is a bright green path. It looks so similar to the one I started to walk down exactly a year ago. And you know, that one turned out quite well.
Why do I constantly hear the phrase, “Be careful what you wish for…”
Therapeutic Misadventures 
Love the rainbow analogy. All the best in your new pursuits. When you are ready to sell to this side of the country, I’ll buy.
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Thanks Susan. Did I tell you my most favorite (and only) sister was named Susan by our big brother and I? Always loved the name…
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It’s good to step outside of our comfort zones and be stretched occasionally.
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Stretching is good for the mind and the body, stepping out indeed!
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Sounds like you’re gearing up for Spring. I went on the website yesterday just to have a look and it was fun to explore the site a little and see more of it. Looking forward to hearing more about the process with the graphic design person and to seeing the end results!
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Thanks Beth! We are on our second iteration of the logo with the designer, the walls are coming down and going up, what fun!
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Glad to hear progress is being made. Can’t wait to sample the cuisine! With you in the marketing chair, I know it will be a hit!
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Thanks Laura! I am loving the new challenge!!
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Hi Martha, Mark Nolan from https://nolsie.com – I have nominated you for a WordPress Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Put simply, I just love the way you write! Godd luck luck with all that you do, including the cafe, and your care for others is inspirational. You probably already know the wordpress rules for nomination, but if not, you can check my last post for the details. Thankyou for writing, kind regards Mark
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Thank you Mark, I am honored and humbled by your nomination and kind words!
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Sounds like a fruitful adventure! Instead of “Be careful what you wish for,” I’d say, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
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Ah so true, Annie. Thanks for stopping by. I’m inspired which is a good thing this time of year…
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Most of my working life I’ve been thrown in at the deep end, way out of my depth, but it’s surprising how well you can swim when you have to 🙂
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So True Marie! Sink or swim, I usually end up swimming!!
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