sea change
Hello blogosphere! My blogginess might be a little slow for the next few weeks because I’m taking a tiny internet vacation in order to power through some big changes in lusciousland. I’m moving my business into a gorgeous new commercial kitchen and am spending all my time painting, packing, cleaning, organizing, finding artisan sign-makers, researching and buying an induction stove, being tired yet unable to sleep because of a head full of ideas and plans, and yes, buying some shit from China, despite my best efforts to avoid doing so. But I will soon show you pictures of all the loveliness – be very excited.
People are used to commercial kitchens being ugly and industrial, but I’m trying hard to make mine personal and special. It still won’t be technically open to the public (though I’m thinking of hanging a sign out when I have truffles for sale so people can pop in and buy a few), which somehow makes it even more fun to organize – it’s my own little private world, decorated and organized according to my own standards. It feels simultaneously very grown-up and very childish, do you know what I mean? I like that combination.
In truth, I’m very much liking being a business owner lately. I used to be a little ashamed of it – it didn’t feel enough like activism, it felt too much like making money. But many a good activist has been brought down by a crippling lack of funds and too much time spent making too little money at stultifying jobs, and these days I’m proud to be paying off my school debt and mortgage (actually, mortgages – the land will be ours this week!) while being able to afford dinner out now and then (not that there is anywhere to go) and knowing that my money is made in line with my values.
When I run my business right I have time for activism and quiet days, and when I run it badly – when I take on more than I can handle and can’t take deep breaths because there is so much to do that I am scared of the day ahead – I have extra money. Either way, it’s my life and my business, and that always feels good. Even when I do things I know I shouldn’t – like not take on a client just because I don’t like his voice on the phone, or because HuffPo Fundrace tells me someone donated to Republicans. I always get a terrible thrill when I do things like this. Isn’t my ability to indulge my bad qualities through my business what makes having a small business great? Even when I’m on the receiving end of business owners’ quirky bad qualities (I bought a dress from a small fashion designer months ago and she still hasn’t sent it, despite saying she would send it out that week – grrrr), I still love small businesses. I’ve talked about it many times before, but I truly believe that small businesses are one of the only hopes for America. Stay small, stay local, stay viable. As a certain someone would say: we can do it!
(If you’re looking for a blog to catch up on while I’m not posting very often, might I suggest Vegans of Color, a lovely newish blog with a wonderfully inclusive and thought-provoking slant on the veganopolis? Also, what great design taste they have!)
One Response to “sea change”
[…] It’s official: I am five weeks behind on my New Yorkers. If you’re waiting with anticipation for the New Yorker stats, kindly wait a little while longer. The kitchen is so lovely though! […]