Once Upon a Time....

They say time warps as you move on in years, and I find that to be interestingly true! It is very hard to comprehend that I have actually run a small business for 30 years. Where did all that time go? Was it ever really there??

The climate of the antiques business has changed dramatically since the mid 1970s when I started. I think the thing I miss most is the absence of mentors anymore. As a young woman starting up a business there were always the seasoned, veteran dealers in the shops and co-ops who could answer product questions, teach history, present incredible collections that tell a story, and help out with the brass tacks of doing business. We seemed to be a different breed of workers. Unwilling to settle for corporate cubbies and daring to make a go of it based on our own energies. Most of those early folks have moved on now. It's scarey to be at the other end of the stick.

I still remember the little booth in the Old Red Mill co-op I first rented and my first entry of sale - written by hand in a spiral notebook: doiley $1.50 + sales tax. I still have that little ledger - can't seem to put it into record retention files!

And as I look around, with my acquired knowledge, one thing that strikes me hard is the absence of newbies in the field who want to "do their own thing". The 9-5 paycheck routine seems more attractive these days to younger adults. Too bad. Financial concerns certainly caused me enough sleepless nites over the years, but one thing is certain: I learned I could survive - no matter what.

People ask me if the internet has affected my business. Absolutely. My dream of life was to develope and operate my own small town store. I just wanted the freedom to create, explore, teach and earn an income along the way. I never envisioned a worldwide market was waiting at the door! And if you told me 15 years ago I'd be writing html, webpages, photo imagining, bulk listers, etc etc - I would've laughed and said, "What's that?"

I have many thoughts and insights about what has transpired over the years. Hopefully I'll be able to share more with you here on the website. There is a part of me that is very sad to see "the old ways" go by the wayside. I strongly feel that the young generations are getting robbed blindsided and won't ever know what they lost. "The paradise to parking lot" syndrome is too alive and well for my tastes!

But on the other side, I am extremely optimistic and thankful for the experiences that owning a store has created! Who knows where Another Time is headed next! The possibilities are endless! Please stay tuned and share the ride - it should remain interesting as always!