Now... said veranda...
It's my networking platform; my stage.
I like people; I like talking and meeting new people is what you do in a place like this.
Ostensibly I sell a non-essential product (not everyone wants or can afford art) so I engage with every person that passes this shop.
My shop front
Part of the veranda showing other shop fronts
The immediate photo above shows the entrance to a restaurant called The Purple Giraffe at the end of the veranda. When we opened the shop (on 1 September) Estelle treated us to a light lunch and milk shakes. Linda, proprietress of the Purple Giraffe is an artist in her own right and creates the most beautiful and delicious milkshakes: Turkish Delight; Belgium Chocolate; Strawberries AND cream; Dark Chocolate and Orange.
When I've chatted to my own potential customers about the Muthi picture (a showstopper and piece d'resistance), I suggest they try a milkshake at Purple Giraffe. Time and again, they return and tell me thanks for the suggestion; the milkshake was delicious. And guess what? More often than not they buy something from me !
Muthi and the Meerkats (sound like a 60's band name!)
Last week Linda sent refreshments for me and Grant to say thank you!
On Sunday a man came in and said: I've been sent to you to buy your African Potato Cream. **Margie, from the other side of the veranda runs a shop selling perfumes, creams and Tea Tree Oil and sent him to me!
Yesterday morning Colette at the Hide Shop nearby brought a young couple to me; they wanted a "mountain" souvenir. Of course I have mousepads, potstands, coasters, clocks, magnets and keyrings of all the paintings Steve has done. As they were browsing, I asked where they are staying. They told me and I immediately said: You are on honeymoon! They nodded shyly and when I said I want to see you back here in 45 years, OK; they laughed! They bought souvenirs...
Oh, and this post has taken me more than an hour to write! I have been up and down umpteen times !
I'm linking to Our World Tuesday here
** African Potato Cream is part of the Vitamune Range. It's a blend of traditional remedies using only ORGANIC base oils (sesame, jojoba and macadamia nut oils) It's also 100% natural.
It contains extracts from the Kigelia (African Sausage Tree) African Potato (Hypoxis) abd Sutherlandia (Cancer Bush) and is used for mild skin cancers, sun damage, eczema, sunburns, athlete's foot among other.
HAPPY TUESDAY TO YOU ALL!
Hello Jo, I think you are perfect for that job. Especially since you like meeting and talking to new people. The milkshakes sound yummy! Wish I could try one! I love seeing the Muthi and Meerkat painting. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eileen. What a sweet comment. I must admit that I'm exhausted when I get home; having interacted al day not to mention the jumping up and down from my desk as I see people approaching. But it's all worth it.
DeleteIt seems that everything is new !! A new header (I noticed it immediately, lol ) and a new job and life ! I read between the lines how happy you are now !
ReplyDeleteYip my friend. I'm so happy with my new venture although it's hard going. It's actually my shop so I have to make rent every month and then try to earn a salary. But it's worth it all the way.
DeleteI love the puppy with the meerkats, Jo, and I disagree...I think art is essential in our lives. It might even be said that art is what separates us from our prehistoric ancestors.
ReplyDeleteAs always, hugs from here!
Kay
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
www.unfittie.blogspot.com
So true, Kay. We need beautiful things like art in our lives. Thanks for always commenting. Blessings Jo
DeleteWow Jo I would love to pop into your shop and I know I would not walk out empty handed. Apart from the kitchen/dining room our house has a distinctly African/Rhodesian flavour to it. I have 4 of Edmund Barton's prints, and one original in the lounge, plus our large wooden giraffe watching over us. The passage is mostly Rhodesian. Maybe one day we will make it to the Drakensburg again. Take care Diane
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, oh how I wish I'd been open when you visited the Drakensberg earlier this year. PLEASE when you do come to SA again, do visit us in Champagne Valley. Apart from my shop, I also manage beautiful and reasonably priced accommodation in the foothills of Champagne Castle and Cathkin peaks. I grew up in Southern Rhodesia and was thrilled when I met you on Lynda's blog all that many years ago. Blessings. Jo
DeleteLove the co-operation in your community. As an introvert I couldn't do your job, but am glad that there are people who can.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like things are going well!
ReplyDeleteIt is, William. Thank you for always commenting on my posts - even the kitty-written ones...
DeleteHi EC, the introverts balance out the rowdy extroverts in this world. The artist's wife, Estelle in an introvert and she says she hated watching the shop for Steve. Yet, I believe, like Estelle, you can interact with people one-on-one basis. She has taught me so much in this field too. Thanks for always commenting on my blog.
ReplyDelete