A friend once told me that it is important to “ride the wave” of the good times to carry you through the not-so-good times. It sounded a little too new-agey for me then, but I believe now that I understand better what she meant. To me it means be fully aware and appreciative during the good times and to carry that attitude into the bad times. There is always plenty for which to be appreciative even in what we think of as the bad times; the positive energy that comes from an appreciative attitude is a lot more motivating than what comes from focusing on the bad.
The “ride the wave” perspective carries over into the smaller parts of life as well. After my last post (which was also my first) I received a comment that the post didn’t adequately convey my excitement about starting my new business, F. Oliver’s. I thought about that a lot, reread the post, and agreed. Am I excited about starting the business? YES, YES YES! It is one of the most fun things that I have ever done. However, not every part of it is fun and exciting. So, I need to improve my wave riding so that the fun, exciting parts carry me through the not so fun and not so exciting aspects.
Like most everything else, the project of starting a business has phases. For me the first phase was becoming acquainted with a concept that seemed fun, fulfilling, and economically attractive. The second phase was considering and testing the concept to see if it really would work. The third phase was creating the brand, and the fourth was and is performing all the operational tasks required to bring the business to life. There are many, many tasks to be accomplished in this, the fourth phase!
I got a full dose of those tasks last week. Among other things, I filled out city permit applications, learned how to determine what size grease trap the business needs and then questioned the city code enforcer about whether we really do need a grease trap (according to him we do….), reviewed compliance with NY state requirements for our food processing permit, discussed furnace efficiency with the local heating and cooling expert and the benefit of adequate cold air returns with the landlord, learned how to paint over exterior aluminum, and determined that at this stage Pantone 377 is close enough to Pantone 382 to go ahead with printing. All necessary to get the business up and running, but not exactly my favorite parts of it.
Yesterday morning I picked up the large “coming soon” signs for the store windows, the first time to see the logo large and live. WOW! 
Last night, I received a proof sheet of all the product packaging artwork. DOUBLE WOW! I am thrilled to see the brand coming to life and to be back on the wave again. There are many more mundane tasks to be completed, but focusing on the emerging personality of the business energizes me tremendously.
Better yet, what’s coming to life results from the collaboration of talented, caring, and fun colleagues and friends. I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to be part of this exceptional team and to create something tangible with people that I like and admire; people who energize me.
Riding the wave alone is terrific; riding the wave with others is exponentially terrific.
I am proud to be on this great team and I am enjoying riding the wave! -Your Pixelpunk
Ride the wave girl ! Take advantage of all the highs and keep the attitude during the mundane tasks. It will all pay-off when the first customer walks through the door.
BTW – I love the logo. The difference between Pantone 377 and 382 matters to you ! Half the people looking at your labels, signs, bags, and other marketing material will never know the difference !
How exciting! Your venture is going to succeed way beyond your expectations…
The wave riding metaphor is apt, but in my industry we say “sometime you just gotta point ‘em downhill and stay with ‘em”.
Love to you and E.
John
Great post, Penny. Can’t wait until the opening!
Penny,
Best wishes for a strong response to your new business. It sounds like a special idea. I love the idea of bottling olive oil after tasting Brava! Dianne
I can’t wait for the opening!!! It’s going to be great!
Penny, this is a great venture/adventure and an exciting addition to downtown Canandaigua. With the wine and culinary center attracting so many food lovers, there will definitely be a steady stream of prospective customers to appreciate your attention to quality and detail. I’ll look forward to visiting the shop when it opens.
Dianne! I am so happy to hear from you. I hope that all is well. P
Penny,
Would you send a bottle of Pumkin Seed Oil when the mail order is up and running? Can’t wait we’re
about out!
Good luck, never give up.
Penny
Don’t know if you remember me…
I am excited beyond words for you! I wish that I lived closer!!! So jealous that I can’t see your place and taste your products! May need to get Donna and go on a road trip….
Was just reading a card that says” Do at least one thing this year that scares you….have a grand year ahead full of daring adventure! Were they writing about you?
Beth Domingo
Best wishes…what an adventure
Beth Domingo
Of course I remember you, Beth! It would be WONDERFUL if you and Donna could come up to the store. I would love to see you and I believe that you will love the products. Thank you for your kind words.
Hi Penny,
Jill sent me the link to your site. Very nice. Best of luck in your new adventure. I’m sure that you will do very well. This year it will be 19 years riding the architectural wave, or as my father in law (attorney) used to refer it-”running scared”. Nothing like having your own biz to get you out of bed in the morning. What great motivator! I know the oils and vinegars will sell themselves. Beautiful bottles too.
Say hello to John F (the great lefthanded homerun hitter) for me.
Regards,
John G.
John Gardner!
So nice to hear from you. I am very happy that you like the bottles. We will be filling out the site in the near future; stay tuned!
P
Oh Penny………… You have done everything, as usual, to perfection! I am so proud of you!
Aren’t best friends the best? A giant heartfelt thank you, Jill.