Over the past few months, several new businesses have opened downtown.
Before the Soulful Sparrow opened in June, the flurry of activity had passersby peering in the windows. And instead of the usual bland “Opening Soon” sign, the proprietors posted something else: a tear-off sign urging people to take a chance.
I tore one off, stuck it in my purse, and promptly forgot about it.
Except…
Over the next few weeks, I kept finding that little scrap of paper, again and again. And each time, I’d pause for a brief moment.
Because really, all these new businesses are the result of someone taking a chance. Each represents a leap of faith, someone crossing their fingers that their experience and vision will align into something the market wants and/or needs.
Sometimes, the market helps a bit. Since occupancy remains relatively low, some local landlords are offering businesses one of the most valuable incentives: time to grow before rent is due.
Just a couple of doors north of the Soulful Sparrow… who will take the leap?
Sure, you can – and should – do your homework and research the market and competition. You can become an expert in your field, take classes, be an apprentice.
But it still comes down to the very American urge to take a dream and translate it into something concrete, to work for one’s self, to be the creator of one’s own destiny and livelihood. Dreams aren’t always tangible or realistic. That’s why taking chances is so important – and rare.
Ribbon cutting for the Soulful Sparrow
Adventures of the Former Elginista 