I can't wait for you to cut that ribbon! I am having a similar issue with boutiques and gift shops in my town that first of all, don't believe that I made such a beautiful candle but also show no interest in working with a black local vendor. God will open doors for us..keep going!
Thanks so much! ❤️ I can't wait either. God makes a way where there doesn't seem to be a way. He will open the doors, move mountains and provide all we need to make this dream happen. It really upsets me to hear and have experienced the disbelief that a Black woman can create such a beautiful product. We are so dope! Trendsetters! These people simply cannot see the disadvantage that they continue to place upon Black business owners by only opening doors for their White counterparts. You keep going as well Stephanie! We got this! 💪🏾
I am so happy you are looking to expand, it is very unfortunate the circumstances, however it def sounds like you need to build your own table there since they are blocking you having a seat at theirs!Thank you for being so transparent, I know you'll break through!🎉❤
Thank you so much! ❤❤❤ It has definitely been hard but I will get my seat at the table and break down the necessary doors to get my space and open up opportunities for others like myself who are having the same issue. 🙏🏾
You got this. God is in control. I’m a new subscriber and I love the fact that you don’t put a $ on everything knowledge. God will bless you tenfold! In Jesus name.
I’m looking forward to seeing your journey to getting your store! Sometimes you have to knock on doors and other times you have break them down! I’m rooting for you ❤
Thank you for being an inspiration. Because of you, I am starting a candle business in 2023. I will definitely be looking at your content and following intensely. Keep inspiring and blessing will follow💕
You need to find a commercial real estate broker. It’s a real estate agent but for commercial use. They find the spaces for you based on your preferences and setup showing and stuff. You don’t pay them either. They get a percentage from your lease agreement. Hope you find something soon! 🤩🙌🏼
Thank You! I just found a new commercial broker who has been EXCELLENT! He is working really hard to find a space for me. The other two guys were a joke! They were not responsive and NEVER followed up on any of the properties I was interested in. So sad!
You could always get you a enclosed trailer and hook it up put electric in it and make shelves you just have to put your candles up were you going set up for that day and you a table your desk and a chair a mobile candle shop and pull it to what locations you want!! Enclose trailers like a food truck
Have you tried finding a commercial broker to represent you? I worked in commercial real estate and most property owners won't speak to you unless you have representation. I also managed retail properties - I wouldn't count out the mall! If they have vacant spaces, they may be willing to offer you a special deal to try and get those spaces filled in. I know several of our businesses in the mall ended up transitioning over to brick and mortar after the mall helped them build up a steady stream of clientele. Many malls also host pop up markets that you could potentially sell at. Also just wanted to chime in on the pricing piece. Proximity to other high demand stores (Apple, Athleta) are going to drive up your rent prices. Its not unusual to have rents in those types of areas in the tens of thousands/month for non-brand name stores. Most of our pricing was done on a projection of a portion of their monthly projected sales and we wouldn't rent to people who had below a certain threshold of sales projected. Its cheaper to let it sit vacant and wait for the right buyer to come along. That's likely why you aren't getting calls back. They want someone who is already vetted, and a commercial broker could help you target properties you are already qualified for in terms of your projected earnings. Edited again: Sorry, didn't listen to the whole video before commenting. Definitely reach out to your local black chamber of commerce to get a referral to a great commercial realtor or some leads on black commercial property owners in the area who you might be able to rent from. You can also talk to black owned coffee shops or book stores to see if you could rent a portion of their interior space to set up a sort of short-term pop-up shop concept for a few months while you continue your longer term rental options. You can also look into seeing if any of the commercial properties are for sale or are on the delinquency list. Lots of SBA loans available for acquiring commercial properties.
This is amazing insight! The Mall, asking to rent space in shops! Wow! I haven't thought about those options. Unfortunately I live in a town where there are literally no Black owners in the downtown area nor is there a Black chamber of commerce. I had my personal home realtor connect me with 2 commercial brokers in this area. Both simply sent me an email with listings. I responded to inquire about a few I was interested in. One broker completely ignored my emails and phone calls and the other stated he called the owner and they stated the space was rented, however there is a sign up saying the space was available. Also, the brokers never even asked about my revenue or proof of income. You are amazing! Thanks so much for this!
