#81: We’re Opening Doors (literally)
Monday 10/21/24
So, you’ve heard it here first. What did I literally write about last monday….
Tomorrow, Tuesday, I’m signing a lease for 1 year for a studio. I’m thinking to simply call it “JGC - The Studio”. We’ll see how much room is on the sign lol.
This is a huge move for me. It’s increasing my expenses, which, I have nearly zero. But the rent is a number I feel comfortable with and if I needed to sell and organ, it wouldn’t bankrupt me, you know? A friend could throw up a gofundme if needed haha
I’m going to be able to start work in there on 11/1 - which is crazy because I only saw it a few days ago. But, it’s perfect for me and what I need to do to move my business forward. For the last year I’ve been saying “ok it’s time to shit or stay on the pot”. Aka, i can make moves or be comfy where I am. Comfy is good. But it’s safe and doesn't push you. I’m excited to be pushed a bit.
The location is in East Hanover across the street from a middle school so perhaps some new clientele? And the idea to not have to coordinate rental with some other people is really EXTRAORDINARY. I just have to make sure I’m doing enough to warrant the rent. I have to think of some classes, or things to offer outside of what I already do. Otherwise, I’m just paying rent for an office without increasing my business. It doesn’t break down to THAT much extra work, but I have to view it as just that, extra. I have to ADD the rent cost to my projections now so that I know I’m covering it in addition to my regular business income.
I still have some things to think through, but I have 3 rooms to utilize (front room, 2 little rooms).
Big front room: Thinking i’ll put up 2-3 dance mirrors, a barre, my keyboard, 2 chairs with a table, music stand or 2, and thats about it. I want everything to be moveable in case I need to host a class or need to film people dancing for prescreens.
Little room right and left: one will be a filming room. They both have a window so will get some natural light. I’ll store my equipment too - ring light, soft box lighting, all my backdrops, tripod, camera. The other room will be an office. I’ll bring my standing desk and walking pad, new chair, bring my laptop back and forth, and a carpet may be nice.
They put in beautiful hardwood floors last year so it looks pretty nice. I don't LOVE the wall color, but it’s fine. Regardless, it’s a nice first step. I like working from home and I will continue to do so, but I do want to get back out into the world more. Have a bit of a routine. Hire some friends to run a class. Have my own space for a little acting class. Have students come to film without time pressure.
All good things. More to come. Unless something crazy happens tomorrow, I’ll be walking out with keys and a little studio of my own!
Dreams Don’t Die (re-reading that many times today)
Julie