Keep Mavens Alive!
Donation protected
My name is Ashley and I own a small retail shop called "Mavens" where I specialize in restoring and recycling vintage clothing. Out of my shop I also design and create one of a kind pieces. I am in a bad position. I literally have nowhere else to turn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe7ylZPJdfc
http://www.victoriaswardrobe.com/mavens-vintage-apparel/
All the details:
I started developing "Mavens" when I was 17 years old and now at age 27 it has been open in Victoria B.C for more than 4 years. I worked and saved for years and finally in December of 2010 my dream became a reality, "Mavens" became a real place. January 2011 I found out I was expecting my son, Rocky and it truly became a family business. Yes, I know, not the best timing, but the best reason to be even more motivated to keep on going. After that many other person challenges involving my health, domestic changes, deaths, Rocky's developement and my families health kept popping up but we kept overcoming them and always remained financially prepared for the next surprise life had to offer until March of 2014. Rocky broke his leg and a week later we were involved in a car accident , For both these events I missed a chunk of work and this took it's toll on my financial "safety net" I had set aside for slower months at Mavens. Also since it is still in litigation who was at fault for the accident, Icbc has yet to help with any time lost at work, provided the bare minimum the first couple months towards medical expenses such as physiotherapy (which I am still being treated) and paid me only 25% of what my vehicle was worth before the accident, which was only around $1000. I tried to squirrel away as much as I could in preperation for the lull in business experienced in January and February every year but this year has been especially tough. I see this as just another hurdle to overcome, but this is the first time I can't financially do it alone. I still got lots of fight in me and desperately want to keep Mavens going. It crushes me to think after all that has happened that this could be the end and having to start all over again. Mavens is not just a store, its a place for everyone. I have met so many amazing people since Mavens opened it's doors. It's helped me gain even more appreciation for our city and I want to do what I can to continue to support the arts, music, local businesses and the individuals that make up our community!
Please, whatever you can give to help cover this months operating costs will potentially change my life in the most positive way! If my goal is not met, this will help me cover any costs related to closing the shop, finding new employment and relocating into a more affordable home. I obviously don't have any money for insentives to donate, but I am offering 50% off everything at Mavens. I also am a lady of my word and will promise to pay it forward into our community when I am in a better position financially . I am open to suggestions on how to do so!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and offer your support,
Ashley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe7ylZPJdfc
http://www.victoriaswardrobe.com/mavens-vintage-apparel/
All the details:
I started developing "Mavens" when I was 17 years old and now at age 27 it has been open in Victoria B.C for more than 4 years. I worked and saved for years and finally in December of 2010 my dream became a reality, "Mavens" became a real place. January 2011 I found out I was expecting my son, Rocky and it truly became a family business. Yes, I know, not the best timing, but the best reason to be even more motivated to keep on going. After that many other person challenges involving my health, domestic changes, deaths, Rocky's developement and my families health kept popping up but we kept overcoming them and always remained financially prepared for the next surprise life had to offer until March of 2014. Rocky broke his leg and a week later we were involved in a car accident , For both these events I missed a chunk of work and this took it's toll on my financial "safety net" I had set aside for slower months at Mavens. Also since it is still in litigation who was at fault for the accident, Icbc has yet to help with any time lost at work, provided the bare minimum the first couple months towards medical expenses such as physiotherapy (which I am still being treated) and paid me only 25% of what my vehicle was worth before the accident, which was only around $1000. I tried to squirrel away as much as I could in preperation for the lull in business experienced in January and February every year but this year has been especially tough. I see this as just another hurdle to overcome, but this is the first time I can't financially do it alone. I still got lots of fight in me and desperately want to keep Mavens going. It crushes me to think after all that has happened that this could be the end and having to start all over again. Mavens is not just a store, its a place for everyone. I have met so many amazing people since Mavens opened it's doors. It's helped me gain even more appreciation for our city and I want to do what I can to continue to support the arts, music, local businesses and the individuals that make up our community!
Please, whatever you can give to help cover this months operating costs will potentially change my life in the most positive way! If my goal is not met, this will help me cover any costs related to closing the shop, finding new employment and relocating into a more affordable home. I obviously don't have any money for insentives to donate, but I am offering 50% off everything at Mavens. I also am a lady of my word and will promise to pay it forward into our community when I am in a better position financially . I am open to suggestions on how to do so!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and offer your support,
Ashley
Organizer
Ashley Maven
Organizer
Victoria, BC
