My GoFundMe is aimed toward being able to sustain and promote the growth and longevity of my vintage and collectibles shop.

                I opened Vintage Vibes in October, 2014. The venture began as an attempt to liquidate my inventory of antiques, vintage clothing and furniture as I was paying to store it for nearly three years.  The space I now call Vintage Vibes fell into my lap as a result of an in-depth conversation about what I needed to have happen in my life to have even a remote chance of financial stability.  I needed a space with a good location "donated" to me for a couple months.   This way I could put together a huge sale and recoop some of the thousands I had spent storing the merchandise that remained from my years of doing antique shows on the road as a means to support myself and my two sons.

                As the conversation progressed this person declared, "This is your lucky day!  I will give you a space for one month so you can make that happen..."  After I composed myself, I walked over to the space and it was awesome!  A funny thing is that, in fact, only 5-6 years prior a friend and I had driven by that exact spot and I remember saying, "I want to have a shop there," pointing to the place now being offered to me for my liquidation sale.

                I had three weeks to prepare for a one week sale.  I was not ready, nor was I prepared for what happened next.  With moving help from a dear friend, 80% of my inventory was now filling this space.  Organizing, arranging and pricing began, and I was ready by the deadline I had set.  I had ads in the paper and signs on the street and posts on Facebook.  The sale went very well.  I got nothing but rave reviews from everyone who came into the space.  People began to ask, "what's the name of your store?"  I explained it was basically a 'pop-up' and I'd be leaving soon.  People exclaimed, "No! Please stay!  Toledo needs a shop like this!"  "You have great stuff!" and, "You have to stay!" they said.  And the thing was... after the sale, I still had a ton of merchandise left...

                After another talk with the building owner, I decided to stay and give it a go for the holiday season.  After that I was encouraged to stay for at least a full year.  So, I have stayed and in October my lease is up.  I have been struggling to keep Vintage Vibes alive, robbing Peter to pay Paul.  The shop hasn't been able to consistently pay for itself yet.  I'm in sort of a vicious circle, as all money coming into the store has gone toward rent, leaving no budget for advertising or signage.

                I am the only one that can run the shop, so having time - even if I had the cash - to go buying and keeping my inventory fresh is not possible as it is.

                So this is what I am seeking and asking for from crowndfunding, with my this GoFundMe goal of $4800.

                This will be applied to my signage at the store, it will enable me to have my overhead sign and window decals done.  I will be able to maintain my promotional items such as business cards, T-shirts, fliers, special event invites  I will buy advertising (Facebook and local media) and sponsor special events.  I could also replace my trailer which was stolen not long ago, which I used for merchandise transport.  All aimed at increasing traffic in the store, upping sales, and growing Vintage Vibes into a success story.  Thanks for reading and have a Vibrant day!