Gearing Up and Getting Ready

These last few days have been, as usual, really busy on the family front. Pam had to travel for work, so it’s been just the three of us boys all week (with some great backup from the grandparents!). Needless to say, I haven’t had very many minutes to work on the Project. But, that’s not to say there hasn’t been any progress!
 
First of all, after a week of dealing with FedEx, I successfully arranged for shipping for our new laser engraver, and it has safely arrived here in Ohio. I’m still working on our “shop”, aka the garage, switching it over to a real workshop for our project. We bought a family storage shed to absorb some of the things currently in the way, so hopefully I can have a more dedicated, practical space soon.

Because the shop isn’t quite ready (see “Pam overseas for a week”), I haven’t been able to fully run the laser, but I hooked up the control system and downloaded the software. It appears that the motors and software are all working correctly, and this thing is pretty cool.

The goal is to survive parenthood until Pam gets home, and complete the workshop setup next weekend. In the meantime, I’m working on generating ideas on how to use this new tool for the Project and learning the graphic design software so that I can begin work as soon as the machine is hooked up.

So far, I think I’ll probably start with a few small projects, maybe some crafty signs/home décor just to practice with the machine and maybe move a few dollars of product. I think the bigger plan, though, is to product custom wedding items for couples about to tie the knot. I think the opportunity here is huge, as potential customers could be interested in a multitude of products including save-the-dates, cake stands, personalized favors, invitations, table numbers, cake toppers, etc. I think I could potentially package multiple types of products together for the same customer, allowing me to provide a cohesive design theme to their wedding and providing me with a big sale.
 
It will definitely take a while to learn the ins and outs of this new tool, I’m sure some major trouble shooting and learning are in store. My hope, though, is that I can get up and running in the next month or two to the point that I can have a “lineup” or products. At that point I will either use the “With the Grain” website to sell or build a new site, maybe open an etsy shop, and pursue local customers here in Cincinnati. In fact, I think a great opportunity to move some products are the small festivals around our local town, and they start in early summer.
 
I think it’s actually an aggressive timeline considering all I will need to learn, but I think if I can have a somewhat functioning business (and be pretty laser savvy) in time for these summer events, there could be a great opportunity there.
 
Well, that’s the plan at least… But first thing’s first, I need to get my partner back so we can get to work! I look forward to making some good progress and taking you guys along. Thanks for reading!