 |
 | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| It’s always been a dream of mine to own my own boutique. But an on-line boutique? Yes! Here it is! As a little kid and big kid I was the kid growing up that when we played restaurant I’d be decorating the menu or creating the handouts for when we played school. I was always very creative as a child and later pursued a career in creativity. I graduated from Buffalo State College with a degree in Public Communications. For many years, I was involved in all aspects of advertising, event planning, and public relations. In the year 2002 I felt I was ready for a creative change. Do this or forever hold your peace At my husband’s Tom urging, I started Funky. This put me in the driver seat and allowed me the opportunity to be my own boss and call the shots. Sounds great huh? Most days yes but there are other days that I ask “What are you doing”. When those moments cross my mind, all I do is look at my husband Tom (whose office happens to be located right next to mine) and all my four-legged blonde furry kids and think how fortunate I am. Now with our newest addition Shea and my little man Quincy this gives me flexibility to spend time with them and work around their schedule. It’s not uncommon to see my studio lights on at 1a.m. – just ask my neighbors! Meet the crew I’m not alone in this endeavor. My husband Tom plays a huge role whether it’s priming pieces, advising me on client relationships or proposals (he has a great mind for business and is even better at building relationships). He also plays delivery guy from time to time. Most importantly he’s my biggest cheerleader even when I’m driving him crazy. He truly does what it takes to keep our family running while I pursue this dream. My father Al also works for Funky. Father and daughter together. Yikes! Al helps out on all big jobs and as along as we do things HIS way, we get along just fine. All kidding aside, Al is my right hand painter, primer, ladder and delivery guy! My Mom has been known to stencil a diamond or two but mostly she’s my Mom which is more than enough. My sister Marcy is Funky’s accountant. Thank God! Numbers were never my thing unless I could paint them. With no client in sight….I got a sign The day I was prepared to give my 2 week notice was the same morning I received a phone call that I had landed my first client. This lady not only turned out to be a great client but mentor and friend. Thanks Nancy Ware! As they say the rest is history….. Pushing the envelope As for the future of Funky, I have lots of ideas about expanding my product line and venturing out into some other creative areas. I just need to find a way to get more than 24 hours out of a day. If anyone has that recipe, please pass it along. I look at it this way... I’ll get enough rest when I’m dead. Until then… push the envelope! |