Today I have woken up with a new focus. Last year was all about getting used to life after a career in the one organisation that spanned eighteen years. I'll summarise it more in my final blog next week but one of the things it was filled with was various business ideas. I looked at opening my cafe/wine bar but decided not to go down that path. Since then I have been building The Concierge which has had a tentative but positive start though has a long way to go. I have also been focusing on another business - why would I ever just do one thing at once / make life easy for myself?!?!?!
"Two businesses?" I hear you cry. Yes indeed. The second evolved when the cafe/wine bar didn't happen. My original idea way back was to have a mobile cafe that I would take round events then the opportunity to do the cafe came along. When that fell away I was left with the sense that I had a big itch that needed scratched - to turn my passion into a business and marry work with enjoyment.
So as I sit here at the start of 2015, I am now the proud owner of The Concierge AND The Bijou Wine Co which comes with its very own professional logo thanks to the involvement and no doubt frustration of Darwin Consulting:
The Bijou Wine Co is predominantly a pop up mobile wine bar which will introduce exciting great quality wines to events around Scotland (and possibly the world in due course - I have ideas). [It also offers wine tasting events and next year hopefully wine tours but I'm taking one step at a time].
The philosophy is to bring a range of wines that have been handpicked for their superb quality at affordable prices to make events stand out from the crowd.
We have wines for every occasion; whether private parties and events, corporate functions or big sporting, cultural and music events. From zesty and fresh white and sparkling wines through beautiful delicate rosé wines to rich, spicy reds; from the grape varieties and regions you'd expect to those you've never experienced - whichever the choice the wines will impress.
The 'packages' of wines can be tailored to fit the specific events as well. Whether people are happy to leave the choice to us, have a specific grape variety or region in mind or want to promote a Scottish theme, we'll make sure the wines served enhance the experience of event guests.
As for the bar itself - well its half way through its conversion. It started life as a horse box and is now fully fitted out in stainless steel surrounds, shelving, full electrics and water, four wine fridges and stunning lighting. I would put up pictures but until the outside is finished in a couple of weeks time then I think its best to leave it as a work in progress!! The inside is amazing though (courtesy of Wilkinsons Mobile Catering Systems). But wait there won't be any more blog posts by the time it is ready. Ah well - you'll just have to keep your eyes open for more info on the website / through Facebook and twitter (far be it from a business to launch without these things in place!!).
So now I have the unfortunate task of (not only confirming events for the pop up mobile bar) working with my wine merchant to choose the wines that we'll present. Unfortunately that means I'm going to have to drink some wine - damn!!
Both The Concierge and The Bijou Wine Co are really exciting projects for me which I have no doubt will take over my life this year. No opportunity to think about planning any form of social life or holidays etc as they'll be all consuming plus will involve a radical change to the rhythm of my life - not least as the events I'll attend will no doubt run over weekends!!
The tricky bit is managing two businesses at once. Independent of each other they both make total sense but it will be challenging keeping both going. That said with a new year and a blank calendar/canvas, the focus and discipline to make them both successful are here in buckets - my butt has not moved from the 'office' all day. The project plans have been developed, calls have been made, other people's butts have been kicked where required, progress has been made and a couple of cliffs have been jumped off in the form of confirming orders for key supplies - and its only the first working day of the year.
This thing is happening and there is now no stopping me. (hopefully the enthusiasm jumping off the page in this paragraph is enough to convince the bank manager not to worry yet!!).
Whilst cranking myself up I...
...HUNG OUT at...Gairloch over new year as a new (and maybe one time only invitee) of the New Year Crew annual gathering. The far north of Scotland really is magical and even in the depths of winter there are stunning vistas to marvel at...
...WINED ON...my favourite champagne Delamotte at a family gathering on Sunday...
...DINED ON...today officially absolutely nothing as I try to get back to my fasting regime. To be fair I've been that focused that it hasn't been a problem. Other than that the weekend has again been filled by fabulous fayre courtesy of my cousin Gordon and Auntie at our annual New Year / Mums Birthday get together on Friday and at my brothers in-laws yesterday. Fasting for the rest of the year.
So next week is Week Fifty Two - my final diatribe you'll be glad to hear.
Until then have a great week and here's hoping we make it through our renewed diet, no alcohol, exercise laden first week back at work - its only a few more days til Friday!!
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