QEDC Startup Competition + Holly = Full Steam Ahead!

Well, classes were such a huge success at the college, that I decided to formalize the studio into something a little more tangible and to do this, I knew I needed extra capital. (Don't you just love the suspense? lol) So, in August 2012, I returned to work (my 9-5) and in-between playtime with Liam, family, house errands and learning my new job, I devoted the "extra" hours to developing the studio's business plan. I later, in March 2013 submitted my super business plan of 27 pages (and that was AFTER the edit! lol) into the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) Queens Startup Competition, upon which 4 winners would be awarded a startup grant of $10,000!!! Whooo Hooo! I thought this is IT! lol. I won't even drag the suspense out ...my studio did not win. But it was in that very moment, after calling my Mom - with the lump still in my throat, that I knew I still, more than ever, wanted my studio to happen!

The very next day after the competition, I connected with the beautiful-spirit Holly M. Crawford, who lived in California. We'd never met and I found her via Linkedin. Snap! We both attended the same graduate school and department - MICA (the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD)! I absolutely had to work with her after reading her experience in art museum education! She's been a complete blessing and asset with the development of our curriculum and I'm so incredibly grateful for her convictions and support. Thanks Hol!