New Business Challenges: Added Impacts of Covid

A Smooth Sea Never Made a Skilled Sailor

Franklin D. Roosevelt
New Year Business Challenges

Envision Dream Sip & Think Blue Mug– Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.

Blue is considered to be beneficial to the mind and body

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s Instagram Sip N Think Live Chat discussion we focused on overcoming normal new year business challenges and then added impacts of Covid. The following questions below are the questions we focused on during this discussion/interview with elevate barre and cycle.

  • What is the name of your company?
  • How did you come up with the name for your company?
  • What kind of services/classes/products do you offer your customers?
  • How can someone join a class, purchase a product or receive your services?
  • What are some of the steps you will take or took to maintain your clientele during the covid shutdown?
  • How is your business currently adapting to survive through the covid restrictions and challenges?
  • What advice would you give someone who wanted to start their own business in today’s environment?
New Year Business Challenges

Spin Sisters Lightweight Pullover offered at elevate barre and cycle. Great for pre/post workouts.

Five Basic Tips for Overcoming Startup Challenges Prior to the Covid Shut Down

The great part about asking Sara these questions was that I was very intrigued with how she was able to answer all of them. What I have experienced in my own journey, is that when starting a business, someone will ask me “Well what is Envision Dream, LLC?” or “Why are you doing Sheri’s Dream Catcher?” They seem pretty basic, right! I decided to challenge Sara in our interview and so I did some research on the internet. Below are just 5 of the basic tips I chose to ask Sara in our interview.

  • 1. Do you know your Company’s Culture?
  • 2. Do you understand your Financial Issues?
  • 3. Are you constantly Making Yourself Known?
  • 4. Are you recruiting well?
  • 5. Will you continue to Nourish Customer Loyalty?

Envision Your Look

Capture Your Style

Roam Wild and Free

Life is full of obstacles. It is up to us as individuals to navigate our way thru these obstacles.  Envision, Capture and Roam wild and free on your own personal journey. 

what We learned from our discussion on overcoming business challenges

When we are sipping, thinking and chatting about business ideas or our niche, we learned that it might be a good idea to have a plan in place before starting a business. Specifically, A SMART Plan. This simple tool can be used as a stepping stone for your goal setting and turning them into an actionable plan.

S– Specific

M– Measurable

A-Achievable (attainable)

R-Relevant (Realistic)

T-Time-based Goals

Another take away we received from our interview with entrepreneur Sara Loretta, were 3 distinctive advantages for overcoming new business challenges and then the added impact of covid. For instance, in order for Sara to adjust to the ever changing regulations and restrictions due to covid, she really needed to be creative and step out of the box to keep her business alive. Her words of wisdom that she shared are:

  1. Retention
  2. Word of Mouth
  3. Connection

First, with retention, Sara had to live stream for her current clients. Particularly, this meant learning how to teach in front of a camera, film herself and upload videos to the mind body platform. Second, with word of mouth, Sara used social media as a way to spread the news about her business operations. For example, she needed to let her clients know that she was open for outside spin classes. Additionally, this gave her an advantage over her competitors and allowed her to reach new potential clients. Next, with connection, Sara made sure to stay community driven. Especially, since her company’s culture is community focused. Besides, she really wants to do what ever she can to help her local community stay connected and healthy.

Watch our Full Sip N Think Chat Discussion Below on Overcoming Normal New Year Business Challenges and then Added Impacts of Covid

Special Guest Sara Loretta Benn, owner and operator of South County’s leading barre and cycle studio called elevate barre and cycle located in Narragansett, RI. The locals in Southern Rhode Island have seen Sara and her studio bikes popping up at the Narragansett Town Beach and at Casey’s Farm. Nothing better than a nice sunset ride. This year alone Sara was recognized in the Southern RI (SO Rhode Island) Magazine as one of our Leading Ladies of 2020. You might also see her and elevate barre and cycle in an exclusive Channel 12 interview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrtupXCD9PI

Congratulations to Sara at elevate barre and cycle for being able to think outside the box in order to keep the local community together amid the obstacles and challenges. Our Southern RI leading lady of 2020!!

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Purchase your own Blue Envision Dream Sip & Think Mug by clicking the link https://www.envision-dream.com/products/envision-dream-mug?variant=33379848323212

If you enjoyed reading Overcoming Normal New Year Business Challenges: Added Impacts of Covid subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual

Adventures in finding your Niche

Adventures in finding your niche

Life is full of obstacles. It is up to us as individuals to navigate our way thru these obstacles.  Envision, Capture and Roam wild and free on your own personal journey. 

What is a Niche?

For this blog, adventures in finding your niche is basically a place or position where an individual stands out. We find our niche by looking at our own self-awareness. In this case, self-awareness can be defined as conscious knowledge of ones own character, feelings, motive and desires. Specifically, your niche should be comprised of three elements. The first essential trait are your skills. For instance, what are you an expert at or in simpler terms what can you do well? The second essential trait are your experiences. Such as, life lessons you have had to learn and grow from. The third essential trait is your knowledge. Especially practical understanding of a particular subject.

Adventures in finding your niche

Why is our backpack noteworthy?  Well this is not just an ordinary backpack.  This backpack represents the “Stone of Divine Creativity”.  Stand out from the crowd and show others how your own stone is going to shine in the future.  Take note of where you are today.  Your center stone (core/ruby) is where your journey begins. Most people start from a place of feeling trapped as depicted in our “Trapped Ruby” design.

Can someone please tell me what my niche is?

One way to start discovering your niche is to realize what you have for skills, knowledge and experience. I know that sounds easier said than done, but sometimes you can start a conversation with those closest to you to find out what they like and don’t like about you? Whereas, it is hard to tell yourself what you like about yourself. For instance, how many times have you seen or heard someone say “tell me 3 things you like about yourself” and the individual you asked will pause to think for a little bit. Exactly!! Due to that fact, I believe that people don’t know how good they are at something until another person points it out to them. Do you agree?

Adventures in finding your niche

Catch everything that matters in our Envision Dream Catch All Tote Bag. Make it your own Catch All Tote Bag and Capture your own personal treasures for the day.

Are you passionate about your niche?

Another avenue you can take in figuring out what your niche is would be to look into what your passion and interests are. For instance, passions are strong and barely controllable emotions. We naturally gravitate towards how we feel about a person, place or object. Specifically, it arouses our curiosity. On the other hand, if it doesn’t entice us, we won’t want it. It is safe to say that the feelings toward my niche come naturally. I don’t feel as if I have to force myself to do what I enjoy doing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MrT-KwY4e4

In conclusion, when chit chatting with other people who are trying to find their way in this world, they always seem to ask me the questions “What is my niche?” and “What am I good at”? Again, a lot of times we don’t realize what we are good at until someone else points it out to us.

If you enjoyed reading Adventures in finding your Niche subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual

Ice Breaker Questions and Answers

I thought it would be fun to do a little get to know me ice breaker questions and answers. I found some questions on the internet regarding vulnerability and thought why not try it. Obviously these questions will not give a complete overview of Sheri. However, they may help as a way to connect especially when you are meeting with someone new. I consider them as a way to break the ice.

Ice Breaker Questions and Answers

Dine and Dash at a Restaurant?

  1. Have you ever Dine and Dashed at a Restaurant? I would have to say, no I have not. I started working in a seafood restaurant when I was 12yrs old. When I was in high school, I would go to work at 6am bussing tables at a breakfast nook and by 3 pm I would walk across the street and work in the seafood restaurant until 11pm. Understanding the hustle and bustle of cooking and feeding people, I did not feel it ever necessary to dine somewhere and then dash without paying for the service.
Envision Dream Big & Beautiful Yoga Pants

Marching band or Debate Team?

2. Would you rather have been in the Marching band or the Debate team in school? It is safe to say that I was in the band and on the debate team. I played the flute in 7th & 8th grade as part of the band. I was on the debate team in Jr. High and was on the Mock Trail Team in 9th and 10th grade.

Envision Dream See Me See You Zip Up Hoodie

Want to know how you are going to die?

3.If you could find out how you were going to die, would you want to know? I do not want to know, however I already have a feeling that I know how I am going to die. When I was little, I would have this dream that was buried alive in a wooden box. As I got older it became clear to me that I will die of suffocation. I still think about it now with the asthma and just wanting oxygen.

Steal or Shoplifted?

4.What was the last thing you stole or shoplifted. I guess you could say the last thing I stole was someone’s heart. Other than that, I am not into stealing and have never shop lifted. I have a habit of getting caught.

Envision Dream Catch All Pride Tote Bag

Vacation in Mexico or Alaska?

5. Would you rather vacation in Mexico or Alaska, and Why? I would love to visit Alaska, but I would prefer to vacation in Mexico. Their is something about the style and the feeling I get when it comes to Mexico. For instance, I have only been to Tijuana. When I was 18, I moved out to Arizona. This was 3 days after graduation to live with my dad, step mom and little brother. While I was out there, my homegirl was in California for a convention. Basically, I decided to take a bus to meet her in San Diego.

While we were there, we decided to venture to Tijuana. The first time we went, we went to a bar, got drunk and I rode a mechanical bull. I believe I also danced to AC/DC’s “Shook me all night long” on the dance floor by myself. We did not drink the water, so the only thing we drank was alcohol. The second time we went there (the next day basically), we went with a few friends from the military. From what I remember of the night, we went to a nightclub. I also remember making out with one of the guys we went with and then later he told me he was married. Fun times and good memories.

Envision Dream Sip & Think Mug

Like or Dislike Surprises?

6. Do you like or dislike surprises? I like surprises but they make me cry. I would prefer to know about the surprise so I can be prepared for it. I think surprises give me anxiety. That’s probably because I don’t have any control over it.

Ride a bike, a horse or drive a car?

7. Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse or drive a car? I would prefer to ride a bike. I have ridden a horse. I rode one at the Grand Canyon. My dad took me riding when he brought me to the Canyon for my very first visit. I can’t remember if I rode a horse when I was younger. The woman we lived with at one time in my life, worked at a stable and won a ton of ribbons for horse riding. I can’t remember if she took us riding or not. Her family owned a stable and that part of my life is a little blurred. Obviously I drive a car, but since I am prone to accidents, I prefer to ride a bike.

Envision Dream Bucket Hat

The tallest building you have been to the top in?

8. What’s the tallest building you have been to the top in? I would have to say the tallest building I have been in is the Empire State Building in New York City. I would visit New York City as a kid with my great aunts who lived there. They took us to the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Broadway plays. I did go on a girls trip a few years ago and I wanted to go back up to the top, but we didn’t make it since we were partying too much. My girlfriends did however, take a picture of me in front of the entrance. My girls are funny, they knew I really wanted to go up to the top but we didn’t have time. We made a compromise hence, the picture of me at the bottom entrance.

Hashtag Envision Dream and Trapped Ruby Style

Well, I hope you enjoyed a few of the ice breaker questions and answers I have provided for you. I might try to do some more in the near future. What do you think?

If you enjoyed reading Get to know me questions and answers subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual

Pack it in and Packing It In

Envision Dream Draw String Bag
Packing it in with my Envision Dream Draw String Bag

I just continue to pack it in and packing it in. What in the world is Sheri talking about? Wouldn’t you like to know? I could possibly be having a conversation with myself. I mean no one out there thinks like me. Oops!! Was I being conceited? Apparently, there are so many things coming to my mind. Do I tell you? Should I share them with you? Hahahahah, that’s a good one! I’m evil laughing right now. I hope you can hear it.

What will I pack with me today?

Envision Dream Catch All Tote Bag
Heading to a picnic/hike in the woods with my son, husband and doggie Prince. We put our dinner and snacks into my Envision Dream Catch All Light Blue Tote Bag

Every day I think about what I need for work and what I could possibly venture to do after work. OMG, It’s a Big Mystery? What will Sheri do next? Well, at least I know what I need for work on the daily. Sometimes, I’ll add a few extra items into my Envision Dream Catch All Light Blue Tote Bag. Let’s see, I need two cell phones. My lipstick mini bag that holds my hand sanitizer and wipes in it. My smaller purse that includes another smaller money purse. Two cell phone chargers and a mini battery pack. Another mini bag with head wraps and face masks. Sometimes I remember to grab a bag of fruit and crackers for snacks. If you are reading this correctly, it seems as though I pack a lot. My goal is to pack the necessities and bring the basics for a great night of adventure. The adventure can be calm and boring or fast and exciting. It doesn’t matter to me. All that matters is that I am doing something I enjoy.

Do I add an additional bag ?

The answer is simple. Well, since we are in the hot summer season, I do pack another bag that I put into my main bag. Specifically, I pack my Envision Dream Draw String Bag and put that into my Envision Dream Catch All Tote Bag. For instance, this bag will include, an Envision Dream Beach Towel, Flip Flops, A Drink Cup, Drinks, my beach pass, a plastic bag for my garbage, and my Envision Dream Classic Vision White Sweatshirt in case it gets cool at night. Having my draw string bag makes it easy for carrying when I am walking to my spot on the beach or hiking in the woods. Basically, it allows me to have both of my hands free.

Envision Dream Beach Towel
Envision Dream Beach Towel

If you enjoyed reading Pack It In and Packing It In subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual

Not Your Cup of Tea

Not your cup of tea
Definitely not your cup of tea

Am I being negative when I say I’m “not your cup of tea”? I thought this was an expression of how one feels toward something or someone. For instance, if I am “not your cup of tea”, what am I really saying? Do you think I am being mean or negative toward you? Furthermore, I am using it as an expression to let you know that I know who I am and who I am not.

Just a spoonful of Sugar to add to your cup of tea

Not your cup of tea
No Filter, broken nail, broken sunglasses. An Essential Worker during Covid Shutdown. Envision Dream Sip and Think Blue Mug

A little sweetness to add to your cup of tea. I do not use fake sugars. For example, splenda or sweet-n-low packets. If I use sugar, I like to use the kind of sugar that ants would eat. Why is that? Well ants were put on this planet for a reason and a purpose just like you and me. Have you ever done a scientific experiment where you have one packet of artificial sugar on the counter in one end and real sugar on the other end? Let’s assume you have, and the results show that the ants will at least investigate the artificial sugar but ultimately gravitate toward the real sugar cane. This is just my observation and opinion I am writing about regarding some sweetness.

A little splash of milk in that cup of tea

Not your cup of tea
Snapchat Filter, same day, same cup, same person. Different mind set.. Envision Dream Sip and Think Blue Mug

“Splish Splash” let me pour a little milk into your cup of tea. Yes, adding a splash of milk to your tea is a personal preference. I also may add that adding a spoonful of sugar, artificial or not to your cup of tea is also a personal preference. But, don’t let me stop you from adding a splash here and there. Perhaps you enjoy your tea on the darker side. Additionally, you could like it on the lighter side too. Ultimately, it really is your decision on how you take your tea.

Sip & Think about it

You read that right! I recommend you sip & think about that one for a minute or two. Perhaps you should sip & think for a minimum of five minutes to a half hour. I wonder what you will think about? Will you sip that tea on the darker side or on the lighter side with some milk and sugar?

If I come across a little too abrasive, that would be your perception. I am sharing my thoughts and sipping from my Envision Dream Sip and Think Black Mug. Black the symbolism of mystery and elegance. I would rather get my thoughts out there than let them sit and wallow. Sometimes you need to let the negativity go. Above all, try to stay positive. This too shall pass!! Again, this is for those who feel I am “not your cup of tea”.

If you enjoyed reading Not Your Cup of Tea subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual

Head Wrap Lady

versatile turquoise head wrap
My Favorite Color, Envision Dream Versatile Turquoise Head Wrap

Pin Curls and Grandma’s Head Wrap Solutions

When I was a young girl, my grandmother would sit in a rocking chair and have me sit on the floor Indian style in front of her.  Without a doubt, I knew she was going to pin curl my hair. In this scenario, I had very long thick native black hair and you can imagine how many hours that would take. Needless to say, grandma enjoyed pin curling my hair. She would sing, yodel and tell me stories of her childhood. After all the pins were in my head, she would then wrap a handkerchief or bandanna over my head to keep the pins from falling out. Even so, when I slept on the pullout couch in the living room, they did not fall out. 

My sisters and cousins and I spent most of our summers and weekends at grandma’s house.  Obviously, our parents were working daily.  For this reason, it’s like we looked after grandma and she looked after us.  Little did we know that those memories would last with each one of us forever. 

Trying to keep my head cool

Versatile White Head Wrap
Cruising the Ocean with my best friend wearing my Envision Dream Versatile White Head Wrap

As time went on, I stopped going to grandma’s house.  Clearly, you could say things changed in the family.  Besides, we got older and grandma got dementia. In short, no more family time and no more pin curls.  Thus, no more time with grandma. As I became a teenager, I started to play softball all year long. Additionally, this meant playing in the hot summer sun too.  In fact, I recall playing on three teams one summer and working full-time. Because of the summer heat, I started wearing bandannas to help keep my head cool. Specifically, I would dip them in water and than toss on my head. 

Desert Dust Storms Cover that Mouth Up

Versatile Red Head Wrap
Spending Time on the Beach with my kids wearing my Envision Dream Versatile Red Head Wrap

After graduation, I headed out west to Arizona. Despite having a good home in Narragansett, RI with friends and family, I ventured out of the nest. Along with the need to try something different, I was able to spend time with my dad, step mom and my younger brother. Of course going from the ocean to the desert was not an easy adjustment.  I had much to learn about the world and my life. My dad lived in a trailer in the desert. Like for real, the desert. Every day I had to check for rattle snakes, scorpions and tarantulas. This was a place where I would need to wear something over my mouth during sand or dust storms. Yes, they did come thru where I was staying. There is no doubt that bandanna’s and head wraps started becoming apart of my outfits in the desert too. 

The mom maneuver head wrap

Versatile White Head Wrap
You don’t see the vacuum in front of me because I decided to stop and pose for the camera in my Envision Dream Versatile White Head Wrap and my Envision Dream Night Vision V-Neck T-Shirt

When I became a mom, I needed to keep my hair up and out of the way of my children’s little fingers.  My most precious gems would either pull at my hoop earrings or my hair. Above all, having my hair in a head wrap made it easier for me to maneuver throughout mom hood. Obviously, cooking and cleaning in head wraps became a must. As a result, my hair was in a head wrap most of the time. I guess you could say it became a habit for me to wear them daily. If you don’t see me wearing one, you can know that I at least carry one on me at all times.

No wonder I started selling head wraps

Versatile Head Wrap
Owner and Creator of Envision Dream, LLC . Sheri from Sheri’s Dream Catcher ,Catching my own dreams one step at a time.

I’m so excited to share one of my favorite accessories with all of you. You can find them at www.envision-dream.com. I am even more excited to wear my very own creative versatile head wraps.  They do seem tight at first but once you break them in, they look and fit fabulous.  I like to color coordinate and sometimes I like to mismatch.  Either way, I’m taking grandma’s memories with me on this head wrap journey. 

Versatile Head Wrap

Envision Dream Versatile Head Wraps

If you enjoyed reading Head Wrap Lady subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual

A Dream You Want To Achieve In The Future

A dream you want to achieve in the future begins with the process of writing your own thoughts and ideas down onto a piece of paper. For instance, have you ever heard someone say “keep a journal next to your bed”? Well, I have plenty of times. What’s the reasoning behind it? Well, they say that if you journal about your dreams, you are more likely to turn those thoughts and ideas into a reality. Remember a dream is just a dream until you’ve given commitment to the vision you created in your mind. The execution of that dream becomes a goal to achieve once you put a date to it.

A dream to achieve
A Dream You Want to Achieve

Why Must We Create A Dream Plan?

For starters, you do not have to do anything. As a result of doing nothing, it means you have achieved nothing. Am I correct? As a matter of fact, most of the time I tend to use my vision to focus on the dreams I’ve envisioned for myself to achieve. By the same token, to continue to move forward with my dream process, I tend to ask myself questions. For example, “How am I going to achieve my dream?”

Evaluation of the current situation

  • Where am I at now?
  • Where do I see myself in anther 1, 3 or 5 years from now?
  • What resources do I have available to me now?
  • What can I do on my own?
  • What do I need assistance with?
  • Who can I learn from?
  • Who can I rely on?
  • How will I take my first step?

Research, Research, Research!!!

Indeed, you have started the process of your dream foundation. Another way to look at your foundation is to think of it as creating building blocks that will formulate your plan which is connected to your goal that links to the dream you want to achieve.

A dream to achieve
What are you thoughts and Ideas?

A Plan is only a plan similar to a dream is only a dream.

In order for the dream to materialize we must put forth “Action“. For instance, sitting in a dark room visualizing our dreams is only going to produce the visualizing. Not only is “Execution” vital to achieving our dreams but “Action” also is a key component to activating our dreams into a reality. For example, a football team doesn’t win by standing on the field waiting for the referee to scream touch down. Likewise, a basketball player doesn’t stand on the court holding the ball in his hands saying “did you see that shot I didn’t take”?

A dream to achieve
Create Your Own Vision with a Vision Board

Always Try. If at first I don’t succeed, try, try again.

For this reason, I believe it is imperative to at least Try. As a consequence to our actions, it will either make or break us. Such as, not taking action will leave us at square one, just visualizing. The choice is yours really. You take the direction that is best for you, as it should be.

WATCH OUR FULL SIP N THINK CHAT DISCUSSION we had on January 28th BELOW with THE topic: Dream deadline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgzMdMk1yNk

Dreams don’t work, unless you do

John C. Maxwell

OUR NEXT SIP N THINK CHAT IS SCHEDULED FOR February 12, 2021. TOPIC: Undecided. YOU CAN JOIN US LIVE ON INSTAGRAM @SHERISDREAMCATCHER 8PM EST.

If you enjoyed reading A Dream You Want to Achieve In The Future subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts.

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual