Category: My Business Journey Journal

Q1 Is DONE — And It Was a Ride 🚀

Q1 2026 is officially in the books… and wow, what a journey.

Over the last three months, there’s been growth, challenges, lessons, and a lot happening behind the scenes. In my latest My Business Journey Journal: Q1 Recap video, I break it all down — the real story, no fluff.

This isn’t just about wins. It’s about what actually happens when you’re building something from the ground up.

💡 What I Cover in the Video

  • What worked (and what didn’t)
  • The biggest lessons I learned in Q1
  • Mistakes I won’t be repeating
  • My game plan heading into Q2

If you’re building something of your own, stay locked in — Q2 is where we level up.

Shop Connections

✨ Dreamers, Here’s What’s Been Happening Behind the Scenes

I’ve been making intentional moves to not only grow the business—but to elevate the entire experience for you.

✅ Recent Accomplishments

Everything I’m doing is centered around making your journey smoother, more inspiring, and more connected.

Sheri and her Feather Pen

🪶 Elevating the Sip-N-Think Experience

As part of this next phase, I’m leaning deeper into the Sip-N-Think lifestyle — creating moments that feel intentional, reflective, and inspiring. It’s about self-connection—using affirmation cards and everyday life experiences to guide our growth, mindset, and personal journey

One of my favorite tools right now is a Turkey Feather Quill Pen & Ink Set — it’s been a game-changer for how I journal, plan, and create.

✨ There’s something powerful about slowing down and actually writing your thoughts — not typing, not rushing — just being present in the moment.

👉 Shop the feather pen I use: https://amzn.to/4vdxHky

Whether I’m:

  • Brainstorming new ideas
  • Writing out my Q2 goals
  • Or creating content for the blog

…it just hits differently when you’re fully present.

Newest Sip & Think Products

🔄 What’s Still in Progress

I’m currently working on fully connecting Complicated Beauty Shop products on our Complicated Beauty with Sheri website to create a more seamless experience across all platforms.

In the meantime, the updated products are live and ready for you to explore in the shop — perfect for your next sip-and-think moment ☕💭

💖 Thank You

Thank you for your patience, your support, and for being part of this journey with me.

We’re building something meaningful — step by step.

👉 SIP-N-THINK Merchandise on Sheri’s Dream Catcher.com Blogging Site

👉SIP & THINK Collection on Envision Dream, LLC. Store Front

👉Complicated Beauty Sip & Think Collection on Complicated Beauty with Sheri.com Beauty Shop Store Front

👉Dating Sheri-we are brainstorming ideas #DatingSheri and #DoubleDatingSheri. Products have not been created as of yet. Coming Soon though. Let’s see if we can come up a product by the end of Q3!

Full Q1 2026 Recap Video

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you, and it helps support this blog. Thanks for your support!

If you enjoyed reading Q1 Is DONE — And It Was a Ride 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 Gentle Love Letter for April’s Pink Full Moon

The upcoming full moon feels like a story someone forgot to finish—round and glowing, hanging gently in the sky as if it’s watching over all our dreams. They call it the Pink Moon, and even if it isn’t truly pink, I like to imagine it blushing a little… the way hearts do when they’re full of something soft and sweet.

Spring is waking up beneath it.

The air carries the scent of damp earth and new beginnings. Tiny blossoms unfold quietly in corners where no one is looking, as if they prefer their beauty to be discovered rather than announced. Soft pink flowers echo the moon’s name, and it almost feels like the sky and the ground are sharing the same secret.

Even the breeze feels different—lighter somehow—like it’s remembering how to carry warmth again.

🌸 Dreams Beneath the Moonlight

I imagine you there, gently catching dreams as they drift by like fireflies that don’t want to be alone.

Do you ever hold them up to the moonlight to see which ones are made of love?

I hope you do.

I hope you can tell which dreams are meant to stay… and which ones should be wrapped in stardust and sent back to us.

If you happen to find mine, I think it will be small and shy—like the first flower brave enough to bloom. It might be hiding behind a cloud or tucked into branches just beginning to turn green.

Please be gentle with it.

It carries a quiet wish I don’t often say out loud—a wish that feels like warm light, soft petals, and laughter that doesn’t need to be heard to be real.

This Pink Moon in Libra reminds us: some truths bloom quietly, and some dreams need space to grow.

🌕 The Meaning of the Pink Moon in Libra

This full moon isn’t just a beautiful moment in the sky—it also carries symbolic meaning.

Astrologically, the Full Moon in Libra occurs when the Sun is in Aries and the Moon is in Libra. It creates a gentle tension between independence and connection—a “me versus we” kind of energy.

Libra, ruled by Venus, brings themes of:

  • Love and relationships
  • Balance and harmony
  • Beauty, softness, and emotional truth

During this time, many people notice a quiet clarity:

  • Understanding where a relationship stands
  • A pull to reconnect—or release
  • Sensitivity to honesty and fairness
  • A sense of nostalgia or tenderness

It’s a dreamy kind of energy… but also one that reveals the truth in soft, undeniable ways.

Surrounded by growing things, I’m reminded that peace blooms slowly, too.

🌱 A Season of Growth and Letting Go

It’s no coincidence this moon arrives in early spring.

This is a season of:

  • New beginnings
  • Blossoming connections
  • Letting go of emotional “winter”

The Pink Moon carries the same energy as the earth itself right now—gentle, hopeful, and quietly transforming.

Tonight feels like planting something unseen…
like tucking a small dream into the soil and trusting the moon to help it bloom.

@sheripeno

#lady #lookaround

♬ original sound – FöökMeRunning™

🌼 Gardening Under the Pink Moon

There’s something deeply comforting about connecting this moon to gardening.

The Pink Moon is named after early spring blooms—like creeping phlox—so it naturally represents:

  • First flowers
  • Soft growth
  • The earth awakening

And Libra adds something even more meaningful:

  • Care and nurturing
  • Creating beauty
  • Finding balance

Together, they remind us that growth—whether in a garden or in our hearts—requires intention and tenderness.

Gardening becomes more than a task. It becomes a reflection of love.

Think of it this way:

  • 🌱 Planting seeds → setting intentions
  • 💧 Watering → giving care and attention
  • ✂️ Pruning → letting go of what no longer serves
  • 🌸 Blooming → the quiet reward of patience

Some gardeners even follow lunar cycles, believing full moons are a powerful time for planting flowers, transplanting, and nurturing above-ground growth.

Even if you don’t follow those traditions, there’s something beautiful about letting the moon witness what you’re growing.

Swaying gently between what is and what’s becoming… tending dreams like a garden.

✨ Tending Dreams Like a Garden

Maybe that’s what you do, Dream Catcher.

Maybe you don’t just gather dreams… maybe you tend to them.

Like a garden.

Where dreams are seeds,
love is sunlight,
and time is the quiet force that allows everything to bloom.

🌙 A Quiet Promise

The moon will be there with you—I’m sure of it.

Soft and glowing, like a lantern hung in a spring garden, lighting the paths of wandering dreams.

And maybe, just maybe, it will keep a little bit of love safe for me until morning…
like dew resting gently on fresh leaves before the sun finds it.

@sheripeno

#santana #smooth

♬ Smooth (feat. Rob Thomas) – Santana

🌕 A Small Invitation to Discover Your Story

There’s something about this time of year—the soft unfolding of spring, the glow of the Pink Moon—that makes you wonder where you come from… and how many stories live quietly inside you.

Not all roots are visible.

Some are written in memory.
Some are carried in the heart.
And some… are tucked gently into your DNA, waiting to be discovered.

The AncestryDNA kit feels a little like opening a letter written long before you were born.

It’s simple—just a small sample, a quiet moment—and then, weeks later, your story begins to bloom in ways you didn’t expect. Places, people, connections… threads that stretch across time and find their way back to you.

👉 You can explore it here:

✨ The Little Details That Make You, You

If you choose the AncestryDNA + Traits kit, the experience becomes even more personal… almost like the moon leaning a little closer to listen.

It reveals the softer details:

  • The reasons behind certain preferences
  • The quiet quirks that make you unique
  • The tiny, beautiful pieces of yourself you may have never thought to question

It’s not just about where you’re from—
it’s about understanding the way you move through the world.

👉 You can find the +Traits kit here:

🌸 A Reflection Beneath the Moon

This Pink Moon is a reminder that everything is connected—
roots beneath the soil,
dreams in the sky,
and the stories we carry within us.

Maybe this is the season to discover something new about yourself.
Or something very, very old.

Something that has been waiting patiently…
just like spring.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you, and it helps support this blog. Thanks for your support!

Full Video

If you enjoyed reading A Gentle Love Letter for April’s Pink Full Moon 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

🎙️ Best USB / USB-C Lavalier Microphones for Small Creators

Looking for the best USB lavalier microphone for small creators? Whether you’re recording YouTube videos, interviews, or online courses, a USB lav mic is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. This article highlights the best beginner-friendly USB and USB-C lavalier microphones that deliver clear sound without complicated setups or high costs.

Movo LV1‑USB Universal USB Lavalier Microphone
This is the Movo LV1-USB Lavalier Microphone I personally purchased and use in my YouTube videos. It includes a 20′ long cable. Some links may be affiliate links.

Movo LV1‑USB Universal USB Lavalier Microphone

Movo LV1‑UC USB‑C Lavalier Microphone

Movo LV1‑UC USB‑C Lavalier Microphone

Saramonic SR‑ULM10 USB‑A Lavalier Mic

Saramonic SR‑ULM10 USB‑A Lavalier Mic

Sennheiser XS Lav USB‑C

Sennheiser XS Lav USB‑C

📦 Budget & Plug-and-Play (Best for Beginners)

🎤 Step-Up Quality (Clearer Audio & More Flexible)

  • Sennheiser XS Lav USB‑C – A more professional build and sound from a trusted brand — USB-C digital connection ensures cleaner voice capture with less background noise.
  • Saramonic LavMicro UC USB‑C – Slightly higher-end USB-C lav with excellent sound for interviews, vlog talking heads, and mobile content.
  • Movo M1 USB Lavalier Microphone – Simple and reliable USB lav with a long cable for flexibility when recording at a desk or with a phone stand.

🆕 & Bonus Picks

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support this blog and allow me to continue creating free content for small creators.

First Clip Test: Budget USB Lavalier Mic

🧠 Quick Buying Tips

✔ USB vs USB-C:

  • USB-C lavs are perfect for modern phones, tablets, and newer laptops — plug & record with no adapters.
  • USB-A lavs are still ideal for older computers, USB hubs, and desktop setups.

✔ Why Lavalier Mics for Level 1 Creators?
Lavs keep your voice close to the source, which reduces room echo and background noise — a quick quality boost over built-in mics with minimal setup. Many are plug-and-play with no drivers required, making them perfect for beginners and busy creators.

✔ Wireless Is More Flexible:
If your content involves movement (walking shots, interviews on the go), wireless lav sets — like the Alvoxcon above — can be a game changer. Wireless options are increasingly affordable and reliable.

📝 Suggested Comparison Table

MicrophoneConnectorBest ForApprox. Price
Movo LV1-USBUSB-ABasic PC/Mac use💰$12.95
Movo LV1-UCUSB-CPhones & USB-C devices💰$49.95
Saramonic SR-ULM10USB-ABudget vloggers💰$34.95
Sennheiser XS Lav USB-CUSB-CHigher clarity audio💪$48.95
Saramonic LavMicro UCUSB-CClear mobile interviews💪$29.00
Movo M1USBFlexible & easy💰$16.95
Alvoxcon Wireless USBWireless USBMovement & interviews📶$69.99
Rode Lavalier GO3.5mm/adapterUpgrade path mic🎤$64.99
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you, and it helps support this blog. Thanks for your support!

Real Audio Test

If you enjoyed reading Best USB / USB-C Lavalier Microphones for Small Creators 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

An Extension to Expand Our Reach for Growth

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s My Business Journey Journal our topic of discussion was an extension to expand our reach for growth. We learned that affiliate marking may be an opportunity to earn some extra cash. At the same time, we are trying to grow our site traffic and increase our product sales. Overall, you need to know the basics of how an affiliate program works before affiliating.

What is an affiliate?

An affiliate is a type of performance-based marketing. Also known as pay for performance advertising. Basically, a business will pay a reward to one or more affiliates for driving traffic to their business who generate sales from the affiliates’ marketing efforts. It should be noted that prior to receiving the reward/payment, an agreement is made between the two.

Furthermore to ensure our marketing efforts are cost effective and low risk, companies will only pay out when a sale is made while also offering flexibility to pay publishers for influencing sales. Besides, paying for performance rather than for clicks ensures  our affiliate marketing is a low risk form of marketing.

Envision Dream Yoga
30% off Envision Dream Yoga Apparel from March 1-31 with Discount Code: Yoga30

How does affiliate marketing work?

First, you will need to find and join an affiliate program. For instance, you can research the affiliate marketing programs that best fit your creativity. Second, choose which offers and products to promote. Do you have a specific niche you are focusing on? That might be a good place to start. Third, obtain a unique affiliate link for each offer. This is important because the link you post is how the sale is tracked back to you so you can earn your commission. Fourth, share your unique links on your blog, social media platforms, or website. As a result of your marketing efforts, you have the opportunity to collect some money any time someone uses your links to make a purchase.

Keep in mind, affiliate marketing takes time. That’s why patience is a virtue and hard work pays off.

Which type of affiliate program is for you?

Affiliate marketing is not for everyone, nor is it easy. However, if you want to try it, figure out which type of affiliate program is best for you. Sometimes, a little trial and error can help too! Indeed, I am more of a content marketer because, I share unique links on my blogs and web pages. Last but not least, I have listed a few types of programs below for you to review and research on your own.

  • Content marketing programs
  • Coupon-site programs
  • Review-site Programs
  • Loyalty Portals
  • Incentive Programs
  • Email Marketing
  • Digital assets
  • Traditional Media
Envision Dream Face Mask
Envision Dream Face Masks

Do affiliates pay taxes?

Since affiliates have the opportunity to make sales and earn a commission, they will need to pay taxes on the money they earn. So the answer is yes, affiliates pay taxes. First and foremost, you will need to treat the earnings as an individual and file these earnings on your own personal tax return. Specifically, you are required to file Form 1120 with the IRS to report earnings.

How much do affiliates make?

The most frequent and biggest question asked is how much do affiliates make? The answer is really simple, it all depends on you. You always get what you give. Are you putting 110% into your marketing efforts? Are you connecting your links correctly? Are you creating great content to drive traffic?

However to answer your question because you prefer to skip to the earnings verses learning all the steps, I will share with you what I have found through my research. First, low-level affiliates can earn up to $300 a day. Second, intermediate levels earn between $300-$3,000 a day. Third, a high-level affiliate can earn above $3,000 a day. Finally, super affiliates tend to make more than $10,000 a day. Also known as a “guru” of affiliate marketing.

Sheri's SIP N THINK Chats
Live SIP N THINK Chats and My Business Journey Journal Live Discussions

What are the Seven steps in affiliate marketing?

Below are the basic seven steps to help you when beginning your affiliate marketing efforts. Again, I would recommend doing some research and learning the basics before jumping into affiliate marketing. That is just my suggestion. Don’t take my word for it, trust in yourself!

  1. Decide on a platform.
  2. Choose your niche.
  3. Find affiliate programs to join.
  4. Create great content.
  5. Drive traffic to your affiliate site.
  6. Get clicks on your affiliate links.
  7. Convert clicks to sales.

Overall, what are the basics for how affiliate marketing works?

Because the program is simple yet complicated, I am starting to feel like I am repeating myself. First determine if affiliate marketing is for you. If so, begin with recommending a product or service to your followers through your website, blog or email list. Next, hope and pray your followers purchase the product or services using your unique affiliate link. Then, you will get paid a commission for the sales you made with your unique link.

Catching Dreams

Hiking in Hawaii with my kids!! I Envisioned, I Captured, I Roamed.

A Dream Come True for our Family

To join our Affiliate Program, visit Envision Dream, LLC at www.envision-dream.com and start earning your extra cash!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT An Extension to expand our reach for growth-WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- Why Affiliates?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n05MvWQpvKY

If you’re prepared and knows what it takes, it’s not a risk. You just have to figure out how to get there. There is always a way to get there.

Mark Cuban

If you enjoyed reading An Extension to Expand our Reach for Growth 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

Drop Shipping is a Useful Opportunity

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s My Business Journey Journal our topic of discussion was Drop Shipping is a Useful Opportunity. We learned that Drop Shipping is not for everyone and nor is it easy. However, it is a low-risk business model that allows you to sell products to your customers without incurring huge running costs. Stemming off of our previous My Business Journey Journal Topics, we are expanding our options when it comes to our goods and services that we want to sell for a profit while giving value to our customers.

What is Drop Shipping?

Drop shipping is a low-risk fulfillment method where you do not need to store actual inventory onsite. Instead, orders are fulfilled, and inventory is shipped directly from a third party to the customer. As a result, you only pay for the item when it is purchased, thus lowering your overhead costs.

Envision Dream Versatile Head Wrap
Envision Dream Versatile Turquoise Head Wrap

What is a drop shipping procedure?

When you have a drop shipping business model, you are not required to have a physical store. For instance, a drop shipping business is typically seen as an online store. Previously in our Storefront Vlog we learned the differences of a physical storefront and a virtual storefront. Some physical retailers may keep potential drop-shipped items on display and provide details on how the customer can purchase the product. For this reason, the retailer may arrange for the products to be shipped directly to the customer from the manufacturer.

The Pros and Cons of Drop Shipping

The pros for drop shipping is that there is low risk. Such as not having to invest a ton of money into inventory that potentially may not sell. Since you do not need to stock up on inventory, you do not need to secure a warehouse to store your inventory. Therefore, you end up with very little overhead costs too. Drop Shipping can be useful for both small and large businesses in the long run. However, the con is that drop shipping is not for everyone.

Envision Dream Head wrap
Envision Dream Versatile Turquoise Head Wrap

Benefits of dropshipping

The benefits of drop shipping can include the advantages of quickly testing different business ideas with limited risks. Due to the low risks, it gives the business an opportunity to learn a lot about how to choose and market in-demand products. Thus, making drop shipping a great business model for aspiring entrepreneurs to start with. See our list of benefits of drop shipping below.

  1. Less Capital is required
  2. Easy to get started
  3. Low Overhead costs
  4. Flexible location
  5. Wide Selection of Products to Sell
  6. Easier to Test
  7. Easier to Scale

Businesses that utilize drop shipping gain the ability to list and potentially sell products before having to purchase large amounts of inventory. In addition to low over head costs, ecommerce businesses do particularly well as their sales grow. Due to the fact that additional work comes with sales growth, drop shipping sites can rely on the manufacture to help with the increased sales volume and customer support.

What to know before launching a drop shipping store?

Before launching a drop shipping store, it may be beneficial to you, your customers and your store to educate yourself on what ecommerce is. In addition to learning the ins and outs of the virtual business world, it might be a good idea to research your products, suppliers and competitors as well. Not only do you want the best ecommerce business, but you also want the best ecommerce platform to run and host your online business. For instance, the best ecommerce sites will come with tools that will have hosting, design, pricing, payment options, marketing tools and reports.

Let’s not forget

Do you anticipate heavy traffic to your online store? If so, consider how much you will sell. Of course, if you tend to grow, having an ecommerce platform with a solution that offers lots of online storage space, inventory and bandwidth is ideal. Additionally, checking for must-have features such as payment security and sales reports will be beneficial in the future. Clearly provide enough payment and shipping options for your customers.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Why drop shipping is a useful Opportunity-WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- Drip Drip Drop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd8ZM2gpdfU

True joy of nature is when every drop of water shines like a pearl

Anamika Mishra

If you enjoyed reading Drop Shipping is a Useful Opportunity 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

Counting Inventory, Save Time and Money

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s My Business Journey Journal our topic of discussion was counting inventory, save time and money . In other words, knowing what to stock and how much to take in at a desired time will help your business in the long run. Stemming off of our previous My Business Journey Journal Topics, we decided to focus on our goods and services that we want to sell for a profit while giving value to our customers.

Needing a product to count

First, in order to have an inventory, we need to have a product. In this case, a product is defined as an article or substance that is manufactured or refined for sale. It can also be defined as a substance produced during a natural, chemical, or manufacturing process. Additionally, commercially manufactured articles, such as recordings, viewed collectively. Not only can a product be a thing or person that is the result of an action or process but it also can be a person whose character and identity have been formed by a particular period. In short, from last weeks vlog “Merchandise Me” we briefly glazed over the importance of creating a merchandise strategy.

  • Head Wrap
    Envision Dream Head Wraps
  • Beach Towel
    Envision Dream Beach Towels
  • Yoga Pants
    Envision Dream Yoga Pants
Envision Dream Collections

Marketing a product for inventory

For the most part, we want to save time and money with our inventory. For this reason, we want to make sure the product we are marketing will be made available for the consumer to purchase. Furthermore, a product in general can be a service or an item that meets the need and desire of the buyer. Clearly, every product is manufactured at a cost and is sold at a price. Basically, the price of your product charged to the customer will depend on the market, the quality, the marketing and the segment that is targeted.

What is Inventory?

First, inventory is defined by the dictionary as a complete list of items such as property, goods in stock, or the contents of the building. Similar terms are listing, catalog, directory, record, register, roster, statement. Second, it is described as a quantity of goods held in stock. Specifically, in accounting the entire stock of a business, including materials, components, work in progress, and finished products is classified as a current asset on the business’ balance sheet. Furthermore, it serves as a buffer between manufacturing and order fulfillment. Overall, inventory is considered tangible items, products, or goods that you intend to sell to customers. As a result of selling your inventory, your business makes a profit and your customer gains value for their purchase.

Why is inventory needed?

In particular, inventory is how a business can save time and money. For instance, having inventory management skills will give you the tools to problem solve what you need to stock up on and when. As a whole, the backbone of your business is knowing what you have in stock, how you will market it for resale and when it is a good time for the product to excel. To clarify, we have 5 basic reasons for keeping inventory. They are time, seasonal demand, uncertainty, economies of scale and appreciation of value.

Inventory to start an online store

Do you need inventory to start an online store and how much? The answer is no, you do not need inventory to start a virtual storefront. However, you do need a product or service to sell. Furthermore, inventory costs can range from $0-$1000 to start. With this in mind, the amount you invest here will vary greatly depending on whether you are drop shipping and how much inventory you want to start with. It should be noted that having good inventory management skills will benefit your online business too!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Counting Inventory, Save time and money-WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- Inventory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJuyfMIyv8I

Focusing on the unmet need (not the judgement) is more likely to get the need met

Marshall Rosenberg

If you enjoyed reading Counting Inventory, Save Time and Money 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

Merchandise Me with the Right Display

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s My Business Journey Journal our topic of discussion was about merchandise me with the right display . In other words, merchandise me. Stemming off of our previous My Business Journey Journal Topics, we decided to focus on our goods and services that we want to sell for a profit while giving value to our customers.

What is merchandising?

Basically, merchandise is defined as goods that are bought and sold. This includes personal or commercial products, and commodities that are sold to members of the public and other businesses. Second, merchandise can be offered in two types. For instance, they can be sold in retail and/or wholesale. To clarify, retail is when a company sells their products directly to the customer. Whereas, wholesale is when a company purchases products in bulk directly from the manufacturer and then turns around and sells it to the retailer or other wholesale companies.

Focused Eagle Display
Roam Wild and Free

Goals of Merchandising

There are two goals for merchandising. The first goal is an activity of support for your retail strategy that will generate revenue for the retailer and give value for the customer. With this in mind, your goods and services that you wish to sell for a profit are more beneficial if they also provide value for your customer. The second goal is deciding on what products to stock up on. In fact, this goal is a key to one of your retail strategies.

Merchandise is an Asset

Merchandise is an asset because it is usually expected to be liquidated within a year. Specifically, it is expected to be sold and turned into cash. It should be noted that merchandise is also considered a current asset within accounting. so when an item is purchased, the merchandise should be debited to the inventory account and credited to the cash or accounts payable account.

More of a Science than an Art

E-commerce merchandising are items bought and sold online. Typically, you will see these items displayed on your virtual storefront. In fact, e-commerce merchandising is the art and science of displaying products and/or offers on a website with the goal of increasing sales. Furthermore, having a good understanding of how other top revenue generating storefronts display and promote their merchandise online could help both small and mid-sized businesses improve sales. For the most part, the primary importance of merchandising is to clearly display products so that they are easy to find.

Most important aspects of merchandising

First and foremost, the term merchandising is to ensure products are displayed correctly and for maximum impact. Not only is the word “Merch” a slang term, but it also means “to put it on something”. Such as being able to provide factual evidence that something is what you are claiming it to be. Which leads me to the 5 R’s of merchandising.

  1. Providing the Right Merchandise
  2. At the Right Place
  3. At the Right Time
  4. In the Right Quantities
  5. At the Right Price

Visual Merchandising for impact

A marketing practice that uses floor plans, color, lighting, displays, technology, and other elements to attract the customers attention is visual merchandising. To generate more sales you will want to evaluate the 4 key elements of visual merchandising. For instance, store exterior, store layout, store interior and interior display. In addition to the key elements, you will need 4 basic displays for a strong visual impact. Furthermore, displays can be with one item, similar products, related products and a cross mix of items.

Effective Merchandising

To get the most out of your retail space you will want to create hot spots. Specifically, your fixtures and displays will help guide the shopper to browse and buy impulsively. Again, your ultimate goal is to generate more sales. A great hot spot will showcase new and seasonal products, advertised merchandise and establish your image.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AN Merchandise me with the right display, WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- Merchandise Me STOREFRONT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFVULYD8paY

It’s not our art, but our heart on display

Gary Holland

If you enjoyed reading Merchandise Me with the Right Display 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

An Open Space to Gain Attention

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s My Business Journey Journal our topic of discussion was about an open space to gain attention . In other words, a storefront. Stemming off of our previous My Business Journey Journal Topics, we decided to focus on where we are going to sell our merchandise or services for a profit.

What is a storefront?

When researching the definition from the dictionary, we defined a storefront in three ways. First, we found out that it is described as a façade of a store. More specifically, a façade is the face of a building where the principle front looks onto a street or an open space. Second, we read that it is a room or set of rooms facing the street on the ground floor of a commercial building, which is typically used as a store. Third, we uncovered that the function is to attract visual attention to a business and its merchandise.

Storefront
An Open Space To Attract Visual Attention

So then, what is an e-commerce storefront?

An e-commerce storefront has the same function as the dictionary’s definition for attracting visual attention for a business and its’ merchandise. However, instead of having a physical location in a building, your business and merchandise can be seen on a virtual storefront. Also known as an electronic storefront or online storefront. In particular, this is a solution for merchants who want to host a website that advertises their products and or services. In turn, the consumer can make a transaction generated online. Specifically, the transaction of money, funds, and data.

Transactions can be done in 4 Ways

Just like entrepreneurs have 4 ways to set up their business, an e-commerce can perform in 4 different ways. Unlike the business set up, the transactions can be done business to business, business to customer, customer to customer and customer to business. Of course, you have the ability to conduct your transactions in all 4 of these ways.

  1. Business to Business (B2B)
  2. Business to Customer (B2C)
  3. Customer to Customer (C2C)
  4. Customer to Business (C2B)
Virtual Transaction
Virtual Transactions

Common Skills for an Electronic Storefront?

To boost competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace, companies are searching and hiring in-demand e-commerce skills. Basically, an individual could possess 1 of the 4 skills or preferably all 4 skills would be highly beneficial. Software Development is the key to an e-commerce success as with Search Engine Optimization, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence.

  1. Software development
  2. SEO
  3. Data analytics
  4. Artificial intelligence

Can you save money with e-commerce?

If I was to answer this question, I would say why yes, you can save money with an e-commerce. Keep in mind, it has both it’s advantages and disadvantages. So, how can you save money? Well, you won’t have to worry about large overhead costs. For example, money spent on rent, utilities and other physical store front costs. I have read that it’s a big expense for running a physical retail store. When you create and open an online store you gain the advantage of gaining more customers virtually by engaging with them. As a result, an e-commerce store has become an important tool for both small and large businesses worldwide.

Successful façade and online stores will have:

Since businesses want to save money and gain money at the same time, we have dissected the 10 rules for having a successful storefront design whether it’s a façade or online. Ultimately, you would like your vision to tell a story that will guide your design, your service ethics, the mood and the experience of your store.

  1. Create a vision
  2. Polish your storytelling
  3. Design for engagement
  4. Make it look like your concept
  5. Meet the sidewalk
  6. Let people sit
  7. Be transparent
  8. Send a loud and clear message
Envision Dream Head Wrap and Neck Cover
Envision Dream Versatile Head Wrap/Neck Cover

The Top 10 E-commerce Platforms

When finding a platform to display and sell your merchandise on, you might want to review the top 10 e-commerce platforms named for the year 2021. They are ranked highest to lowest. Importantly, these platforms include both an easy online store launch and website builder. It should be noted, e-commerce sites will allow your online shop to flourish as you sell online.

  1. Wix
  2. Square Online
  3. Go Daddy
  4. Big Commerce
  5. Woocommerce
  6. Squarespace
  7. 1&1 Ionos
  8. Shopify
  9. WordPress.com
  10. Network Solutions

Should I start an Etsy Store?

I really don’t have an answer for you at this moment in time. Currently, I do not have an Etsy Store. However for this blog, I found out that Etsy is a marketplace similar to eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Except, the merchandise you sell on Etsy is for handmade goods and vintage items of 20 years or older. It does provide an easy way for talented crafters and artists to sell the fruits of their labor.  Keep in mind, it will limit your sales to only Etsy clients. For exposure and brand awareness, I could possibly have an Etsy store in the future. As of today, I am still focusing on building my personal e-commerce business site foundation and its growth.

Have you heard of the three S’s of E-Commerce?

In addition to the 4 ways you can conduct transactions with your e-commerce site, there are 3 S’s of e-commerce. First, you will need sufficient storage space. For instance, the best e-commerce platform will let your virtual shop sell online without any limitations. Specifically, it will offer inventory space and bandwidth to fit your growing needs. Second, you will need to make sure your site provides safety for both you and your potential customers. Indeed, having safety is a must for all e-commerce websites. Third, you will want to invest in a user-friendly interface. Of course, the best sites will have tools to help you select your desired options easily.

Undoubtedly, a top-notch site builder will make it easy to continue to build your online store as you grow. As a result, having well-designed menus, filters, and sorting options will minimize the amount of time it takes to find a product and purchase it. Clearly, saving money and gaining money at the same time is your ultimate goal, right?

  1. Storage space
  2. Safety protocols
  3. Site Design

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AN OPEN SPACE TO GAIN ATTENTION, WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- STOREFRONT

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

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago

Warren Buffett

If you enjoyed reading An Open Space to Gain Attention 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

Established My Type in 4 Ways

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s My Business Journey Journal our topic of discussion was Established My Type in 4 Ways. Stemming off of our previous My Business Journey Journal Topics, we decided to review the 4 Types of Entrepreneurs and the 4 Ways to set up your new company. Originally, we had a mound of dirt and then we decided that we would sell our mound of dirt in 3 sizes or collections for a profit. As we continue on our business journey, we realized that we need to figure out what type of company we are setting up and what way will our business entity be protected.

Let’s Review the 4 Types of Entrepreneurs

What do you mean when you say 4 Types of entrepreneurs? If you or anyone is interested in starting and running their own business, they should determine which type of entrepreneur model they would prefer to operate as.

  • Small Business
  • Scalable Startup
  • Large Company
  • Social Entrepreneurship
My Business Journey Journal Live Schedule
My Business Journey Journal Live Schedule

What is considered a small business?

A small business could be considered as a company, restaurant, or retail store that’s launched by a founder without any intention of growing the business into a chain, franchise, or conglomerate. Additionally, small business entrepreneurs usually invest their own money to get their companies off the ground. Basically, they only make money if the business succeeds. However, they lose their own money if the business doesn’t succeed either.

What is considered a scalable startup?

A scalable startup is less common however, they tend to attract a lot of media attention. Initially, scalable startups begin on a very small scale. Such as when the lightbulb goes off in your head for an idea. As the idea is nurtured with sun, water and tender loving care, like a seed that has been planted, it begins to grow. In this instance the farmer who nurtures the plant is considered the outside investors who provide the necessary funds and additional needs until the business grows larger.

What is Considered a large company Entrepreneur?

A large company is already established and well grounded. Sometimes, entrepreneurs work within larger, established companies. For instance, the entrepreneur may come up with an idea for a new division of the larger company. If it is a division of the larger company, that means it operates on it’s own but is backed financially and marketed by the home company.

What is considered a social entrepreneurship?

Well, a social entrepreneurship launches an organization that’s fundamentally about enacting positive social change. In addition, they are not operating to generating profits. Nevertheless, a social entrepreneur is willing to take on the risk and effort to create positive changes in society through their initiatives. For instance, the social entrepreneur seeks innovative solutions to community-based problems. Specifically, the social change to environmental conservation, racial justice, or philanthropic activity in an underserved community.

unprotected vs protected

What are the 4 Ways to Set Up Your Business?

  • LLC
  • Corporation
  • Non Profit
  • DBA
Provided below are the definitions per the dictionary-

LLC- A limited liability company is the US-specific form of a private limited company. It is a business structure that can combine the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship with the limited liability of a corporation.

Corporation- A corporation is an organization—usually a group of people or a company—authorized by the state to act as a single entity and recognized as such in law for certain purposes. Early incorporated entities were established by charter. Most jurisdictions now allow the creation of new corporations through registration. 

Non Profit- A nonprofit organization, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in contrast with an entity that operates as a business aiming to generate a profit for its owners.

Doing Business As- You might need to register your DBA — also known as a trade name, fictitious name, or assumed name — with the state, county, or city your business is located in. Registering your DBA name doesn’t provide legal protection by itself, but most states require you to register your DBA if you use one.

My Business Journey Journal

How did Envision Dream, LLC Find their type and which way did they get set up?

Envision Dream, LLC is owned and operated by one person. In other words, a sole proprietor. As a sole proprietor, the entity decided to sell merchandise for a profit. Along with taking on all the risks of losing the their own money invested and all the revenue made successfully. As a result, the entity fell into the small business category out of the 4 Types of Entrepreneurs

Now that we established the type of entrepreneurship as a small business, we needed to set the company up with protection. First we went to LegalZoom.com, which is an online legal technology company that helps customers like Envision Dream, LLC to create legal documents without having to hire a lawyer. We chose to be a limited liability company because a DBA doesn’t protect our business name from being used by others and we wanted our personal property to remain separate from the business.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Establishing Your Type, WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- Established my type

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3bvLdPfpZs

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value

Albert Einstein

If you enjoyed reading Established My Type in 4 Ways 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

The Need to Create 3 Collections within a Strong Collection

Once I made the decision to become an entrepreneur and came up with a business idea, I needed to create 3 collections within a strong collection. Why would you need 3 collections, I asked myself. From my research, I came across the Power of 3. But what does that mean and how does this affect my business? There are 3 dimensions for seeing life and experiencing life. They are imagination, memory and experience. Basically, these 3 dimensions are essential for the human experience of life. They say that life happens between memory, experience and imagination.

So what is a collection?

The dictionary defined a collection as the action or process of collecting someone or something. Second, as a group of things or people. Third, an assembly of items such as works of art, pieces of writing, or natural objects, especially one systematically ordered. Fourth, an art museum’s holdings organized by medium, such as sculpture, painting, or photography. Fifth, a book or recording containing various texts, poems, songs, etc. Sixth, a range of new clothes produced by fashion house.

Envision Dream Rainbow Collection
Envision Dream Rainbow Vision Collection

What are the 3 Must Haves for Creating a Strong Collection?

For a collection to have a strong presence, you must consider the 3 pillars of style, type and size.

  1. Signature Style
  2. Collection Type
  3. Collection Size

First, a strong collection must have a signature style. Specifically, you want your signature style or design to tell a story especially one that will evolve over time.

Second, your need to decide on the collection type. For instance, you would like your collection to revolve around a single product that sells in multiple color ways and or sizes or both. Furthermore, developing multi-item collections usually revolve around a statement piece or central piece where the common thread will tie all the pieces together within the collection. Ultimately, you would like the main design to influence and inspire. Uniquely, you would like to have a theme.

Third, you want to consider the collection size. Typically, 3 or more is considered a collection. When developing your collection, it is best to aim for a minimum of 12 pieces or looks. Ultimately, the more pieces in your collection, the better exposure and versatility you will have throughout the collection.

Envision Dream Yoga Capri Leggings
Envision Dream Yoga Capri Leggings

Incorporating the need for 3 collections within a strong collection with My Business Journey.

After reviewing the need to create 3 collections within a strong collection, I tried to apply my own company into this dynamic . I also wanted to make sure my collections revolved around the human experience with the Power of 3 dimensions. Which leads me to Envision Dream, LLC’s 3 collections that were created to include imagination, memory and experience. Our collections are still a work in progress as it will evolve over time.

  1. Envision Dream
  2. Trapped Ruby
  3. Tribe Vibe

What is our Envision Dream Collection?

Our Envision Dream Collection revolves around visualizing possibilities for future opportunities. Pieced together our design represents the journey an individual is on. So Envision your look, Capture your style, Roam wild and free. We are not just a brand, we are a statement, a philosophy and way of life.  Our Envision Dream signature style tells a story. Specifically, the story is personal to the individual who is going after their own dreams with the will power to fulfill their own life’s journey. This Collection has a total of 85 product pieces with sub collections. Our sub collections are:

Classic Vision

Night Vision

Rainbow Vision

Color Vision

What is our Trapped Ruby Collection?

Our Trapped Ruby Collection is showing the “Ruby” which represents you (the individual) as the unique stone of divine creativity trapped in the web of life (spider-web). It is also noted some will say, trapped in the world wide web. Currently this collection has a total of 21 products and no sub collections.

What is our Tribe Vibe Collection?

Our Tribe Vibe Collection is designed around our Rhythm and Roots. Where are your roots and how does that affect your rhythm?  When you Vibe with your Tribe, you are vibrating with like-minded people who are on the same energy frequency.  My tribe is my vibe hence the name Tribe Vibe. This collection has about 15 products so far and 3 sub collections.

Narragansett Compass

Spirit

Music Soul

Tribe Vibe Music Soul Hoodie
Tribe Vibe Music Soul Hoodie

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 3 COLLECTIONS AND THE POWER OF 3, WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- 3 Collections

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR9NVpBvDeM

 Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant

Robert Louis Stevenson

If you enjoyed reading The Need to Create 3 Collections within a Strong Collection 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