Wobbly Wednesday
Was it a terrible day? No
Why was it wobbly?
Because I had to intervene and tell visitors in the shop that I could not take sales of item from OA (Other artist). I then had to offer a brief explanation which as just that there is a situation between the two artists that needs resolution. No one was rude, they weren’t necessarily happy, but I stood firm.
Why put myself in this situation?
3/16 months since opening in Nov 2019 were conflict free. The other months I have been accused of lying re. Following govt. guidance, in my former career I had to be very careful with this. On all the occasions the members of OAs family were incorrect, no apologies ever made. I had taken more than half of the shop as agreed. When I made measurements, they were wrong. I tried to communicate about things I felt were wrong – this was not welcome.
In fact communication is the major factor.
I know that by the end of the day today. I deserved the sales I took for me. I chatted with all the customers. I started and completed one commission which the client collected a week earlier than originally agreed. I started a second commission and made good progress with that today too.
Am I going to back down and resume taking sales for OA?
No, unless a lot of significant changes happen and I am not going to make those happen as they are not mine to make. If I am still on the receiving end of complaints then I have mentioned the idea of me taking over the tenancy alone as an idea. It will become a focus.
I have worked hard to make this business a success, I put in the extra hours, I advertise in lots of ways and I love the interaction with customers. If OA feels that this is all wrong I need to understand why and they will need to communicate that to me. I have a lot of support locally because I am an active and supportive member of the local community and I think that is important in a small town like Swanage as we rebuild after the effects of the three lockdowns in the last 14 months.
I am passionate about my business; I am passionate about the area we are located becoming better known; I stick my neck out for causes I feel are important locally. I am a true local character in the time I have lived in Purbeck and I want more of that.
