Business and Pleasure

As I wrote in an earlier post, Westerly hosted the Virtu Arts Festival this weekend. The town has been abuzz for two days with a general upbeat mood. This afternoon I soaked it in during a walk downtown. So, what a disappointment to see some of my favorite shops (and my fav little coffeehouse) closed! True, many are mom and pop operations that generally do not open on Sundays (or Sunday afternoons). But on the start of the season? AND one of the town's biggest tourist attractions? Really? It made me think of how many small businesses--not only in my town, but everywhere--are hurting in this economy, yet missing opportunities. The we've-never-done-it-before-why-should-we-do-it-now attitude is a recipe for disaster. I see it when meeting with clients who are toying with the idea of public relations for the first time, yet are afraid to step out of their comfort zones. As Thomas Edison said: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Business growth--especially small business and even more, upscale business--takes work and creative thinking. Those Westerly shops that remained shuttered practiced neither, and missed not only business today, but also the chance to make an impression on many who are in town for the next three months.

Meanwhile, on a MUCH more fun note, many of the stores that were open wisely took advantage of the foot-traffic and held sidewalk sales. You never know when someone will make an impulse purchase. As proof, I offer myself. Out for a walk, with no intention to buy anything, walked past Spangles, across from the train station. I can't say I've particularly noticed the shop before. Today, however, they had a selection of jewelry and handbags on a small table outside. As soon as I stopped to have a look, a friendly salesperson came out to greet me. I couldn't tear my eyes off of one handbag. Noticing I had my hands full with Mia (who was tugging on her leash in her unending quest to make new friends), the salesperson (I regret I didn't get her name; she was lovely) told me the price and handed me the bag. I had to have it, so she invited me (and Mia) into the store. 

So, here's my new bag (awful photo). 

I'm usually not a fan of pink, but balanced with the beige satin and the Asian fabric, I'm loving it. Add the bamboo handles and it is perfect for the summer season's feminine fashions. My only problem is the bow... it's a bit much. I'm thinking I'll remove it and fasten a fun brooch in that spot. Because, style and fashion--like business--requires creative thinking.

Artsy Weekend Ahead

I had a little, unofficial, sneak peak at some of the Virtu Arts Festival exhibitors this evening as my lab, Mia, and I wandered around Wilcox Park on this, the start of the Memorial Day weekend. And I was impressed. I missed the festival last year--my first Memorial Day here in Westerly, R.I. And, admittedly, the then-jaded-New-Yorker in me expected kitschy artwork. So, as I said hello to artists setting up their tents around the park today, I was pleasantly surprised. I saw quality painting and pottery, some fun impulse-buy jewelry, and gorgeous photography... this from just a handful of the 100+ exhibiting at the festival tomorrow and Sunday.

Living in an arts-oriented community with amazing beaches has great advantages. One of them being quiet coffeehouses, restaurants and events (and pristine beaches that I feel like are mine alone) in the off season. But, while I don't always love the traffic and crowded stores that come with this official start of "the" season, the energy of the summer-time can't be beat. And this weekend's festival downtown only amplifies it. So, if you're in the area, or looking for a day trip this weekend (the Amtrak station is within walking distance of the park, festival, and fabulous downtown restaurants, and there are several trains daily along the Boston-New York corridor), check it out. For more details, click here.