Family, friends, readers, wanderers, lovers, haters, and everyone in between. Today I have big, big news for you! I am in the process of opening up a vintage, handmade, and wears store in Saskatoon, SK. The name of my hip new shop is Potomac Trading Post, Ltd.

As most of you know, I have been running an online business for over a year now. More recently, I have expanded it from only clothing to include handmade goods and antiques. The amount of inventory that I had accumulated was quickly taking over our living space. I decided that I would need a place to store it. Somewhere small, in the city, and centrally-located. Within a matter of days, I had found a great space that was only a few blocks away from Little Green. A few days after that, I began the process to incorporate my business but under a new name. I wanted a fresh start, and I feel that in the end, it picked me. Largely inspired by this post, Potomac literally translates to “the place where people trade.”

Here is the timeline of my new venture:

July 26: Decided on PTP while on a date with my husband.

July 29: Found a downtown location to have my store.

July 31: Visited a lawyer to begin the incorporation process.

August 6: Heard back from the lawyer. Now to wait to sign the documents.

August 25: Finally signed the documents.

August 26: Bank appointment to set up a business account.

August 29: Met with a graphic designer team.

August 30-31: First buying trip.

September 2: Received the keys for the store.

September 3: Bought store supplies.

September 5: Applied for a business license.

Now – October: Setting up, more appointments, establishing a website, etc.

I cannot even begin to explain how much of a whirlwind this experience has been. Add onto that we are still building our house and both working full-time, my mind functions on a hour to hour level. Gone are the days of being organized and planning ahead, I literally cannot remember where I parked, what clothes I wore the day before, if I’ve left anything behind, or any other small yet important detail in regards to being a normal and functioning human being. All I can remember is to be home to walk and feed the dogs, what time I have to work, and what appointments I must be at. My head is all business and not personal. However, I am certainly not ungrateful. I realize that this is a rare opportunity that not many people have the courage or desire to undertake. Whatever knocks (both opportune and bad) come my way during this process, I make sure to embrace them. I’m going to try my damnedest to ensure that Potomac Trading Post, Ltd., and everything else in my life currently, is a success.

(Before)

(After)

<3

Emory

P.S. Stay tuned for many more updates on the store over the next few weeks!