Construction was going really well and then I got a big upset yesterday.  It could potentially have a huge impact to schedule but could also be resolved today.  I’m really hoping for the latter. I’m trying not to worry about it, but I’m writing this blog at 6am, so it’s obviously on my mind.  

I’ve gotten so many curveballs on this journey.  Some big and some small.  I have overcome so many of them, so I just try to remind myself of that every time a new one pops up.  At the end of the day, I do everything within my power to fix them, and then I just have to have patience and faith that everything will work out. Actually, patience is a HUGE part of this journey and is not easy for me, but I know that it is a good thing to work on.

It’s been challenging to juggle all that I need to do right now.  The list is never ending.  I have some help, but there is so much to do.  

We are starting to interview people, order equipment, finalize vendors & menu, work on store graphics, organize PR efforts, promote Yoga-urt, finish R&D on the smoothies, finalize interior design for the store, get accounting set up, design uniforms, and on and on and on.  

Luckily, I’m enjoying all of it (except the curveballs) and it’s exciting to move everything forward.

Hoping for good news today!

The last few weeks were really hard.  The plans were approved on April 30th, and we didn’t start construction until today.  We lost 2 weeks.  It killed me.  I’ve been dealing with 2 different contractors, trying to get the best deal for my tight budget, but also needing them to provide me with certain things (contract, liability insurance, etc).  It was a struggle, every step of the way.  Every day that passed pushed out my opening another day. Ugh.  Plus the stress of how much it is costing me. Not fun!

The good news is that we finally did start construction TODAY!  Yay!!!  I feel sooooo much better.  I got the documents at the very last minute from the GC,  but I got them.  In one day, they were able to demo the whole thing.  Crazy!

Part of me hopes that the construction goes fast so we can get open.  The other part of me is really nervous about the opening and I’m glad that it’s not happening quite yet.

The next few weeks will be interesting.  I really hope that I can enjoy them as I watch my vision come to life.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity with lots of exciting possibilities, and I want to savor it.  That is my goal for the next month or so.  To savor this time.  To work harder than I ever have before, but savor every moment.  Deep breath and here we go! 
     

It’s been an interesting week. Construction has not started yet as there were some things to work out with the GC. Hoping to work them out tomorrow so we can start construction early this coming week.  It is never easy!

Wherever I go, people are asking me when we will open.  That is the million dollar question.  Hoping for sometime in June.  The sooner the better!

Today, I did a tasting for the waffle cone.  It was delicious.  Like a cookie!  The recipe is pretty much done.  Yay!!! We still need to taste it with the soft serve and finalize the gluten free option, but I think it will all work.  
 Yesterday, I got an interesting reaction about Yoga-urt from some people at the nearby yoga studio.  After class, they heard that I was the owner and were excited to hear that and get the coming soon postcard.  It felt good!  But then, there was some disappointed upon hearing that it was all vegan.  I guess they didn’t like some vegan ice cream that they had tried before.  They were worried that they would miss the dairy.

I explained that we have created our own product, that I’m not vegan either, but that our product is delicious.  I could see the still concerned look on their faces.  They said samples would be good and I said that we will definitely be giving out free samples in the beginning.  

The bottom line is that there might be a bias, but, once people taste it, I’m confident that they will love it and have to trust in that. It’s just really good!!!

Finally, I had a sub today in Pilates class, and the sub’s sister owns a frozen yogurt store in Beverly Hills.  She told me their story and some tips to bring customers in.  They have been VERY successful in their 1st year, with multiple investors enquiring about equity.  It was so exciting to hear and she might be a great contact in the future.  I’m glad that I made it to class today!!!

I’m so happy to announce that the health department approved the Yoga-urt plans yesterday and the City of Glendale approved the plans today!!!!  That means we can start construction.  I’m so glad that we made it through this phase and can check it off the list.

We will be starting construction some time next week.  I still have to finalize the details with the GC.  I’m excited and nervous.  Luckily, I think that my dad and Uncle are going to help manage the construction since I’m at work all day.  That will be a big help.  I know that it’s going to be crazy, but it will all be worth it in the end.  It would be easier if time wasn’t of essence, but I feel the pressure to get it done quickly, so we can be open for most of summer.  Plus, I want to have soft opening in early June so we can have the Grand Opening during the Summer Solstice/Father’s Day weekend.  That is my hope, but it might be pushing it as I know that in construction, everything takes longer than you think.

There is still so much to do but we’ve also made so much progress.

By the way, I know I say “we” a lot, and I get asked sometimes who the “we” is.  The “we” is everyone that I’m working with on this.  We are a team and I’m so glad to have my team onboard, so I will continue to say we a lot 🙂

I have to admit that I’m exhausted this week, juggling my day job with all of this, but I feel so grateful to have this opportunity.  I’m waking up earlier than I need to, excited to answer emails and get things going for the day.  I’m not going to lie and say that my life isn’t crazy right now, because it is, but it’s worth it.  Over the next month or two, I get to see this idea and concept that I created come alive.  I’ve wanted this for so long.  It’s going to be a wild ride!

#yogaurt #comingsoon #nourishyourself #kennethvillage #Glendale #yoga-urt