"Working with the Small Business Development Center provided me with individualized assistance by assigning me an experienced business coach, Rhonda. Her expertise and guidance helped me develop a business plan that fine-tuned my goals and expectations. Being able to ask questions regarding various licenses, permits, point of sale systems, banking issues and working with retail shops has been invaluable. She encouraged me to use Excel spreadsheets & provided a sample template for me to track various business expenses and other key information. Thank you SBDC for helping me get my small business off and running!” - Cheryl Collins, Owner of Dove Cottage Studio
More Info: WebsiteDove Cottage Studio
Dove Cottage Studio provides a collection of greeting cards, featuring original watercolor paintings of florals. Business owner, Cheryl Collins, showcases her handcrafted creations in the retail setting via pop ups, and wholesale opportunities to nurseries and gift shops.
Collins' creative journey began as a simple hobby, driven by her passion for capturing the beauty of flower arrangements through the watercolor medium. As her hobby began to progress, she began exploring ways to transform her talent into a side business she could pursue as she entered retirement.
Collins reached out to the SBDC to seek guidance on how to launch her business in a way that aligned with her active lifestyle. With these details in mind, our center made the decision to connect the client with SBDC consultant, Rhonda Lowe. Through this partnership, Collins received the expert advising she needed to take the first steps toward legitimizing her business concept.
Just one month after obtaining her business permit, Collins was able to make her first sale to a local nursery that bought 64 of her cards to feature in their gift shop. This marked a major accomplishment, affirming both the demand for her unique products and the potential for her business to thrive.
Collins believed that the personalized, one-on-one consulting was the most important part of the assistance she received. By working with Rhonda Lowe through the SBDC, she successfully turned her passion project into a legitimate business.
