|
July 11,
2008 Southlake Town
Center
Some take off time from work to have a new baby, this Southlake
businesswoman started her new business because of the new baby!
|
Shana Bridges
|
Stand
down you self-doubters because the "Alpha-Woman" is in
the building. How would you describe a young lady about to
have her first baby that decides to quit her job to raise a child
AND start her new business AT THE SAME TIME!
Shana Bridges was a successful sales representative in the Voice
over IP industry. However, when she learned that her first
baby was on the way, Shana took a path less traveled for sure.
Shana knew she wanted to stay in the work force, but also knew
that she wanted to control what, where, and when she worked.
Shana, who also had been a 4th grade teacher prior to her sales
career, made that decision and set down to make her decision a
reality.
At first glance one probably assumes that Sunshine Glaze is a
franchise operation where the owner was trained in the concept and
operation of the business. But one would be wrong!
Fact is, Sunshine Glaze was conceived by the bright and perky business owner solely on her own. She devised the
concept and the business plan and then went out and shopped the
idea until she obtained her SBA loan. |
|
These young artist
were getting instructions on the finer points of working with
pottery.
|
Shana
grew up lived near Weatherford before moving to Keller in
1999. She had worked with her mom who had a kiln and used to
make pottery. This provided the basis for her unique
business plans.
"I am very goal oriented and really did not want to leave the
competitive world of business, but I wanted a family type
business," Shana explained.
She first started the business putting together the business plan
with a friend. Shana had the formidable task of convincing an
SBA officer that her idea deserved funding. She did her own
research, market analysis and pro-forma projections. She used her
sales skills and intellect to get the job done and after about 9
months ended up the sole owner of the business.
|
|
This young artist was
intently working on his new creation of a kitty.
|
Shana has now
successfully operated her business for five years. She said
the typical customers are women ages 26 to 48 and their children
as well. The customer buys from a selection of pottery then
pays a nominal studio fee to customize the piece with their own
art abilities. All paints and firing of the finished work is
included by Sunshine Glaze. |
| Shana
said customers can make appointments, however she has a large
walk-in trade as well. The facility also offers special
party packages.
Shana's business has
grown to the point that her current challenge is to find and keep
quality employees in the busy store.
Shana is a member of the
Paint Pottery Network and the group is currently collecting
and donating tiles to victims of 911 that will be on display in
the future. The "Tiles for America" collection
will eventually be located in New York.
After customers
select the piece of pottery, their studio fee includes
instructions, if needed, along with the paints and the "clean
up" afterwards. When the customer has finished the
piece they leave it with Shana to glaze and fire the piece.
The customer then picks up their finished product in about a week.
Asked what she
would want LNO readers to come away with from this article, Shana
said her business is "the Art of Entertainment...you get
something from the entertainment that you can see, touch and give
someone. We are a home for self-expression where you can
laugh, get frustrated, encourage each other and make
memories. We don't have disappointed customers and we don't
get many returns, after all, who returns things that was custom
made for that person?" |
 |
Sunshine Glaze is open
7 days a week. Monday thru Saturday from 10 am until 7pm and
on Sundays from Noon to 5 pm. |
Shana Bridges
discusses marketing strategies with Skye Thibodeaux of the 360
Directories. She contributes to multiple fund raisers for
schools, churches and other organizations. |
If
you are looking to express yourself Sunshine Glaze provides the
catalyst for your personal artistic outlet. Shana says that
many of the fund raisers include pieces done by someone well known
that is, in turn, auctioned off for the fund raiser. She
said that she donates certificates for the "whole
experience" at Sunshine Glaze and invited anyone interested
in discussing options to call her at 817.424.1417.
If you don't get inspired by the artistic endeavors at Sunshine
Glaze, just visiting the business can stir the entrepreneurial
juices when talking to Shana. Shana Bridges another local
business owner making Northeast Tarrant a great and unique place
to live! |
|
|
FREE
Sign up and receive local news.
Headline notices are sent out, on average, 3 to 5 times per
week.
Included is the latest news articles with links.
Breaking news and bulletins are sent out immediately.
Click
Here to Register
Note: This is a
Double Opt in program, you will receive a confirmation email
when you register, YOU must send it back to confirm your
request. Contact
Us
| Help
|
©
2000-2006 Local
News Only.com™
Copyright - All rights reserved.
Published by Local Net Com, Inc.
General Partner for:
|
|
