I really am doing stuff...

These have been a hectic couple of weeks. I have two 52 weeks projects in the works, and I'm pretty excited by them. Just have to get them done and take some pictures.

Lately I've been working on a lot of Spotted Owl Weddings information, trying to get everything for that worked out and tied down. It's so hard to plan some things, even just working out prices I know I'm comfortable with is challenging...trying to figure out how much staffing we'll need, how many times we'll have to meet with the bride/photographer/caterer/crazy mothers, how much the utilities would go up for a wedding, how much hosting a reception would cost us in the terms of potential damages, where other sweet reception sites are located and how much they cost...super challenging. It's also hard because I'm the type of person who loves to save money where I can, and I really want to be reasonable without underselling ourselves. We won't really know until we do it, I guess. The actual B&B room rates and prices were so much easier for me to lock down for some reason. (Maybe because I researched them for a year before we moved forward, ha ha ha.) We initially thought that wedding hosting would be more of a side business, just something for fun and not our main source of income, but after a month of our website being up with no advertising whatsoever (aside from my shameless Facebook plugs, sorry friends!), I've received so many emails about it that I'm reconsidering how much it could impact our profits. It's definitely something to think about, I guess. I'm throwing around the idea of having a fake wedding party, or maybe a vow renewal for a really laid back couple, so we can kind of see how things go. We'll see. I have to get through the renovations first. Which is SO EXCITING!!! I can't wait to see it done.

I'm also really excited about some of the investor rewards we've come up with to raise money for the Spotted Owl. So here's a short list...

After months of thinking about it and a total lack of inspiration for them, I found a good way to get around the problem of naming the rooms...so that's now a reward for higher investors! Who doesn't want to buy the right to name a room after Great Aunt Myrtles favorite cat? Or for/in memory of someone you love, your favorite author or the book you wrote, your band, or just some random word that has a special meaning for you. I think it's awesome, and will make the rooms even more unique and special. We are making really cool permanent plaques that will be placed outside the rooms, with the name and explanation of who it's for and who named it. Plus you get a free stay in your room every year, and a 10% off card which applies to all regular rates and events. Super awesome, all for $5,000 investors. Only six available. Coolest gift ever.

If you're really generous and donate $10,000, you get to name the honeymoon suite. I think we could also do well pushing this to local businesses, because it's such a unique way to advertise. That name is going to be seen by so many happy people on romantic weekend getaways and will be seen in countless wedding photographs. I'm so pumped.

For those two people out there that think it would be really funny to name a public restroom after your spouse, you can name one of ours for $4,000.

We are also selling rights to name our pews (sweet vintage wooden pews with bright red upholstery! LOVE THEM!), and placing plaques on the side with the name of your choice and who donated them. $1,500 per side.

For the peeps that want to help out but don't have a lot to invest, don't be sad! We have a lot of lower dollar rewards, such as T-shirts, photography packages, vintage aprons, hayrides, and handmade goods.

As soon as I get my brochures done, get ready to see me peddling.

So that's basically what I've been doing for the past two weeks. Thinking, thinking, thinking. If anyone has any ideas for fundraisers, let me know. The more we raise, the more cool stuff we can do with the B&B!

And don't forget, go check out my buddy Emily over at teaandlaundry.net. That girl is hella productive with the 52 weeks project, photographing it and blogging it. I need to take some notes.

52 Weeks Project: Week 2

This has been the most ridiculous week. Hank has been sick for the better part of it. He is becoming super skilled at blowing his nose (yay!) but also thinks my shirt and tissues are one in the same (boo!). So while dealing with my grouchy sick kid and his 103 temp, I decided to bust out my felt and embroidery thread.

52 weeks project 2: Creepy Plushies!

Scary Bear and Foxy Lady

I have been a huge fan of Stanley Donwood, Thom Yorke and Radiohead cover art since I was 15. Really, how can you not love scary bears? I haven't made one since Wesley and I were dating, but it seemed to fit Hanks mood, so one more has joined the world.

Stanley Donwood, Despot Bears

We are currently working on putting together a fundraiser show for the B&B to help with some of our renovation costs. Yay for musically talented friends and friends of friends, because this is a total learning experience for me. I'm trying to make a whole bunch of random weirdness to sell. Look forward to that. I'll let you know when we have some bands and dates.

Sorry for the short and sweet update, neglected housekeeping calls. Have a great week! Also, check out Emily's crazy awesome project. I'm pretty impressed. 

Just a Reminder...

We would love to share our business plans with you! The Spotted Owl will be hosting a "meet and greet" on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the future B&B site: 2035 Dinnerbell Five Forks Rd, Farmington PA 15437. For directions to the site, click here. This event is open to anyone who may be interested in attending. We will be going over our business plan, answering any questions you may have, and giving a tour of the site. Come check it out and pass the word to anyone you think might like to become an investor! 

Free Methodist Church
2035 Dinnerbell Five Forks Rd
Farmington, PA 15437

Investor Opportunities

Hello friends!

The Spotted Owl is a fun, quirky B&B with environmentally friendly philosophies that strives to support all things local. You can read more in depth about our mission in our business plan, which we would love to share with you! The Spotted Owl will be hosting a "meet and greet" on Dec. 29 and Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at he future B&B site: 2035 Dinnerbell Five Forks Rd, Farmington PA 15437. These events are open to anyone who may be interested in our investment options. We will be going over our business plan, answering any questions you may have, and giving a tour of the site. Come check it out and pass the word to anyone you think might like to become an investor! 

We have been receiving a lot of emails asking for more information about our investor options. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

Q. Is there a minimum I can invest? Are there benefits to investing more?

A. No, there is no minimum investment amount. However, there are some perks for those investing more than $10,000. These investors will receive 1 free room night per year as long as the company is in operation. These can be redeemed by family and friends with investor consent. These room nights do not expire and will rollover to the following year. These investors will also receive 10% off regular rates for room stays and weddings or special event rentals, with no limitation on the amount of use.  ALL investor feedback is important to us. Regardless of contribution amount, all of our investors will be invited to attend regular board meetings where they can receive company financial updates and share their opinions and suggestions.

Q. Am I purchasing equity in the company?

A. No, at this time we are not selling equity or stock in the company. Equity investing carries a lot of risk, and since we are targeting people we care about we want you to have a guarantee on your return. Our investors act more as personal lenders working with a high interest rate. All of our agreements are secured with a promissory note.  Another factor in the decision to not currently sell equity in the company was the problem of how to price it. Since our financial projections are based on very conservative numbers, we didn’t want to overvalue or undervalue our equity shares. Our early investors will have the first option to buy stock when it becomes available. At that time, investors who are still due payment will have the option to apply their owed balance towards the purchase of equity if they so desire.

Q. When will I receive payment?

A. The term of the loan will vary with the amount of the investment, with all balances due paid in full within five years. Each year a portion of the profits will be applied to investor repayment, so the amount paid will vary by year. 20% interest will be applied 90 days after the agreement is made, so you will receive the full return regardless of early payoff.  We are delaying the interest for 90 days only in the event that there is some unforeseen problem with the site when we begin renovations.

Q. How much are you raising?

A. Between ourselves and our investors, we are hoping to raise a total between $52,000 and $72,000.

Hope this helps! Feel free to call Jamie at (724) 329-0159 or email Jamie@spottedowlbnb.com with any other questions you may have. 

Thanks friends!

-Jamie & Wes

The Spotted Owl Bed & Breakfast!

As you may have gathered from the new blog name and this headline, we are on our way to our new occupation as Innkeepers! We are waaaaay excited to begin this adventure, check out our website at www.spottedowlbnb.com. I'm going to try to post an update with property pictures, news, and all that jazz in the future.

I'm finally making my return to the blogging world. It's been over a year since I've posted on Blogger! What?! How did that happen?

Hank is now TWO!!!! It blows my mind every time I tell someone that I have a two year old kid. He has inherited his dad's love of all things geek. He knows the names of more "superdudes" than I do. His vocabulary is growing at an alarming rate, and he needs to quit talking to me like a five year old. He is the best thing ever. Some December recaps...

First Christmas

Second Christmas

December 2012

 I'll leave you with some adventures in Christmas tree getting...