I was reading an article in the NY Post about 2 friends who worked in the "creative" corporate business world but decided to take a chance in the late 1990's and start their own business.
First they started making beverage coasters in their East Village apartment and sold them from their bike baskets. That grew into an online business selling stationery. Then they went into home decor, costume jewelry and other novelty items. The business grew and now they are doing business their way in Greenpoint,NY after a stint in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The staff gets a say in everything and the website has blogs, contests and podcasts. It gets up to 10,000 hits a day. Not bad for two guys who didn't even take a salary for years.
Chris Bick and Keith Carollo are always scouting for new producys and plan to open up a retail boutique in 2008. They both say that they feel like they are still in high school, what a great way to do business.
Recently I read about a contest that showcases Subway talent in NYC. This contest is run every year by the MTA. 21 Winners are chosen from about 500 artists who send tapes/demos and then 70 finalists are chosen to audition.
The prize is amazing, the winners are allowed to perform in the subways for life and they can sell their CD's. Some say that they can net $1 a minute by playing on the subway platforms. And the people who listen to you play can change the rest of your life. One of the subway performers can be playing to a crowd that might include a record executive.
So many different ways to earn a living and do it Your way!
List + Donate=Creativity!
Joanne Deutch
