dog days of winter

As a creative or entrepreneur, is there anything more exciting than coming up with a great idea? The rush and the thrill of the a-ha moment? I don’t think so.

My great ideas often come to me while I’m on the treadmill.

I’ve been a runner for almost 20 years. Running outside in good weather is my favorite. But running indoors, as I’ve been forced to do during these cold months in Minnesota, seems to get my mind working harder, and dreaming more.

Lately I’ve been all-consumed with research about niche marketing. I adore my eco modern paper goods shop, but after the success of my 2010 Eco Dog Portrait Calendar, I have wanted to expand my dog-themed paper goods line and I wasn’t sure the Turnaround Design Shop was where I wanted to do it.

So, while pounding the ‘mill rocking to Big Head Todd or Lady Gaga (I’m not sure which), it came to me: open a new online store just for modern dog paper goods.

I’ll call it “Annie & Page“, after my sweet rescue dog, Annie (read her story here), and my beloved golden retriever Page. Each of these dogs came to me with seemingly insurmountable medical problems, and both recovered. My adored childhood dog also had severe illnesses yet lived for 15 years. I think there’s a reason these special dogs came to me.

My dogs have been the soundtrack of my life. It only makes sense to honor them with a dedicated shop where every other dog owner can do the same.

I’ve found a niche. I’m going to run with it. ::S::

turnaround design

turnaround design

Tagged as: dog, etsy shop, graphic design, paper goods, portrait, running