****Scroll to the bottom if you'd rather get right to the financial breakdown, or read on if you'd like to know the back story and details of what I'm doing.*******

In  2009, I  was offered an opportunity to pursue my dream of owning a boutique, and opened up in the lower level of a downtown building, below Thomas Hammer Coffee. I had no exposure, and people had to walk thru a gallery to even find it, but none the less, I was able to say I'd done it! I opened an eccelctic little shop called, The Box in the Basement. Within a few short months, yet another opportunity arose, to move into the suite next door, with slightly more exposure, and be part of what was to be known as the 8th St. Micro Mall, where other small and budding businesses were given a launch pad, inlcuding Bricolage, Sibbz Custom Rides and Dead Bird Gallery.

Much to our dismay, after 6 months, we were informed that the man opperating the Micro Mall plan had been taking our rent checks, but alas.....not paying the rent with them, and we were evicted from the suite. Some continued pursuing their dreams, and with success, but with the loss of a son, and lack of support on my homefront, my dream had come to a halt.

NOW...several years later...the universe has litterally laid out the real possibility of reviving this dream again, and I can't ignore it. I lost my job 2 days after Christmas, and after months of trying to figure out how to get by and make something of myself, I had rebranded my business, and have been trying ever so desperately to get into the groove of online selling, using Etsy. I thought it was as close as I'd ever get to having an actual store again. However, on Mother's Day, I noticed a "for lease" sign in the window of a storefront on Main St. that I've daydreamed about for 10 years. Not thinking I could ever afford it, it took some urging on my daughters part to call the number and inquire about the details.

Long story short, too late....the rent is BEYOND affordable (based on the small size and awkward layout), but as the property manager wasn't interested in renting to me because my lack of recent financials, the cupcake business who's needing their lease taken over, has offered to sublease to me, allowing me to open up shop again, and only be commited to another year and a half of their lease, making this incredibly low risk for me to do! I have A TON of my inventory still....I still have some store fixtures...all I REALLY need, is the money to move in. THIS is where I need YOUR help!

"So, you've rebranded. What's with the new business?", you ask. Trend Forgetter Gallery is a cutting edge boutique featuring a curated collection of hip and marketable pre-worn and upcycled fashions for men and women, as well as a home for display of artwork from new and upcoming "edgy" local artists collective. I will also host innovative opportunities to showcase music, poetry, interviews and whatever else exciting that I think up. Trend Forgetter Gallery's mission is to promote that it's not about what all the fashion magazines say "is in", or about what is "trending" right now, be it in fashion, music or whatever... it's about forgetting about those presets, and bringing out your inner YOU, and THAT being what is hip. That is what will make YOU unique.

I am applying for a few grants, but funds from this fundraiser are for IMMEDIATE NEEDS TO MOVE IN. In a perfect world, I would have AT LEAST the amount needed for rent and deposit by the end of May, allowing me to move in June 1st, and be open within the last 2 weeks of June. Here is what your contribution will cover.

-RENT is $750/mo + deposit of equal amount = $1500. I NEED THIS AMOUNT ASAP. Honestly...if I even just make this much, I can wing the rest, as I'm really resourceful and creative and can make things work with what I have/can afford, but I can't do ANYTHING unless I make at least this amount.

-The Space is small and awkward, leaving me with the strong possibility of having to invest in new displays. I will also have ALLLL window for a storefront, so mannequins will be needed as well. I'm projecting at needing around $700 - $800 (conservatively).

-$1000 for advertising and signage (again, conservatively)

-$250 for register and labeling supplies

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrendForgetterOnline

https://www.facebook.com/TrendForgetterGallery/