Why I Still Believe in Welcoming Haven’s Future

Posted on December 6, 2025December 6, 2025 by Dusty Roads

A Welcoming Haven Update

Hi Dear Readers,
In Around Dusty Roads tradition of full transparency, I’m sharing some of the challenges of building an online business. I do so not out of discouragement or frustration, but to offer insight into what you may encounter if you choose to join the ranks of e‑commerce.

Facing Early Challenges

In my previous post, 5 Truths About Success—And Why I’m Still Showing Up, I reflected on the realities of building Welcoming Haven. This week, I want to continue that conversation with an update. Building Welcoming Haven has been a challenge, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. The consultants I first worked with didn’t provide the ongoing support I expected. After searching online, I discovered many others had similar experiences. Although the consultants provided the basics for a viable business, which is why I don’t believe I was scammed, the fact remains that the lack of support ultimately taught me a hard lesson. It’s a reminder that scams and unreliable services are out there, and caution is essential.

Finding Support in Shopify

Thankfully, Shopify offers strong resources and guidance. Shopify designs its platform to help stores succeed, and I find their support reassuring. Because they invest in the success of their merchants, I feel less alone in the process.”

Learning from Other Entrepreneurs

In the course of this journey, I also connected with another store owner who had struggled too. He told me his business turned around after working with a consultant recommended through Shopify. His store now grosses $20K a month! He kindly shared his consultant’s contact with me, and after a brief discussion, I decided to give it a try. (so much for caution)

A New Approach

This consultant works differently: only a minimal upfront investment for tools, and the rest on commission—no sales, no payment. Already, he’s boosted my product SEO scores from 60–70% to 90–100%, and is now focusing on marketing. More importantly, he’s responsive, confident, and delivers on his promises.

Looking Ahead

For the first time, it doesn’t feel so lonely. I have someone in my corner, and I’m hopeful that 2026 will be prosperous for both of us.

Let’s go, Welcoming Haven—your future is looking bright.

5 Truths About Success—And Why I’m Still Showing Up

Posted on November 25, 2025November 20, 2025 by Dusty Roads

5 Truths About Success—And Why I’m Still Showing Up

I recently stumbled across an article by Barbara Corcoran. If you don’t know who she is, don’t worry—I didn’t either. But the title of her piece caught my eye: short, punchy, and promising. 5 ‘Truths About Success’ That Could Make You Rich. I like short. I love to-the-point. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t be curious about getting rich?

Now, I’m like most folks. I wouldn’t turn down wealth, but I’m not chasing yachts or private islands. For me, “rich” means having enough: enough to pay the bills, fix up my home, travel a little, and treat friends to a nice dinner now and then. That’s my sweet spot.

Barbara Corcoran, as it turns out, rose from childhood poverty to become a real estate powerhouse, investor, entrepreneur, and TV personality on Shark Tank. She’s someone who turned adversity into opportunity. Her five truths resonated deeply—especially as I build my own store, Welcoming Haven, from the ground up.

Here’s what she shared, and how it’s showing up in my journey:

It’s Lonely at the Start.
Barbara’s husband left her early on. In my case, I’m pushing this store solo. Some days, it feels like I’m the only one who believes in it.
People Will Doubt You… Then Ask How You Did It.
I haven’t hit the “how’d you do it?” phase yet. Right now, I’m surrounded by skeptics. One neighbor told me he spends a fortune on QVC—but won’t buy a single T-shirt from me. He’s watching to see if I fail. That stings.
It Takes Longer Than You Think.
I dove into e-commerce with minimal research and big hopes. I thought I’d be earning a modest income by month three. Now I’m in month five, still chasing that goal. But I’ve connected with others who’ve succeeded, and they say the real timeline is six months to a year. Lesson learned: patience is part of the process.
It Feels Impossible Before It Works.
Five months in, sales are sluggish. Traffic’s decent, but conversions are slow. Still, I’m not giving up. I’m tweaking, learning, and staying the course.
And When It Does Work, You’ll Wonder Why You Ever Doubted Yourself.
I haven’t reached that moment yet—but I’m holding space for it. I can’t wait to look back and smile at how far I’ve come.

Final Thoughts:

Success isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s quiet persistence, showing up day after day even when no one’s cheering. Barbara’s truths reminded me that doubt, delay, and discomfort are part of the journey—not signs to quit. So if you’re building something—whether it’s a business, a dream, or a new chapter—know this: you’re not alone. Keep going. The “why did I ever doubt myself?” moment might be closer than you think.

What do I hope for in 2014

Posted on January 2, 2014January 2, 2014 by Dusty Roads

What do I hope for in 2014? Oh let’s see…Peace in this world, no more hatred, a cure for cancer, our soldiers home from foreign lands, joy for everyone, no more hunger, no more bigotry, shall I go on? But in my little corner of the world where it’s the small things that I can change I’ll address those little goals and challenges I mentioned a couple of days ago..

Ah yes, those Goals and Challenges.

So here goes.

Lose 50 lbs. (I’ll fit in the tiny airplane seats better, I’ll look better and I’ll feel better.)
Set up a budget (my job change affected my finances so I need to start putting money aside for the extra’s that pop up.)
A photo a day (keeps the camera “TOM” top of mind and will help me continue to improve my skills)
Home Improvement ( the little condo just collects clutter. Time to clean it out, shampoo carpets and maybe get the bedroom painted)
Plan my vacation (I know, that’s what you are all waiting for )
Keep up my blog
Work on friendships and personal relationships so they stay strong and healthy.

So the game plan is…

Health/ Weight Loss

A before picture taken on the first day plus measurements and weight to be updated in a log monthly.
Walk…weather should not be a factor. Start with 1/2 hour daily for month one and evaluate at the end of the month.
Eat healthier. Cut back on carbs and increase salads and veggies and good protein.
Consider buying a bike in the spring depending on progress.

Finances

Open a savings account
Deposit $50 per pay period toward expenses like property taxes and time share maintenance fees .
Pay off the credit card. The balance snuck up over the holidays.
Open a pre paid credit card through AAA for travel and vacation

Hobbies

Take the camera on the walks for my daily photo.
Upload the best of the day. At the end of the week see which photo got the most hits and save it as the photo of the week.
End of the year make a photo book “Best of 2014”
Get a head start on my photo cards for the holidays.
Add more Birthday and special occasion cards to the line.

Home Improvement

Attack the clutter with a vengeance. If it hasn’t been used in 6 months, get rid of it.
Have the carpets shampooed
Paint the bedroom
Get an cabinet or cupboard to organize my photography gear.

Vacation

Pick a location
Plan the vacation
Share the plans here so my content gets more interesting

Blogs

Post daily on Aroundustyroads
Post my daily pictures on Dustyroadsphotos
Work to keep content fresh and interesting by visiting local attractions between vacations.
Increase readership over 2013. No % just an increase will make me happy. At least I know the blog is growing then.

Personal Relations, Friends and Family

Work at the relationship. It won’t stay close if ignored.
Stay in touch with family. Same thing, you can’t stay close if you ignore each other.
Be a friend. Can’t have them unless you’re willing to be one.
Lend a hand when needed even if it’s just to listen.

I think that’s enough to keep me busy for 2014.

Out with the Old

Posted on December 31, 2013December 31, 2013 by Dusty Roads

What changes do you plan to make in 2014?

I have to be careful when it comes to the “Out with the Old” adage as I could be included in the “Old” category and I have no intention of going out yet!

But I’ve been giving 2014 quite a lot of thought. 2013 turned out to be a year of changes and in some ways I haven’t fully adapted to all of them so I think 2014 will be a year in which to get my routines established again. That would include everything from work to finances to personal challenges.

Have you noticed …I haven’t said the dreaded “R” word yet? That’s because it is my humble opinion that calling challenges set on New Years “RESOLUTIONS” is asking for failure. A resolution is a pledge of sort..I resolve to do this and this. So what happens when you screw it up, like we all seem to do. Most of the time that’s it. Done! Made a resolution and broke it , end of story.

But what if I/we think of them as goals or challenges. A goal is something that you work toward until it’s achieved. You expect there might be a few set backs but that’s where the challenge comes in.

Sports examples come to mind. The New England Patriots start the season with the ultimate goal to win the Superbowl but each week the goal is to just win that game. Sometimes they fall short but the next week they are right out there again trying to “kick butt” for that Superbowl spot…one game at a time.

They didn’t “resolve” to win the Superbowl and then give up as soon as they lost a game. That’s why whatever I/we want to accomplish in 2014 should be a goal and a challenge not a resolution. And if I don’t meet that goal, well I’ll be a better person for trying.

An example….weight loss (ugh). Lets say I resolve to lose 50 lbs in 2014. The first time I “pig out” at the local Pizza Joint I’ll just give up. I blew it. Look at that, resolution broken. But if I say I have a goal to lose 50 lbs, that’s only 1 lb. per week. That’s like the 1 game a week for the Pats. Suddenly it’s not so overwhelming. And if I only lose 30 lbs? Well, I may not have hit the goal but I’m still 30 lbs thinner than when I started.

So that’s my approach to resolutions. Goals and Challenges. Tomorrow I’ll share some specifics. Maybe we can encourage one another to meet the goals we set for a fresh new year.