Tag Archives: e-commerce

Why I Still Believe in Welcoming Haven’s Future

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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.

 

Somethings Coming!

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Coming Soon

I told you there’d be more info coming. There’s so much to do to get ready.  I keep thinking of more and more details that have to be addressed before I can make the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. But I am really excited and , truth time, kind of scared. I’ve dabbled with self employment in the past. The biggest attempt was 7 years with my own Arthur Murray Dance Studio. That was both the best and worst of times as the saying goes. In the end I had to sell at a loss. Long story and one I don’t feel like sharing today. 

 

 

Free coming soon Clipart Images | FreeImages

I’ve tried other things too from selling Mary Kay Cosmetics to candles, most recently Door Dash,  with varying degrees of success.

A year or so before I was laid off at Redfin I took a e-commerce course online. It was expensive but it went into a lot of detail and I felt I got my money’s worth until I got to the last unit.  The question for that chapter was What are you going to sell? But it didn’t give any guidance as to how to find a product. So after all the time effort and expense, that course didn’t get me where I wanted to go. 

E-Commerce

Since I’ve been retired I’ve kept hearing about e-commerce so I’ve been digging into that. How can your average Joe make money online? One way is to order a bunch of products, lets say T-Shirts with sayings. Have a bunch printed and send them to Amazon who will warehouse them and fill your orders. That had me wondering how much do I order, how many different sayings and what sizes?  I’ve met people that have done it but it’s a lot of work and when starting up a lot of it is guesswork. 

An Online Store

Ecommerce Clipart Images | Free Download | PNG Transparent ...

Recently I came across several testimonials from people that were running online businesses without having to purchase their product stock up front. So I started researching. Now I’m finally ready to share what I’ve been working on even if I’m not ready for the BIG REVEAL.

I’m planning an online store. I’m working on the web design now and selecting the products I want to offer. I bit the bullet and hired and advertising company to put together a small (its all I could afford) campaign for the grand opening. After all, if no one can find my store I won’t get any sales.  

I’m planning a Home Goods store to start out. I expect the store will evolve as we go along. I have a name and I think we’re headed into the home stretch. A couple more weeks and I can unveil  the site and open my doors. So stay tuned for more info as I get closer to launch. 

36,400+ Man Looking To The Future Stock Illustrations ...

Dreaming about Retirement

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Dreaming about Retirement can Make it Real

So I’ve always been told that when you write down your dreams it gives them substance. It makes them real and possible. I’m a lot like the  Grasshopper in Aesop’s Fables.  I’ve worked hard but I played hard too. I haven’t planned ahead. I always figured there’d be more time. I’ve had a lot of fun but now when I think about retirement I don’t think I’m ready. So I’ve been dreaming and putting together a 5 year plan in my head. It’s time to put it in writing.  Make it real!

The 5 Year Plan

The first thing I need to do is develop a source of income. It doesn’t need to be a lot, just a bit to supplement  my social security so I don’t have to raid my savings account. And I do plan to keep on traveling. I’m thinking a e-commerce site maybe using my photos as a base. The downside is that everyone is a photographer these days with cell phones and all so I need a twist.  I’m looking into cards, puzzles as well as photos. I like the puzzles but to make them affordable I will need to make them, not farm them out and for that I need a work space. Which brings me to where I would live.

Location Location Location

I currently live in a condo. It’s convenient but small. If I want to have room to work I will need more space. Plus I have arthritis in my knees so getting up and down the stairs on laundry day is getting hard.  So in a couple of years I’ll update the condo, fresh paint, new rugs etc and put it on the market. Hopefully I will make enough from the sale to purchase another place. I don’t really care what state I’m in as long as it’s affordable. I’d like to stay in New England but property values may make that impossible. This little project will have to evolve as time goes on.  I see a cottage/cabin/ranch- one level. A small home with one bedroom and a work space. There needs to be a washer/dryer hookup and I’d like a fireplace.

Maybe a log cabin? Or a Manufactured home? 

Amenities

Simple needs. I would want high speed, reliable internet, cell phone service and some type of TV. Sounds simple but I might end up very rural to make it affordable and those perks may not be as easy to come by. 

So anyone who has been through this, I’d love to hear from you. I’d really like suggestions for a side income. I think that’s the #1 priority. What do you think?