About Me

Denise

"Develop a plan that is so amazing, so glowing, that you are willing to walk blurry-eyed to work everyday to make the money necessary to reach the light." Sparky

I'm a freelance journalist and crafter who dreams of starting my own business-- a hometown Tiki bar. I am a former New Orleans Bourbon Street bartender.

The tiki challenge: I must find creative new revenue streams, apart from my career.

**Five year tiki goal: $40,000**
**2009 Tiki fund goal: $2,500**
$2427.43 to go

**Total tiki money: $3,032.74**

***Savings Goals for 2009***
$10,000 into savings/ EF
$2,000 into 529 plan
$2,000 to Roth IRA
$2,620 extra college fund
$600 into new car fund
Total: $17,200

Pay $3,000 extra on student loan. Balance: $0. PAID OFF
As much as possible to IRA

***Progress Report***
$7343 savings, $2657 to go
$1800 to 529 plan, $200 to go
$100 to Roth, $1900 to go
$400 to new car fund, $200 to go
$175 to IRA
$2,620 to extra college fund, GOAL MET
Total: $12,438, $4762 to go

Student loan extra: PAID OFF

**Non- financial goals**
Write a novel in a month
Lose 10 pounds
Grow 100 pounds of veggies

**Progress**
0 pounds lost-- pregnant!
4 pages written
53.54 lbs. veggies grown

My Pages

Dad: inspiration for the tiki bar

July 28th, 2008 at 09:01 am

My dad, who as you know just died last week, always owned his own businesses and often told me that working for yourself is the only way to work. Those messages stuck. I inherited his entrepreneurial spirit.

He even at one time owned a bar. I used to roller skate on the dance floor when the bands were setting up.

I found this photo in my mom's albums. It's dad, in the office of one of his muffler shops. It was taken around 1974.

I pinned it up above my computer, as a motivator and a reminder that I too have what it takes to run my own business.

When I open my tiki bar, I will hang it above my desk in my office.

Of course, I should also thank dad for the tiki influence. He is the one who took me to Hawaii twice when I was little!

Posted in Small business goals | 9 Comments »

9 Responses to “Dad: inspiration for the tiki bar”

JanH Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 09:34 am

I've watched a young lady here start her own business, and it continues to grow! I saw recently a big new building being built near her last one. She's expanding again!
gamecock43 Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 11:58 am

good luck to you! keep us updated!
momcents Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 12:38 pm

How lucky you are ~ a Dad that inspired you and loved you and helped instill ambition and drive. No doubt you will succeed in your quest for the tiki bar! And I'd keep my eyes open for a special frame for your special picture.
baselle Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 02:28 pm

That's a great picture with a lot of tiki spirit...is that a photo of your mom in the back?
thriftorama Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 02:40 pm

Of course not. My mom is a brunette!
scfr Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 04:20 pm

The desk is a sure giveaway that he was an entrepreneur! Either that or a college professor ...
You are a lovely living tribute.
cptacek Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 05:58 pm

Of course that isn't her mom. It's in a muffler shop
HouseHopeful Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 06:56 pm

What a great inspiration!
aevans1206 Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 07:33 pm

I really hope you get that tiki bar started. I'll make it a point to take a trip there!

Thrift-o-rama and the quest for a Tiki Bar

One girl's quest to shore up her personal finances and save for her own business

Dad: inspiration for the tiki bar

9 Responses to “Dad: inspiration for the tiki bar”

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