It’s been 7 months now since we started our latest business and our life is busy and wonderful. We commute between Anguilla and Florida and juggle the challenges that come with operating a restaurant on a Caribbean island with those of starting a new venture in a depressed economy. It certainly isn’t easy but it’s also not as overwhelming as you may think. By taking one step at a time, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

We now have almost 50 sales reps selling our inspirational cards, journals and notepads to stores around the country. That may sound like a lot but we have a long way to go. From what we can see, small business people are still struggling as much as they were last year. It seems like whatever improvements in the economy we hear about on the news haven’t really hit Main Street yet. Thankfully, our products are reasonably priced and carry positive messages of hope and encouragement so we’re off to a good start. (People need encouragement more than ever these days.) We get requests from many of you for stores in your home town that carry our products but as we said, we still have a long way to go. One step at a time. If you know any stores that would like to carry our line, please let us know. (And if they place an order, we’ll send you an assortment of free products as a thank-you gift.) One step at a time – with the help of our friends.

Blanchards Restaurant is thriving, despite the economy. The number of tourists visiting the island is still way down from past years but we’re doing well. Our staff is as energetic as ever and truly love what they do. Last week we had a private party and it was a blast. We set up a bar on the beach and everyone watched the sunset over Meads Bay while sipping rum punch and nibbling crispy grilled shrimp drizzled with a soy-sesame sauce. It was one of those perfect nigts we’ll all remember forever.

Lots of hard work and plenty of patience pays off in the end. If there’s something you’d like to do, the first step is to believe in yourself. You really can do it! We never thought we’d be able to have two businesses at the same time but here we are, figuring things out as we go along. Take one step at a time and don’t expect everything to go smoothly. Just face each obstacle head on and make the choices that take you where you want to go.

Good luck and keep in touch!