In which I follow a dream.

I'm not going to heavily advertise this, simply because I'm a coward and don't want to listen to negativity, but I have made a pretty big decision for my life recently and I do want to document the process from start to finish.

I have decided to start my own business.

As of right now, there are currently FIVE roller derby leagues in the Portland-Vancouver area. There is a league in Salem, and a few in southern Oregon. Our state is PREGNANT with roller derby right now, and only growing bigger. And what are our options when it comes to buying gear and derby apparel? Not much locally. We can buy anything online, and for a pretty good price, or we can go to a roller rink pro shop. There are a few disadvantages to this though:

1. Ordering online sucks because you have to wait. First world problem, I know, but when you're excited and want to start using your new skates right away, or you REALLY need that helmet, nobody wants to wait 7-10 business days to get them. Not to mention, returns are a HASSLE and you had better hope it's what you want so you don't have to deal with.

2. Pro shops typically have limited hours of operation. Usually only during open skate times. Their selection is also pretty limited, and they employee high schoolers that aren't typically well educated in getting someone what they need.

"Knee pads? Yeah we have those I guess. You can also just, like, wrap them in an ace bandage or something, I dunno. Sorry, I'm kinda busy right now."

Enter me!!

My plan is to open up a skate shop that caters to the roller skating community of Portland and Vancouver. I'm not talking about a skateboarding shop that also happens to carry some derby stuff but really just skateboarding stuff... I'm talking about a shop that carries roller skates, gear, apparel, and accessories JUST for derby, speed skating, dance, jam, art, what have you. Fuck, even if you just like to roller skate around town for fun, you'll get what you need at my place. I'm also going to have stuff that caters to counter culture peeps. So lots of alternative clothes, makeup, jewelry, etc.This way, even if you don't need derby stuff, you can still come down because I'm likely going to have something you want.

"I personally don't do anything remotely active or athletic, but I still find everything I could ever want and need at Apex"

Oh, and I'm going to carry derby branded athletic wear, like Pivot Star and Derby Skinz. That's right, you'll now be able to get your Francey Pants and sparkly booty shorts LOCAL.

Mmmmmm. Francey.

Eventually, I want to have a skate and gear rental program, so those who are new to skating can try stuff out for a small weekly fee before they commit to buying. I'm hoping this will also encourage them to come back to me when they're ready to purchase.

"Hey Cierra, this all sounds real swell, but what is your next step?"

I'm glad you asked, Jimmy.

I have already started scouting out potential locations. I plan to stay in the North Portland area to keep the rent down and so my commute isn't horrible. I've seen some stuff I like and gotten a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for. I also learned what an NNN lease is. I feel like an expert already. My next step is to finish my kickass business plan and start working on finding a lender. I'm going to need around 20K to hit the ground running. So for now, I'm saving my pennies and getting all my ducks in a row. My next big step is to approach a bank with a proposal for an SBA loan.

Stay tuned, more exciting badassery to come!!!