Donna Lovelace said that she worked many years at a local hospital and had been ready to quit for some time. Donna's interest was in owning her own business, and a resale store was her passion. She had the opportunity to purchase a brick home that was adjacent to her own residence. She and her husband then renovated the home and it is now Donna's Country Cottage. Donna's Country Cottage opened in Bismark, Mo. on March 28, 2006. Donna was not awarded grant funding through Operation Jump-Start until June 2006. She signed up to take the small business entrepreneurial course, Operation Jump-Start, and in the process, opened her small business. The grant award was a bonus, Donna said. She really took the course to learn more about record keeping and the ins and outs of running a small business.
"I felt if I always had enough money to keep buying products that I'd be okay," Donna said. "I saw through the program that with good record keeping you are always ready when something comes up...you always know where you are financially. There are no surprises."
Among the items Donna was able to purchase with the grant award was a new computer and new shelving for her store. She said that everything is displayed so much better now that it's not lying on tables. She expected the store to slow down during the winter months, so she made plans to start selling some of her specialty items on eBay. Donna was taught through Operation Jump-Start to always have a contingency plan when the market dictates slower sales.
"I have referred to my book several times," Donna said. "I keep up with my original business plan and I am doing great."
Donna's Country Cottage has a variety of resale items to offer from antiques to collectables to clothing and housewares. Donna also makes and sells candy and flower gift baskets.
"When my husband comes in after working 14 hours a day, I will tell him how tired I am from working in the shop," she said. "He just shakes his head and laughs. He is so proud of me and for the opportunity that I have each day to run and enjoy my own business."
Donna Lovelace
Donna's Country Cottage
603 Center St.
Bismark, MO 63624
(573) 734-2260