Well Hello...
......And Welcome!
I was approved for a $10,000 (minus $200 in processing fees) loan through Region 9 Economic Development Center. I just received that funding but need the additional start-up funds, in order to be able to open my Shaved Ice Stand. The Biggest money maker~ the County Fair is just days away. EVERY CONTRIBUTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
I can't do this without You!
So this is my story... (its a LONG read hopefully I made it an entertaining read! Thanks for being here!
I heard this saying, that has changed my life....
"If you don't like your life~break a life pattern".
The quote that has transformed my entire life! Because....Well, I BROKE ALL OF MY LIFE PATTERNS!
I'm just a small town girl, now 46, just tryin' to break free from a 17 yr vicious cycle of domestic abuse, administred by the Marine~ I was madly in love with!
This all began the day I made the comment, "I don't even think you like me... You just love the way I love you".
And his response was....."You're right" .....Something inside me broke that day. Or perhaps, something inside me~ WOKE that day.
This is my story of me trying to figure out who Barb really is! And forge a new path for myself. One that isn't defined~ as me just being a good wife to my abuser!
I Appreciate You for taking the time to read my campaign. I am praying that You will believe in my dream and become part of my journey~ by contributing to my cause. Because my dream can't become a reality without You!
.... As you will see for yourself...
When you break a life pattern or as in my case~all of them, just how much a life can be (completely) TRANSFORMED.
This is Barb taking back my life and me not being afraid to ask for help.
So, Let's get into it!.....
{Sorry for the LONG read! But here is my story!}
So....Who is Barb?!? First and foremost, I am a mom to two incredible children. A Daughter, 27, who is living her best life yet, since moving to Cali. 2+ yrs ago. And then there's... Baby Boy, 22, who is going to break my heart and make me an official "empty nester". When he spreads his wings and flies... to the other Coast~ on the other side of the country, to North Carolina. It appears that I've instilled into both my children~ the calming abilities and healing properties... of water! But I never would of ever guessed... They'd both be leaving me... for the ocean. But quite honestly, it doesn't surprise me, in the lest.
But, Who else is Barb?!?
Well...Barb is a dreamer.
My lifelong Friend of 20+ yrs and I, were always talkin' about, dreamin' about and jokin' about... starting a taco food truck together. (Long before, the food truck industry was even a "fad"). Then about 6 yrs ago, my Bestie said to me... "she was done talkin' about this crazy idea of ours". And that we needed to..."Put Up or Shut Up"!?! It was that day, we went from just talkin and dreamin of owning and operating our own business, to researching EVERYTHING (which included: which tortillas we wanted to use, which sides we were gonna serve along side our street tacos. And we discovered the logistics of becoming~ small business partners and what that truly meant and what was needed to accomplish that. 'People' had gotten sick of hearing us just talking about it. And as It turns out, we had a large group of people who wanted to support us and wanted to contribute to our 'Taco truck fund'. It was due to their donations, that we became fully funded rather quickly.
So as my Bestie took on the tasks of everything~ it took to become legal. Including purchasing the food trailer, getting the business license and vendor permits, ordering all the ingredients, and so much more.
I was in the process of relocating my family~ back to our hometown. What was supposed to be an exciting and exhilarating time. It was in fact, a very turbulent time in my life. And the 17 years of domestic violence abuse I had been enduring~ was all coming to a head. To the point that I had become afraid for my life.
That is when I made the phone call to my Bestie, who already knew exactly what was happening and what had been happening to me for years. And that is when I made the hardest decision of my life..... to let go of my dream~ to save my life.
Then the day came, that my house was packed and the uhaul was loaded. And instead of driving that uhaul truck to meet up with my husband, who was waiting for us in Canon City, Colo.
Instead My, my Son (19 at the time) and I, drove that uhaul truck~ straight in the opposite direction and kept on driving it... 3 States away, to Washington State. To my Father’s house, in Tacoma.
Who is Barb? Well....As it turns out...Barb is a SURVIVOR of domestic violence.
Its been 3 years now, since I got out of my 17 yr marriage to a Marine. Its been tough and some of the hardest moments of my life, these last few years. But in leaving him~ it has saved me from enduring... 6 more domestic violence incidents and 4- breaking restraining orders. Which is the new charges that my ex has since picked up, since I him. I ain't gonna lie~ At first, I wasn't so sure I'd made the right decision! The uncertainty, the scariness of actually leaving.... my husband, my life, my home and my community. And enduring all that I was going to go through~ once I finally did leave him. Was at times... too much and completely overwhelming. But knowing I had the protection of my entire family, who also lives in that state of Washington~ gave me SO MUCH COMFORT! Plus knowing what I know now .. I am so glad~I did get out! That I had made the right decision! And that my life now~ is so beyond beautiful. And I now know~ that I couldn't have ever become healthy, happy or as wise as I am now... if I had stayed.
After spending 17 months in Washington, bouncing between family members houses~ just trying to find out where Barb is supposed to be. I discovered that I hated living in Washington. I was always afraid there~ because the homeless rate and the drug problem in that part of the Country~ is completely off the charts.
It turns out~ this small town girl, who has always lived in communities of 18,000 residents or less~ just isn't suited to live in Washington and so I returned home, to Durango Colo. And after I won a car from a local mechanic shop here in Durango, due to receiving 3× the nominations from people of our community... I knew I am where I'm supposed to be!
While talking to my Bestie, who did start the taco truck and is killing it. I was crying to her about how am I ever gonna make it in life. How was I ever gonna be able to become self sufficient and independent. She said to me, "You know who's right beside me at all the festivals and their line is just as long as mine~ a Shaved Ice Truck". And thus is what began me down my current journey and new dream that I want for my life now.
So I am turning to you~ my Family and Friends and People of the internet....asking for help me become self sufficient and independent.
Included with my story, I've also attached my business plan and 3yr projections. Which show.. a 86% profit margin, with a 'Return on Investment' within the first year (summer). WOW... NOW THATS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
It is because of those projections, that Region 9 Economic Development Center believes in me and why they approved funding for Ma'Dame Ice.
Who is this Barb anyways..I am Barb! And all I'm asking of you, is to just give me a chance!
......For me to prove to myself~ I got this and that I can believe in me, too!
I've always wanted to have a food truck with my BFF... WELP, SHES DOING IT AND SHES KILLING IT! And I can't join her..... because she's in the same small town in which my ex husband now lives(Isnt it ironic~ how life turns out?!) Well ok then~ I can accept my fate and that's not how my life is supposed to play out. I may not be able to~ own and operate a food truck all by myself! But what I can do, is ...SERVE UP A LOW CALORIE, NO FAT, TASTY SHAVE ICE TREAT. I just received a large portion of the funding needed to start up my Shaved Ice stand through Region 9 Economic Development Center, small business loan. Who approved me for $9,800 of the $13,187 needed to even get my Shave Ice business.. open for business.. With the funds I received, I have already purchased~ all necessary inventory of cups, napkins, spoonstraws, signage, a 20ft wiggly man~ to grab peoples attention. Along with the business license and permits needed. I've also purchased decorations ?, table clothes, and syrups, condensed milk and whip cream to make my treats that much more~ YUMMY! That leaves me short $3,176 in funds needed to even open my business. All I have left to purchase is the Shave Ice machine, a pretty tent, tables and coolers~ to store the blocks of ice I'll need at the festivals.
......I've worked so hard and jumped through all the hoops! .... I've dotted all my I's and crossed all my T's. I CANNOT OPEN MY STAND WITHOUT THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING. My Best Friend tells me that her biggest money maker is her local county fair. Where she makes roughly $15k+ and has the last 3 years. So even tho~ I am starting late in the season and summer is almost over... the potential of still making alot of money and to get my name out there to the community~ is still a possibility! I have turned in applications to be a food vendor at my local County Fair, ALONG WITH the 2 surrounding Counties~ County Fairs.
With the funds I earn during these 3 County Fairs, I can feasibly make my second dream~ of building a tiny home for myself. Because right now I am bouncing between 3 friends homes, so that I don't become a burden or bother to anyone. I cook and clean for my friends so that I feel as tho I'm contributing. I receive $1241 in SSDI each month. Which is how I will be able to pay for lot rent at a RV park.
So... You see, I won't be in a constant state of crisis and by opening my Shave Ice stand this summer... WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BECOME SELF SUFFICIENT AND INDEPENDENT.
So what do You say?..... wanna play a vital role in my journey??? Wanna help me make this dream~ into my reality?!? I SIMPLY CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! I've attached my Business Plan, along with my 3 yr financial projections and also the start-up supply list.
I Appreciate You!
... for believing in me! It is YOU, that has given me strength! I truly couldn’t have done this without You!
OMG... I totally forgot to mention:
OPENING DAY FOR MY LOCAL COUNTY FAIR.... is in 4 days!
{No pressure! LoL}
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
May You be Blessed!
Here's my link to make a difference in this girls life:
PayPal.me/ImDoinIt2023
Thank You~ Truly!
......And Welcome!
I was approved for a $10,000 (minus $200 in processing fees) loan through Region 9 Economic Development Center. I just received that funding but need the additional start-up funds, in order to be able to open my Shaved Ice Stand. The Biggest money maker~ the County Fair is just days away. EVERY CONTRIBUTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
I can't do this without You!
So this is my story... (its a LONG read hopefully I made it an entertaining read! Thanks for being here!
I heard this saying, that has changed my life....
"If you don't like your life~break a life pattern".
The quote that has transformed my entire life! Because....Well, I BROKE ALL OF MY LIFE PATTERNS!
I'm just a small town girl, now 46, just tryin' to break free from a 17 yr vicious cycle of domestic abuse, administred by the Marine~ I was madly in love with!
This all began the day I made the comment, "I don't even think you like me... You just love the way I love you".
And his response was....."You're right" .....Something inside me broke that day. Or perhaps, something inside me~ WOKE that day.
This is my story of me trying to figure out who Barb really is! And forge a new path for myself. One that isn't defined~ as me just being a good wife to my abuser!
I Appreciate You for taking the time to read my campaign. I am praying that You will believe in my dream and become part of my journey~ by contributing to my cause. Because my dream can't become a reality without You!
.... As you will see for yourself...
When you break a life pattern or as in my case~all of them, just how much a life can be (completely) TRANSFORMED.
This is Barb taking back my life and me not being afraid to ask for help.
So, Let's get into it!.....
{Sorry for the LONG read! But here is my story!}
So....Who is Barb?!? First and foremost, I am a mom to two incredible children. A Daughter, 27, who is living her best life yet, since moving to Cali. 2+ yrs ago. And then there's... Baby Boy, 22, who is going to break my heart and make me an official "empty nester". When he spreads his wings and flies... to the other Coast~ on the other side of the country, to North Carolina. It appears that I've instilled into both my children~ the calming abilities and healing properties... of water! But I never would of ever guessed... They'd both be leaving me... for the ocean. But quite honestly, it doesn't surprise me, in the lest.
But, Who else is Barb?!?
Well...Barb is a dreamer.
My lifelong Friend of 20+ yrs and I, were always talkin' about, dreamin' about and jokin' about... starting a taco food truck together. (Long before, the food truck industry was even a "fad"). Then about 6 yrs ago, my Bestie said to me... "she was done talkin' about this crazy idea of ours". And that we needed to..."Put Up or Shut Up"!?! It was that day, we went from just talkin and dreamin of owning and operating our own business, to researching EVERYTHING (which included: which tortillas we wanted to use, which sides we were gonna serve along side our street tacos. And we discovered the logistics of becoming~ small business partners and what that truly meant and what was needed to accomplish that. 'People' had gotten sick of hearing us just talking about it. And as It turns out, we had a large group of people who wanted to support us and wanted to contribute to our 'Taco truck fund'. It was due to their donations, that we became fully funded rather quickly.
So as my Bestie took on the tasks of everything~ it took to become legal. Including purchasing the food trailer, getting the business license and vendor permits, ordering all the ingredients, and so much more.
I was in the process of relocating my family~ back to our hometown. What was supposed to be an exciting and exhilarating time. It was in fact, a very turbulent time in my life. And the 17 years of domestic violence abuse I had been enduring~ was all coming to a head. To the point that I had become afraid for my life.
That is when I made the phone call to my Bestie, who already knew exactly what was happening and what had been happening to me for years. And that is when I made the hardest decision of my life..... to let go of my dream~ to save my life.
Then the day came, that my house was packed and the uhaul was loaded. And instead of driving that uhaul truck to meet up with my husband, who was waiting for us in Canon City, Colo.
Instead My, my Son (19 at the time) and I, drove that uhaul truck~ straight in the opposite direction and kept on driving it... 3 States away, to Washington State. To my Father’s house, in Tacoma.
Who is Barb? Well....As it turns out...Barb is a SURVIVOR of domestic violence.
Its been 3 years now, since I got out of my 17 yr marriage to a Marine. Its been tough and some of the hardest moments of my life, these last few years. But in leaving him~ it has saved me from enduring... 6 more domestic violence incidents and 4- breaking restraining orders. Which is the new charges that my ex has since picked up, since I him. I ain't gonna lie~ At first, I wasn't so sure I'd made the right decision! The uncertainty, the scariness of actually leaving.... my husband, my life, my home and my community. And enduring all that I was going to go through~ once I finally did leave him. Was at times... too much and completely overwhelming. But knowing I had the protection of my entire family, who also lives in that state of Washington~ gave me SO MUCH COMFORT! Plus knowing what I know now .. I am so glad~I did get out! That I had made the right decision! And that my life now~ is so beyond beautiful. And I now know~ that I couldn't have ever become healthy, happy or as wise as I am now... if I had stayed.
After spending 17 months in Washington, bouncing between family members houses~ just trying to find out where Barb is supposed to be. I discovered that I hated living in Washington. I was always afraid there~ because the homeless rate and the drug problem in that part of the Country~ is completely off the charts.
It turns out~ this small town girl, who has always lived in communities of 18,000 residents or less~ just isn't suited to live in Washington and so I returned home, to Durango Colo. And after I won a car from a local mechanic shop here in Durango, due to receiving 3× the nominations from people of our community... I knew I am where I'm supposed to be!
While talking to my Bestie, who did start the taco truck and is killing it. I was crying to her about how am I ever gonna make it in life. How was I ever gonna be able to become self sufficient and independent. She said to me, "You know who's right beside me at all the festivals and their line is just as long as mine~ a Shaved Ice Truck". And thus is what began me down my current journey and new dream that I want for my life now.
So I am turning to you~ my Family and Friends and People of the internet....asking for help me become self sufficient and independent.
Included with my story, I've also attached my business plan and 3yr projections. Which show.. a 86% profit margin, with a 'Return on Investment' within the first year (summer). WOW... NOW THATS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
It is because of those projections, that Region 9 Economic Development Center believes in me and why they approved funding for Ma'Dame Ice.
Who is this Barb anyways..I am Barb! And all I'm asking of you, is to just give me a chance!
......For me to prove to myself~ I got this and that I can believe in me, too!
I've always wanted to have a food truck with my BFF... WELP, SHES DOING IT AND SHES KILLING IT! And I can't join her..... because she's in the same small town in which my ex husband now lives(Isnt it ironic~ how life turns out?!) Well ok then~ I can accept my fate and that's not how my life is supposed to play out. I may not be able to~ own and operate a food truck all by myself! But what I can do, is ...SERVE UP A LOW CALORIE, NO FAT, TASTY SHAVE ICE TREAT. I just received a large portion of the funding needed to start up my Shaved Ice stand through Region 9 Economic Development Center, small business loan. Who approved me for $9,800 of the $13,187 needed to even get my Shave Ice business.. open for business.. With the funds I received, I have already purchased~ all necessary inventory of cups, napkins, spoonstraws, signage, a 20ft wiggly man~ to grab peoples attention. Along with the business license and permits needed. I've also purchased decorations ?, table clothes, and syrups, condensed milk and whip cream to make my treats that much more~ YUMMY! That leaves me short $3,176 in funds needed to even open my business. All I have left to purchase is the Shave Ice machine, a pretty tent, tables and coolers~ to store the blocks of ice I'll need at the festivals.
......I've worked so hard and jumped through all the hoops! .... I've dotted all my I's and crossed all my T's. I CANNOT OPEN MY STAND WITHOUT THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING. My Best Friend tells me that her biggest money maker is her local county fair. Where she makes roughly $15k+ and has the last 3 years. So even tho~ I am starting late in the season and summer is almost over... the potential of still making alot of money and to get my name out there to the community~ is still a possibility! I have turned in applications to be a food vendor at my local County Fair, ALONG WITH the 2 surrounding Counties~ County Fairs.
With the funds I earn during these 3 County Fairs, I can feasibly make my second dream~ of building a tiny home for myself. Because right now I am bouncing between 3 friends homes, so that I don't become a burden or bother to anyone. I cook and clean for my friends so that I feel as tho I'm contributing. I receive $1241 in SSDI each month. Which is how I will be able to pay for lot rent at a RV park.
So... You see, I won't be in a constant state of crisis and by opening my Shave Ice stand this summer... WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BECOME SELF SUFFICIENT AND INDEPENDENT.
So what do You say?..... wanna play a vital role in my journey??? Wanna help me make this dream~ into my reality?!? I SIMPLY CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! I've attached my Business Plan, along with my 3 yr financial projections and also the start-up supply list.
I Appreciate You!
... for believing in me! It is YOU, that has given me strength! I truly couldn’t have done this without You!
OMG... I totally forgot to mention:
OPENING DAY FOR MY LOCAL COUNTY FAIR.... is in 4 days!
{No pressure! LoL}
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
May You be Blessed!
Here's my link to make a difference in this girls life:
PayPal.me/ImDoinIt2023
Thank You~ Truly!