I've taken the plunge and am opening my own shop. I took some pictures the first week before we started working but forgot to upload them. I am too excited to not share what the progress is now. We got a lot done this weekend.

The store is 1500 sf total. It's located inside a small mall that has a large hardware type store, the red cross, hallmark, a shoe store, and insurance company, two clothing stores, a movie theater and a restaurant.

When we first went in it was an empty space with carpet in the lobby area and a piece of the kitchen that used to be an office (we tore down those walls). All with tan colored walls.

We have put down the floor in the entire space thus far along with getting the painting done. We cut the two windows in the separating wall and a doorway in the hallway next to the display case that will become my small office. The kitchen is huge and I LOVE IT! I really like the lobby also. Behind the kitchen there is a storage area along with a bathroom (not public).

Thanks for sharing in my joy!!!

Very nice, love the red color on the floor!!

I'm SO jealous!! It looks like a great shop and a wonderful space to work in! Can't wait to see it finished. Have fun decorating!

It's gonna be great.

Congrats

Congrats Again All the best.

Looks great! lm very excited for you!

Congrats!!! Best wishes to your new business. If you don't mind me asking, how much were your start up costs? Did you buy all new equipment or a mix on new and used? Did you do the renovations yourself of with a subcontrator? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!

Thanks again everyone!

CakeMaterG:
I'm still dishing out money right now for vaious things so I don't have a good figure yet. I will let you know when I open and see how much it really did cost me for everything to open the shop. I bought all new equipment. I had many many people tell me to go with used equipment to save on money but for me, it seemed more reasonable to have the equipment under warranty than buy something used and then if something went wrong I'd be out that money plus the money to buy a new one. Just my thinking but I know others have a different opinion. I actually leased my equipment so that saved me on costs there. As for the renovations, the plumbing and electrical I had to have licensed contractors for but I've tried to do the rest myself and with the help of friends and family. I wanted to save money there also if I could. My architect (which I had to have) told me my floor was going to cost me 4000 - 4500 dollars and we did it ourselves for less than 1000. Now, was it hard work??? Heck yeah, I was sore for two days because I did it all myself but it was worth it to me! Let me know if you have any other questions!

Melissa

Congratulations!!!!
Looks very nice, please post pictures when it's finished.

I'm doing the same thing right now we have one more coat of paint, waiting for the floor to be laid the electrician comes this weekend and plumber. My sink should be here this week the oven not for another week or so. Bought a second fridge today. I haven't added it up yet not sure I want to know. I have my before pictures but I haven't posted them yet. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrat!! Looks awesome.

Congratualtions!!! It looks amazing!!!

You will HAVE to post more pictures once you're up and running!!!

Congratulations! It's looking good!

AWESOME! Congrats!!

congratulations!!!

Congratulations on your venture and GOOD LUCK!!

It's gonna be really nice!

What brand of paint are you using for the floors?
My paint is flaking a little and I want to recoat with something better.
mpc

Thanks again.

The red floor paint I ordered online from Sam's Club. The brand was SUPERCOAT. You can also find a similar paint at Lowe's/Home Depot but I'm not sure the brand name. If you get there I believe they have blue, grey, and a tan color. Sam's Club has lots of colors.

CONGRATULATIONS! It looks great already--can't wait for you to show us the finished shop! Good luck.

Wow very great looking shop!!!! congrats!!!!

So excited for you! Congrats and I wish you sweet success!!!!

Congratulations! Can't wait to see the finished product.

vivedcreations, Your shop is looking great! I'm very excited for you. I'm south of KC. Would love to know where your shop is located so maybe I can come by when you open up. I love seeing my fellow CCr's fulfilling their dreams!!

Thanks, I'm so excited if you couldn't tell!

The shop is at 71 Hwy and 291 Hwy in a mall called Mill-Walk Mall. It's across from the Ford dealership in Harrisonville.

I' m so happy for you, it looks so good and big. God bless you.

I will definitely come by because you aren't very far from me!! I was just over that way not long ago to go antiquing in Greenwood, MO. Now I'm really excited!

Congrats!

Sounds great! Can't wait to meet a fellow cake central member!!

Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you. I've been pricing different locations for leasing out a shop but don't know what an adequate amount of square footage should be. What do you recommend now that you have your shop? I was originally thinking 1500 as well so now that you can see it there what do you think?

Congrats!! Please post pictures of your grand opening so we can cheer!!!!!!!!