I did it. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and I am taking a giant leap of faith.
We made Pro Con lists and crunched numbers. We asked advice from our families and friends. We prayed and looked for signs. Then, we took that leap of faith, and the other Tracey and I rented the fabulous diamond-in-the-rough little cottage!
Can you see the potential, there in the living room? The magnificent fireplace, the warm, worn, hardwood floors, and the wonderful windows? Oh! We are so excited, and yes, still a little scared, as we begin working on all of our plans.
Let me back up a bit. To give you the entire picture- I'm still going to be at the bank, and plan to stay there,( I'll be doing what I can around my grown up girl job hours!) unless I end up at the non profit job, if and when it could be offered. But..
In the meantime, we decided that there could be a nice have-my-cake-and-eat-it-too set up with the house business idea. The plan is to host frequent Tumbleweed Cotillion vintage faires at the cottage, possibly monthly, with our vendor friends and even some out-of-town guest vendors. In between the vintage faires we will sell our own products during regularly set up business hours (and we will, for the time being, still keep one small booth at Junkee, just around the block) and..(here's the really fun and exciting part!) we plan on using the cottage to host intimate events, like bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, anything you'd like, for up to about 50 people! (oh! Imagine the cupcake towers I'll be creating!)
The events may be as simple or elaborate as you wish, with all of the details attended to in a charming setting. Now can you imagine the wonderful events that might be held in the spacious living room with the beautiful fireplace? (Just wait until you see how the room will look after we paint and polish and foofify things!) Here's another peek into the living room. It's the most incredible radiator cover I have ever seen...
Anyway.
That's the plan.
One more thing. We're struggling right now trying to decide on the name for our new place. Do we stick with the Tumbleweed Cotillion, since that's what our faires and our booth space is called? (You know, just build on our brand?) Or..do we use a new name to identify what the business will be....(Maybe one word, like "Cottage" or "Tumbleweed". Maybe something more hip, like "41 Taylor", which is the address of the house? Maybe something to do with our names? Or...something else entirely?) Please, we'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions!!!
How about Tumbleweed Cottage or something that uses part of your brand but distinguishes it as well?
Congratulations! This is great. I think you are totally doing the right thing and I don't think you will regret it no matter what happens.
Posted by: Cathy | May 13, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Hey....I haven't read all the comments....so if my suggestion is a repeat......sorry!
My vote:
The Cottage at 41 Taylor (main name)
with a hanging blackboard-type sign that is used for different "events/occasions/what's going on at that moment"....(you can put several or just one....
for example...
"The home of the Tumbleweed Contillion"
"The home of Tracey's Sweets" (or whatever)
"The home of Judi's cocktail party" (you get the picture?"
Hope this is not too complex....
Can't wait to see what you come up with!
I LOVE LOVE your new adventure....
Judi
Posted by: Judi | May 13, 2009 at 08:37 AM
One more vote for 41 Taylor.
I, also, like Lisa's idea for referring to the cotillion as 'Tumbleweed Cotillion at 41 Taylor'
I am SO excited for you and love the idea of holding events, there. It will be the IN event place, for sure.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | May 13, 2009 at 08:42 AM
I like the name Cottage 41.
Congrats!
Dee
Posted by: Dee | May 13, 2009 at 08:46 AM
How exciting!!!! I can just see Christmas parties with that gorgeous fireplace!!
OK - names -
Tumbleweed at Taylor
Tracey & Taylor
The Traceys at Number 41
TC - 41 Taylor
Cotillion Cottage (at 41 Taylor for your special occasions)
Tumbleweed Cottage
MimiG
Posted by: MimiG | May 13, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Congratulations! Sounds like all the signs pointed you to this.
Tumbleweed on Taylor immediately popped into my head.
Can't wait to watch the transformation!
Posted by: sara jane | May 13, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Congratulations Tracey! What a great opportunity. How about "The Cotillion on Taylor"? Let me know if you'll need vendors for a faire at your new venue!
Posted by: Lucia Henry | May 13, 2009 at 08:59 AM
This house is DARLING!
I love "Forty-one Taylor",
~Doesn't lock you in to any ONE particular theme
~Is easy to remember
~Is very classy, ie "we are having our shower ......"
~It easily can be the Corporate Name with divisions such as"
"Tumbleweed Cotillion"
~Be sure to lock in your Business name(s) with DBAs at the records office:)
I want to take a trip to see this venue is up and running!
"Venues on Taylor" LOL venue: A place where something happens!
Posted by: Kathleen | May 13, 2009 at 09:08 AM
In my little town, there used to be a tearoom/antiques shop created from 2 cottages and the space between them. It was called Tryst. I always loved that name - so romantic.
Good luck. Whatever name you choose, it will be wonderful!
Posted by: Polly | May 13, 2009 at 09:10 AM
I vote for keeping Tumbleweed in the name as you have a following on that- perhaps Tumbleweed Cottage. When customers recognize the similar name they will be sure to check out your new venture too. When you have your monthly open house, you could still call it Cotillion at Tumblewed Cottage. I do like the sound of 41 Taylor, but it doesn't give any hints as to what it actually might be. Having 'cottage' in the name will call to anyone interested in the cottage lifestyle to come and check out what's inside! Besides, "cottage" has 2 "t"s in it! Get it? 2 T's in the cottage? You and the other Tracey! Perfect! So happy you got your groove back! Think of the possibilities! I am thinking little girl tea birthday parties! Can't wait to see how you dress her up for Christmas! I am thinking gift shopping nights leading up to Christmas, carols playing, the smell of hot mulled cider! Lucky you! Lucky us to be able to live your dream with you! Yahoo!
Posted by: Joanne | May 13, 2009 at 09:14 AM
SEE potential? OH MY GOODNESS!!! I'm sitting on my hands so I don't start bombarding you with all of them {Would you believe I'm typeing with my nose? ;-p okay ... so I was speaking figuativly ;-}) That radiator cover doesn't need any tweaking what-so-ever!!! It's just so-o darn cute!!! When I did the 300 cupcakes for my brothers wedding, I had ordered this carboard cake tree on line - covered it with a cut up (bed) sheet in the wedding color {I picked up at Goodwill}, it worked great!!
A name? 'Tracey('s) Tumbleweed Cottage'.
didn't read the other comments, so I hope I'm not repeating somebody's suggestion ...
looking forward to updates ...
p.s. is there a way to subscribe to your site via email?
Posted by: Cheryl B. | May 13, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Kudos to you! A brave but brilliant move! I like Fourty-One Taylor myself.
Posted by: Sinta | May 13, 2009 at 09:17 AM
'Cotillion'. In swirly elegant silver script.
It's simple and reinforces your brand, but leaves room for a wider scope of activities than just flea market-type shows. Think about what that word implies - elegant soirees, balls, and celebrations. It's girly and classy, which is great for those wedding & shower events. And princess parties for little girls!
Need a designer?! ;0)
You are SO going to OWN Reno....!
Posted by: DebK | May 13, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Congratulations! I vote Tumbleweed Cotillion. Branding is everything! You go girl.
Posted by: Pansy cottage girl | May 13, 2009 at 09:37 AM
How delightful for you! And so very exciting!
I like "Tumbleweed Manor" or "Tumbleweeds on Taylor", but agree that 41 Taylor has a nice ring to it as well, and can see a really nice art nouveau logo for 41 Taylor. It doesn't have the brand recognition of Tumbleweed Cotillion, but it will soon enough. PLUS, 41 Taylor fits nicely on invitations! And perhaps you should consider developing a line of invitations specifically designed for your shop. (For bridal showers & baby showers & the like).
Posted by: Tamara @ Pondered in My Heart | May 13, 2009 at 09:40 AM
What a darling idea for a shop! I love the looks of the space and I CAN see the possibility there, for sure.
I would keep the word Tumblewood in the name, people in the know will connect the dots.
Oh, how I wish I lived close enough to see it.
mary
Posted by: mary | May 13, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Oh my gosh!! The place is perfect!! I have been reading your blog for awhile now and so enjoy it!! I am so proud of you and what you are doing!! Good job for being BRAVE!!
You have probably already thought of these names...just some ideas!! Practice saying the names as if you were answering the phone and see how it flows and is easy to say and for people to understand.
Congratulations!!
Tumbleweed's on Taylor
The Taylor Cottage
Tumbleweed's Taylor Cottage
Posted by: Debbie Busby | May 13, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Love it!!! Congratulations!!
Posted by: Carrie | May 13, 2009 at 10:07 AM
One more, I couldn't resist:
Taylored to Your Needs
Posted by: Betsy Derr | May 13, 2009 at 10:10 AM
my 2 cents...
like others have said, I love 41 Taylor!
Like someone said you could add in the TC at 41 Taylor for the monthly faires.
There are a couple of shops in downtown La Jolla that go by their addy.
I can picture a shopping bag with a Robin's Egg blue design and 41 Taylor on it, maybe in Black scripts, hmm, can't wait to see pics!
Posted by: Sharla | May 13, 2009 at 10:29 AM
What brave women you are!!! I like Tumbleweed Cottage....
Isabel
Posted by: Isabel ~ Maison Douce | May 13, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I like Tumbleweed Cottage and 41 Taylor...so exciting! Congrats on your leap of faith!
Posted by: jerusalem | May 13, 2009 at 11:07 AM
I would agree with the majority and choose "41 Taylor" as the business name. Classy, short, and easy to remember.
Posted by: Becky | May 13, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Why don't you make part of this home into your cupcake shop? Maybe the kitchen area? I think Reno desperately needs more charming places to go to that aren't just stores. People will go out for cupcakes and then shop in your store. Your furniture is great, the events will be fun, but a chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting will stay on someone's mind all week until they HAVE to come in for it and then keep coming back for more.
Posted by: Emily | May 13, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Congrats, Tracey! You totally rock and I admire your "hutzbah!" (is that a word?) I so wish you lived in Michigan near me...I'd be booking events there in a heartbeat!
I love 41 Taylor (or 41 Taylor Cottage)- even if you move, who cares? The name moves with you...reminiscent of the humble beginnings... It's classy sounding and so posh. When you do your Tumbleweed events...it can be called, "Tumbleweed Cotillion at 41 Taylor(Cottage)'. It's just so you! (And the other T) I must say, I'd love to meet you some day...I'm starting to elevate you to "superstardom".
Posted by: Connie | May 13, 2009 at 11:35 AM
What a GREAT IDEA! I would love to have my kids bridal showers, and hopefully in the future baby showers in a place like this - in a homey atmosphere but in my house where I would spend days cleaning etc. What ever you chose for the name I would keep it short..easier for us old folks to remember
Posted by: Jo | May 13, 2009 at 11:42 AM
What fun! Something I have always wanted to do.
I think "41 Taylor" is too trendy unless you're in New Your City, but Tumbleweed Place (or something like it) connects you to the other business but makes it more a "place" than a venue.
If all else fails and you need a renter..., just call. What a beautiful house!
Posted by: Farmlady | May 13, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Tumbleweed Cotillion is good because it gives you continuity BUT I really do like 41 Taylor.
Posted by: TinkerVerve | May 13, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Congratulations! I am so excited for you both. My suggestion for the name is just simply 'Cotillion Cottage'. Simple, yet charming. Good luck! Sue in FL
Posted by: Sue | May 13, 2009 at 12:13 PM
I'm just so thrilled for you!! I agree with others that Tumbleweed Cotillion should remain an event, not a place. 41 Taylor is sophisticated but it's so common now to use an address ( particularly in Portland, where I live ). I love Tracey Cottage. Simple, sweet, and a name I can see on the perfect baby shower invitations for an afternoon tea!
Posted by: Tiffany | May 13, 2009 at 12:13 PM
41 Taylor gets my vote. Yes, I know you may not always be at 41 Taylor, but you can still keep the classy name. There's little chance of that name being "taken" already, as many names with "cottage" in it will be.
I work in marketing, and don't see in any difficulty in branding 41 Taylor as a venue for TC. Like other commenters, I would love to say "My shower (or whatever) is being held at 41 Taylor" Very classy!
So happy for you, and wish I lived close enough to visit!
Posted by: Eleanor | May 13, 2009 at 12:35 PM
That is so exciting!!! The shop called "Move it Elsewhere" that's in San Jose is only open once a month and I find that I go to it every month vs. the other stores that are open all the time I probably only visit every 3 months or so. There is something about that once a month opening that makes you plan to be there so you don't miss out on anything!
I'm so excited for you! I'll have to make a point to come to Reno when you have it open!
Posted by: cindy~my romantic home | May 13, 2009 at 01:00 PM
Tumbleweed Cottage, a Cotillion of The two T's
Congrats on the new venture. I am sure you'll be a hit in the community.
Ciao
Posted by: Glenda | May 13, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Wow!!!Congratulations on your big leap! I am so looking forward to the big transformation. As for the name I love 41 Taylor. It sounds elegent and exciting....just like the two Traceys! Imagine that.
Best of luck,
Carol :)
Posted by: Carol | May 13, 2009 at 01:42 PM
I agree with Cristie. I'd keep my 'brand name' because everyone will identify 'you' and the other Tracy with it. Loyal customers will be knocking down your door to reserve your place for parties! AND...you really should trademark your name. It's special and should stay that way! I know you'll be a huge hit! Wish I was closer! Tami
Posted by: Tami | May 13, 2009 at 03:22 PM
Congratulations! The space is so charming! I'm so excited for you!
I like the name 41 Taylor but like someone suggested, what if you move? And I agree that Tumbleweed Cotillion is a great name for the monthly event. :)
I looked up the history of "Tracy" and found this: "From a Roman name which meant "of Thracia". Thracia was a region in southeastern Europe, now divided between Greece and Turkey" I think that has a nice ring to it.
Or Tumbleweed House/Social/Place/Affair/Gala....
Best wishes for success!
Posted by: Roeshel | May 13, 2009 at 04:12 PM
I LOVE "41 Taylor" perfect! Use Tumbleweed Cotillion at "41 Taylor" when you host your sale.
After seeing the picture you shared of the Cottage, there is no question you girls are doing the right thing....Best of luck to you both!
Posted by: Theresa Cox | May 13, 2009 at 04:25 PM
This place is amazing....love the hardwood floors and I'm with you on that radiator cover....LOVE it! And if my vote counts, I would keep your name the same! :)
Good luck on the future endeavors of this place...from what I've seen of your stuff plus the looks of this place, it is going to be a success!
Rochelle in BC
Posted by: Rochelle Gaukel | May 13, 2009 at 04:37 PM
I love Tumbleweed Cottage. What an exciting new adventure. Good luck!
Posted by: lexi | May 13, 2009 at 04:39 PM
From one Tracy to Two Tracey's, I too, am in the middle of opening a new business in the middle of a recession on a street where four stores are closing, are we crazy...or just really smart. I wanna say the later...Good luck and remember to find the joy in all the work. I just got done reading your post back to where your Grand Babies were born, taking a break from my store...Was suppose to open two months ago...Just too much work, but now I'm caught up on your life and will get on with mine. Thanks for sharing, I think we forget what the sharing does for all of us. Look forward to all the updates... Tracy at Madison's Manor
Posted by: Tracy Walters | May 13, 2009 at 04:51 PM
Tracey!
GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of you.
Having the courage to go for it is fabulous.
The house looks like it will be easy to create a vintage environment. Love the rad cover and the fireplace. Post some pictures of the kitchen, too it can really mechandise up well,too.
As for the name, I agree with those who say to stay with the identifiable name with Tumbleweed. How about Tumbleweed,too. or two?
I also like 41 taylor.
I, again applaud you for following your dream and you are going to be on happy, but very busy gal! WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sandy
Posted by: sandyt | May 13, 2009 at 06:01 PM
TUMBLEWEED COTTAGE
Posted by: tracy | May 13, 2009 at 06:32 PM
OMG!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!
You are going to be so!! succesful!!.
I look forward to all of the future posts--your dreams are coming true!!
Love "41 Taylor" it sounds great!
~Angie~
Posted by: Angie | May 13, 2009 at 06:54 PM
good for you! it will be fabulous no doubt and i can't wait to see pictures of the transformation
Posted by: Erin | May 13, 2009 at 07:00 PM
My vote is Cotillion Cottage.
When I was naming my company, I read somewhere that the most memorable names have "hard" consonant sounds to start them...think Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Costco...supposedly C, P, K, are the strongest letters to have.
Have you ever thought about attending Country Living's Women Entrepreneur Events? I can totally see you as a feature in that magazine someday!
Posted by: Carol | May 13, 2009 at 07:05 PM
fabulous! fabulous! fabulous!
good luck and god bless!
how about '41 tracey'?
Posted by: natalie | May 13, 2009 at 07:19 PM
I think the name Tumbleweed Cotillion IS elegant--and perfect for your house/shop/event place. Like others have said--it's already a known name. It's a little different--and that is good.
congrats.
Posted by: Susan Daniel | May 13, 2009 at 07:43 PM
Congratulations! Can't wait for your opening, I'm so exited I could line up on the sidewalk the night before! LOL. Wishing both of you the very best, whatever name you choose you're certain to be a rousing success.
Posted by: Beth | May 13, 2009 at 07:44 PM
How about Tumbleweed Events @ 41 Taylor?
Posted by: Gayle Daniel | May 13, 2009 at 07:54 PM
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you both! What fun the two of you will have foofing the place up.
Posted by: Debi | May 13, 2009 at 08:44 PM