Mobile Shopfronts

I am one of those creative types who has so many ideas it seems difficult to decide on only one to execute. When not obsessing over tiny houses and mobile structures I'm focusing on my fashion business, that I have been bootstrapping into action since 2009. (More on that on my business's blog) 

Recently, in my attempt to re-evaluate my sense of workspace, I have thought about opening a shop. I've been vending out of tents at festivals for years, but a shop I wouldn't have to set up and break down  every weekend? That seems like heaven! and I can make money while simultaneously using the space as a studio.

So I feel as though I'm getting closer to what I eventually need as a business, but there are still so many options! And deciding which one is the least financially tiring is sometimes the key to resourcefulness  in my idea manufacturing plant. Brick and mortar shop? Rents can be really high, and I know I'd get stir crazy being in one spot. Renaissance faire vending? Less set up and tear down, since they usually run for 2 months at a clip, but theme restrictions and the niche audience can be stifling to a brand to do all year round. Mobile vending out of a trailer? ...... Now that might make my synapses fire a with a little something extra.

The startup costs would be lower than a brick and mortar, and rather than rent, I'd just have to worry about weekend vendor fees... Indoor events would still be a beast unto themselves, but a trailer studio-shop would give me an easy way to transport my products to different venues, if nothing else...

Here are some amazing examples of other people living the mobile business dream, and looking good doing it!

Trailers by Dethrose Vintage and Jenstyle Chic Vintage

Vintage Bliss's vending setup

Lune Vintage

Airstream Library!!! 

And the next few photos are from Glorious Gladys, who I'm ever grateful for posting so many photos of the interior of her mobile shop!

And if anyone knows the source of the Candy Camper, the first shot in this post, let me know!

House Truck by Michael Ostaski

Here is a video that I feel is a really good example of what my blog is about. Artist Michael Ostaski built an amazing home on wheels for himself, and used it while traveling and making art. Being at home while always moving is a challenge, and he certainly rose to the occasion.

Bike recycling!

Had to share this wonderfully quaint re-use of old bicycles I came across in my travels!

Seen While Traveling

One of the reasons I love a traveling lifestyle is that I happen upon wonderful moments like this. Maybe Brian Froud and Andy Goldsworthy had a baby and made this magical artist.

Tiny Traveling Houses in Nature

I thought I'd take a minute to show you guys this little guy taking a break from his travels in the Delaware River.

Everyone needs a cute little turtle on a humdrum Wednesday, right?

Keeping Warm

Having lived in many tiny dwellings in which electric heaters just don't cut the mustard, I thought that I'd bring up some methods of keeping warm while sleeping.

As someone who can sleep through hurricanes, but not when it is cold, my personal magic words are: FEETY PAJAMAS!!!! I have a pair with the face of the Grinch on the toes.. 

This weird sleep thing can be found HERE.

Funding Life On The Road.

While looking up how much I could make if I sold on of my kidneys, I came across this article about how to pay one's bills while taking to the open road. It is about a girl named Jami Krause who bicycles around the country with her balloon sculpture business, called Balloon Biker.

Having gone to a very expensive college, I am constantly stressed about having enough to get by whilst having adventures, and starting my small business. There are times when it becomes limiting, especially to a fight or flight type person like me, who's biggest personal priority is having the freedom to go where I please. It is difficult to find an occupation in which I can travel, as well as make enough money to pay all of my exorbitant school loans and insurance bills.

I'm constantly searching for success stories about people who can function while traveling the country, especially people who are able to do it with a job that isn't predominantly online. Jami's story is particularly inspiring, because it is creative, and I can apply it to my own starving artist experience.