Quotage: Moving up and moving on

I was in the 1207 Pendleton street studio for a little over 2 years and due to impending lease changes , space issues, and a sincere desire to have a space all my own I began looking for a new place to call home for Knack.I remember the first time I walked into the space that would soon become mine {I didn't know it yet}......my husband was with me and so was my friend Angie. This is what it looked like on that day:Needless to say.....I didn't get the warm fuzzies :} It was a super gray day.....it was chilly....and even my husband who is my number one fan and constant encourager looked at me and said "babe, I'm just not sure about this one". Unlike the feeling I had the very first time I stepped in 1207 Pendleton street {my first studio} which was an instant gut feeling........I walked away unsure and decided to look at a couple more spaces that were available. The other two spaces were in the same shape, but the one thing that really took them out of play for me was that they were not in the arts district. I absolutely love the arts district, the artists and friends that reside there, the old buildings and storefronts, and the character of the area. I felt very strongly that I wanted to stay in the district. So, I went back to the space again......and I looked at it with new eyes. Eyes that saw potential.  I moved forward, signed the lease, and this is what 1288 Pendleton street looked like when I got done with it:It turned into a place full of color, light, and LIFE. One of my favorite before and after projects ever!I learned a lot through leasing this building, and I will share a bit with you here:> Always have your leased looked at by someone who specializes in lease agreements. I was given some great advice and added some things to my lease to protect myself even more, and to make sure that things were fair. Leases are negotiable, so don't be afraid to ask!> Opening a first time business account with the utility companies is a costly up front expense.... so be prepared for that! But, the good thing is, once the business account is established.....and you pay all of your bills on time for the first year.....you get all of that up front money back as a credit! Woo hoo!> Building and establishing a great relationship with your landlord is essential. Always pay your rent on time, always communicate openly, and always be professional.> Always leave the place better than you found it.xo,Barb