Well, there's nothing quite like a global pandemic to crush one's dreams

July 8, 2020

I think we can all agree that life has been pretty crazy recently. I've chosen to stay relatively quiet over the last few weeks, but I want to take a moment to be real with you all.

COVID-19 has been affecting small businesses around the world, as they've had to temporarily close their doors or alter their business. Unfortunately, many small businesses won't survive, some cat cafes included. Owners will go bankrupt. Staff will be jobless; many already are. Cats will remain in shelters and on the streets, and the feline overpopulation problem will become worse.

Stray cats in Japan

Despite the current state of the economy, I've decided to continue moving forward with Kitties & Cream. I've signed a lease, so we officially have a location (to be announced at a later date)!

A sneak peek at our location

To be honest though, I'm terrified.

I don't intend for this to be a sob story. I'm fully aware that I've chosen to put myself in this situation, and I know that timing probably couldn't be much worse, but I want to be honest with you all about this journey, because it's not an easy one and it's not one that's often talked about (and it's not easy for me to talk about it).

I'm concerned funding won't come through. I'm concerned we won't be able to get the meowchandise and equipment in time, if at all. I'm concerned renovations won't be completed on time. I'm concerned we won't be able to open our doors in August as planned, and will be stuck paying rent with no revenue. I'm concerned that this will just be another giant failure in my life with a very, very large price attached.

But being an entrepreneur is about taking risks and evolving. And I continue to hold on to some hope with my strongest grip.

I know that the Vancouver Island community is doing everything they can to support small businesses during this tough time, and I have no doubt that you will do everything you can to support Kitties & Cream too. I know that when this is all over, people will be in need of cat therapy, and we will be there for you. I know that I am determined to make this work, even if it means temporarily altering my business until life is back to normal again; I have backup plans.