Live Your Dream, Naples SCORE Can Help



Pictured above are artist, Kathleen Teach and
SCORE Naples Counselor, Tony Ferrari

Zen Oil Lamps

The Naples community has long been a cultural center for the arts. It is not by chance that local artist Kathleen Teach chose this area to locate and showcase her talent for designing Zen Oil Lamps which she carves out of rock. “I was inspired by the Eternal Flame, an ancient and universal symbol for spirit. I carve each lamp in a Zen-like, inconspicuous way, taking pride in my work and guarantee the quality and individuality of each lamp.” Its hot, dirty work and her Bonita Beach studio is nothing more than a back yard and a pile of rocks. The lamps are as functional as they are simple and ingenious, with wicks that never need to be replaced. Smokeless or fragrant oils can be used. For more information go to www.zenlamps.com.

In April 2001 Ms. Teach applied to SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business, to help formulate a business plan to create and sell her Zen slate oil lamps. Her B.A. degree in Art from California State University, together with her vocations as a painter, designer and art teacher gave her a solid foundation to start this unique and challenging business venture.

SCORE counselor, Tony Ferrari, was assigned to assist Kathleen and thus began a business relationship that continues to this day. After reviewing her history and background, Tony recommended that she devote her full time to developing the business. Kathleen took his advice and together they discussed ways to promote and expand the operation.

Like many entrepreneurs, Kathleen lacked knowledge of certain aspects of running a successful business. Tony Ferrari helped her formalize an accounting system to track her income and expenses. He recommended and helped her install the Quicken accounting software system, and emphasized the importance of keeping business and personal expenses separate. The counselor also stressed the importance of entering sales and expense items on a timely basis. Profit and loss statements were established to provide an accurate picture of her finances.

As the business grew a budget was developed to avoid over-spending and to plan the purchase of a truck and house trailer to expand her market and transport her crafts to trade shows around the United States. Initial attempts to secure a business loan failed until she completed a written business plan. The plan included a current profit and loss statement that reflected a sum of cash not indicated on the original loan application. The purchase of the house trailer enabled Kathleen to move out of a rented home, thus reducing her personal living expenses. Such economies are often required when working capital is limited.

The investment proved to be a good one. To offset the expense of the mobile equipment Kathleen knew she needed to make and sell a substantial number of oil lamps. She travels approximately six months each year to various trade shows. Life on the road is demanding but Kathleen Teach is encouraged by the acceptance of her art, and realized record sales and profits for 2007. She is now considering hiring an assistant to share some of the administrative responsibilities of running the business.

Her success has enabled her to purchase a nice home in a country club community. Again, her SCORE counselor, Tony Ferrari, was there to guide her through the entire mortgage application process. Kathleen Teach feels strongly that the advice, help and encouragement she received from SCORE has been and continues to be a major factor in her success story.

Assistance for your small business is available from the Naples Chapter of SCORE. Counseling is always FREE of charge. Just call 239-430-0081 or visit our web site www.scorenaples.org and click on “Request counseling now as a first time client.” The SCORE business office is located at 900 Goodlette Road North, in the Fifth Third branch bank building. Office hours are 9:00 am to Noon, Monday through Friday.

SCORE Naples ran 20 workshops last year with a total of 498 business people in attendance. Additionally, the chapter counseled 1255 clients in face-to-face sessions and another 1070 via email.