Anyone who knew me as a kid probably is not surprised that I opened my own business. I loved playing cash register and always liked organizing things and pretending to be a part of some kind of business or teaching (who doesn't love writing on a blackboard?). Then as I grew up I found myself watching shows that highlighted the achievements of companies, mostly unique businesses like one where the owner held meetings while walking around paved paths on the company grounds and another where employees volunteered one day a month as part of their job. Combine these early experiences with my own work experiences, reading tons of self-improvement and motivational books, and meeting employees and owners from various businesses, I chalk the mix up as rehearsal for opening a retail shop. 

A piece of advice for anyone thinking about opening a business? Expect attention to detail to be an ongoing top priority and remember to cut yourself a break - there is no way you can prepare for everything on your ever growing to-do list. One such detail was finding out the shop's scale had to be certified by the PA Department of Weights an Measures. 

Scale sales guy: Does your scale have to be legal for trade?

Me: What's that?

Basically legal for trade means that when commercial goods will be sold by weight the scale must be certified to ensure consumers get what they pay for, in this case, if you pay for 2 ounces of tea, 2 ounces is what you should get. So on the journey to having the shop's scale calibrated I was fortunate to find a company that reminded me of those highlighted on TV - Precision Solutions, Inc.. The owner Dan could not have been nicer and his helpfulness was only a precursor to the great experience of taking a trip to Quakertown, PA with scale in tow. 

From the outside, Precision's building is unassuming. On this inside it rivals any Feng Shui approach to a healthy work environment by not only the decor that is oceanic, grounding and confidently energetic upon opening the door but also the authentic welcoming nature of employees who, well the only way to describe them is, bright-eyed happy campers. Precision is the kind of work environment that creates the hunch 'If I had to work a 9-5 job, this is the kind of place I would want to do it'. Judging by the feedback of employees, some who have worked there for 20+ years, hunch confirmed.

A BIG thanks to Dan, the guys in the shop who were awesome and taught me a thing or two about scales, everyone who took the time to say hi, and Sharon at the front desk.  

Another BIG thanks to Dave from the PA Department of Weights and measures for some more info on cool scale stuff (hey, trivia, you never know!) and for not being camera shy.

Watching the PA State approval sticker being put on the scale was what I like to call a confetti throwing moment, just like when the UPS or FED Ex guy comes in with a delivery...crossing off another to-do list item brings with it a feeling of accomplishment, a deeper sense of ownership not just of the physical store but also of every ounce of intention that led to opening an herb shop named Chrissannthemum.