Lu Bolton Interiors LLC | Application Preview
Lu Bolton Interiors LLC is seeking government grants to support its business, which has faced significant challenges due to the impact of Covid-19. Before the pandemic, the company experienced a 40% increase in sales, but now anticipates a revenue drop of 45% due to canceled vendor events and increased shipping costs. The funding will primarily be allocated to job security, as Lu operates full-time from her home, utilizing available spaces like her garage and basement for the business.
The application highlights the importance of maintaining utilities, WiFi, and communication to keep operations running smoothly. Exhibitions play a crucial role in showcasing Lu's work while also promoting local artists, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.
In terms of business strategy, Lu emphasizes exceptional customer service and the need to retain customers by offering quality products. Over the next five years, she plans to expand business-to-business sales and is focused on getting her products into larger retail spaces. She aims to enhance marketing efforts and inventory management to meet demand and demonstrate the viability of her products in mainstream markets.
The application also stresses the emotional connection people have with art and design, asserting that Lu's work can transform living spaces into comforting homes without the high costs associated with luxury items. She recognizes local wood craftsmen, artists, and design firms as competitors but believes her unique combination of services sets her apart.
Lu's passion for art and design has been a source of joy, especially during difficult times, and she is committed to fostering opportunities for others in her community. By investing in her business, stakeholders would also be investing in the broader community, as her work aims to create memorable experiences for customers.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 4500984
Location: columbus, OH, United States
Length of Operation: 6
Number of Employees:
Annual Gross Income:
Annual Gross Expense:
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
Prior to Covid sales and business was up 40% from what they currently are in 2021. This funding will be used mostly for job security. I work my business full time and I have put years into it. The art and home markets have taken a tole since Covid hit and I am blessed that I have not gone out of business. With Covid returning a lot of the vendor events are being cancelled due to Covid regulations. Face to face interaction is a large part of my business and services. Even following all Covid guidelines at least 45% of my business will see a tremendous decrease in revenue. Due to shipping costs being higher I traveled a lot more for deliveries in my personal car this past year and maintenance expenses are very high. I travel roughly 15-17000 miles a year just for business. I do not have a retail building so I work out of my garage and basement at home. Utilities , WiFi, business phone and shelter are imperative to keeping my business running. Lastly my art exhibitions every year are a great way for my to showcase all my product and talent to a very large face to face audience. At these events I always feature local upcoming artists to help them get their name out in the art community. It is my way of giving back to people of all ages who have a love for art and design the same way I do. It shows them that you can be successful doing what you love and what you are good at.
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Business Plan
Customer service is something I pride myself in. Making sure that my customers are happy and have a great experience. Making sure I can keep customers coming back for years to come is at the top of the list. With that making sure products and services are always great quality. This past year I have been a bale to work with a lot more businesses, and in the next five years I would like to increase business to business sales and services. I have been working on mainstream sales. It has always been a dream of mine to see my products sold at a large retailer. With this I will do my best to increase sales and revenue to show them my products actually sell , make sure I have the inventory to keep up with mainstream sales and increasing my marketing letting them know that I have a following and people actually enjoy what I do. I am always willing to learn and look for ne opportunities to become better at what I do first then become bigger. Lastly I will measure my approach to this market and refine things as I go. I am not afraid of change and I am will to make sacrifices for the betterment of my business. Art , decor, and design are very important to a lot of people not just myself. People connect with art the same they connect with music. A small picture could remind them of numerous memories they shared with a loved one. Being able to make someone’s living space a home and make it comfortable goes a long way. There are times I can create pieces or Re-decorate a space with things customers already have. Not everyone can afford to buy luxury but I can give them luxury at a reasonable price. They can have the decor and the space they see on tv in their own home.
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Self Identified Competition
My top 3 competitors would be local wood craftsman, local artists, and local design firms. There aren’t very many companies if any that do exactly what I do. I offer the knowledge and services for interior design, I can then create the decor and artwork by hand, while providing other services for the home. I got into this business because at the lowest time in my life , art and design was the only thing I could do that I truly found happiness from. That is something that reflects in my work and if I can spread that bit of joy to someone else than it was all worth it. I will not stop featuring other artists and trying to create opportunity for other people. Investing in me would be investing in my community. My ideas and products are truly one of a kind . I strive to create amazing customer experiences that they will never forget.
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Contact Applicant
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