Let me introduce myself: I'm Janet Davis, an artist and entrepreneur living and working on the North side of Bonavista Bay, on the island of Newfoundland in Eastern Canada. There are many challenges to running a business here in my small rural hometown, and there are many wonderful benefits too. This blog is where I share some of those challenges and triumphs, and share what it's like to live in this part of the world.
Looking to visit Norton’s Cove Studio this week? Here’s when you can expect to find me here! You can also call the studio or text me to make an appointment to visit anytime.
What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.
~Wordpress prompt
I quite often get asked if I live here in Norton’s Cove full-time. It always baffles me as to why it’s expected that I wouldn’t stay in my hometown year-round. Just yesterday, I was asked on the phone if I was in New-Wes-Valley or if I was living in St. John’s for the winter. Do so many people own two homes? Does anyone really think it’s better/wiser/easier to spend a winter in a city than in a small town? I certainly don’t! What is this question really about? I’ve never met someone and wondered how many residences they have. For the record, I live in New-Wes-Valley year-round, and I love it! I sat for an hour in my sunroom this morning watching the sun glint off the water and ice where seabirds are frolicking. I walk just a few steps to work at my studio/office in a building that I am completely in love with. I love my jobs as a Visual Artist, Shopkeeper, a Marine Consultant, and Administrator. In this small town, I can lead a seemingly rich lifestyle on a very small budget. And if I ever sell my property and leave for a retirement home, my sights are on somewhere even smaller and more out-of-the-way!
Today we’ll start our new Open Studio sessions! Everyone with an interest in being creative is welcome to come hang at Norton’s Cove Studio every Wednesday night. Whether you’re a knitter or a woodworker or a painter, come along! I’ll be printing cards this evening in black ink. What will you be working on?
Locals will notice something missing soon- Tara Bryan’s large painting which shines all night long in the big windows of the Café has been donated to The Rooms Provincial Art Bank by it’s owner, and they will be picking it up next week. So now I need a big piece of artwork to hang in its place! Challenge!
I’ll be printing in the studio this week, and I’d love to see some of your smiling faces here for a visit! Bring your coffee and stay for a cuffer! I’m usually here around 10-6, but if you want to be sure of when we’re open you can contact me anytime.
I have decided to make an attempt to sell the Café building in the hopes that someone younger than me and ready to take on a new business will set up a new restaurant there. Me and the Mr. aren’t getting any younger, and we’re dreaming of sailing during our summers instead of running three businesses! So you might see Norton’s Cove Café listed on Craig Loder’s real estate network. We fully intend to operate the business until it is sold though, and I don’t expect a sale to happen overnight. So, until that special someone comes along, we’ll be going ahead with business as usual. Opening dates and all that jazz is listed on our website and is as up-to-date as possible, as always.
Because I have decided against the plan to build a hotel next door as was the hope of pre-COVID times, I am selling a parcel of land that I had purchased for that project.
If you know of anyone who is interested in purchasing land to build a new home in the local area, please refer them to my Real Estate Agent’s website! The property is listed as Wesleyville, but is actually in Brookfield- both a part of the eight amalgamated communities that make up New-Wes-Valley.
I’m in the studio today (and every Friday, 10-6 if you’d like to swing by for a visit) working on financial documents, and planning out my entire year of business. I’ve got some big goals this year, including paying myself and then not giving all my paycheques back to the company for a change! For anyone who has ever owned a small business, you probably understand that the challenges are real. For those of you who have never owned a small business and think that owning your own business offers tons of perks that any other labourer doesn’t get- well- there are a ton of perks. But there are just as many worries and crappy bits to even that out.
I’ve been listening to podcasts, using a business diary/planner made especially for creative business owners like me, and taking part in educational webinars to aid in my business planning, and I really feel like this year will be my best. I can do this. I’ve got a great Team Norton’s Cove to do this. We just need to follow the plan. Of course, how will the current/future COVID-19 restrictions affect the plan? There is plenty to worry about again this year. But if I worry too much, I am not as productive. So there has to be some balance to worry and self-assuredness without becoming cocky and annoying or letting myself and my beautiful team start feeling down. What do you do to keep from getting too stressed out? I just keep planning a better future. Gotta have goals and something to look forward to!
We just have to keep on swimming.
This year marks a different Christmas here at home with lots of family members & friends missing from our usual festivities. But we’re all healthy, safe, and happy. And I’m very happy that none of us are alone. Because really, love is all we need, right?
Today is the day! Instead of Black Friday, shop Indie Friday! I’m going online to do some independent small business Christmas shopping today- are you?
The studio/shop is open 10am-9pm today, and I’ve got a special automatic in-store 25% off discount ready for you!
The View from Norton's Cove 