Been back in Marrakech for a bit over a week after having been away for practically 9 months….wow, 9 months! And funny enough, things are mostly the same around here. The goals for this trip are many but one of the biggest is getting a team in place for my business. Since I’ve been away it’s been a bit challenging to communicate with my Moroccan contacts…using email and laptops is not so common when you live in a village. Anyway, we are working on our communication issues and being the optimist that I am, I am hopeful that all will work out and we will find a solution.
I have also been in search of new sources–bag sample makers, hand embroiderers and most of all an assistant. Yes, I know, I’ve been looking for one for what seems like an eternity (trust me, it feels like an eternity to me) but this is another one of those challenges that comes with doing business for yourself. I actually have found an assistant, Fatima, and she’s amazing. She speaks French and English. She’s hard working and dedicated. Now if I could only find another Fatima that lives in the village and could interact with the hand embroiderers then I would really be in business. But until then, I’ll keep my cool. I’m also keeping my fingers crossed and as my dear friend said keeping “toes crossed, hairs crossed”, anything that will bring me closer to finding the ideal assistant.
Anyway, today is another full day as they always are in Marrakech. After having spent the last two hours clicking away on email, I am just about ready to face the day…on the outside. Paying employees, searching for fabric, trim, thread (of course all in the right colors), making sure that new samples begin to take shape and end up looking like what I envision. And after all that hoping to get myself looking presentable enough so that I can meet some friends for dinner this evening.
Can I do it all? Not sure but I do know I will try my best….and if it doesn’t get done today, tomorrow is a new and probably sunny day here in Marrakech.
Glad you are back to posting about your experiences, Danica – know that every time you mention going somewhere or doing something, I am picturing it in my mind and trying to figure out where you are! I am glad that you are building a team there – it is an exciting time for your business. Can’t wait to see the new designs:) And am so curious how your day in Casa went!