Immediately before writing this blog post I was going to go for one my pity naps. I’ve been writing to influencers and business all week about my Crowdfunder and another “thanks for the email, great idea but no” message has just landed in my inbox. I understand. I understand that in this world you have to be careful where you ally your patronage, where we all feel judged to some extent by the things we choose to support. I can’t help but feel increasingly frustrated.
That’s why I want to put it here that I am acutely aware of the brewing cost of living crisis, the strikes, the appalling injustices in the UK and the world right now and my small business friends suffering from lack of sales and struggling to “keep going”, it’s all making me feel really “ick” about asking for money at this time. As a child we were told, “children who ask for things don’t get them” and this really echoes around my head every time I post another story, Tweet, Reel, send an email. This has probably always held me back in my business activities and in my personal life. Independent, stubborn and absolutely determined to go to all lengths before I ask for help.
The difficulties so many facing at the moment IS the reason I am asking for donations NOW. I know come this autumn there is going to be so much work that companies like mine will need to do, I am already in the planning stage towards offering hot, savoury dinners (I am actually an epic cook as well as baker!) for people who need them this Autumn but without a solid start that is simply a pipe dream. Since announcing my plans I have been contacted by so many amazing local organisations, schools and individuals that would like me to get involved, again, I can’t do this without the funds to do them, even free services cost someone money. This is what the Crowdfunder being successful will afford. The wheels will mean I can travel to anywhere to raise the funds to get the really good stuff rolling. I’m not asking for something for nothing, there are lots of lovely rewards - but even if you can spare £1 it will go a long way (and stop Crowdfunder emailing me every day telling me the project isn’t looking like a success - way to go to build a girls confidence CF!).
Just a note on where the money is going. If the crowdfunder is successful the monies collected belong to The Company - not me, I have been paranoid people will think I am luxuriating in my new found “fortune” but legally the van, and any equipment belong to the CIC. If for any reason the business folds all assets will be donated to our allocated benefactor, this is Love Brum. I can’t sell it and skip into the sunset with the proceeds! So compared to a lot of other crowd funders your money is spent in accordance with the rules a CIC must follow, it is audited and monitored. You can see our registration details here.
Thanks so much for reading this! As ick as I DO feel I will keep on going! There’s 3 weeks left to make this happen. Jump on board.
Lucy x