19/09/2023
I’m going to give some background on a project near and dear to my heart. It’s a long one, and will reveal things I never like to “explain”. Explaining means to describe in detail and provide some relevant facts and ideas. I prefer that my work “conveys”. Carries someone to a new set of thoughts or thinking by adding their experiences to what they have seen or felt. But I think “explaining” might help to convey, so here we go.
The Inner Eye (specifically and intentionally named, please look it up if you are curious) is owned by Moose Alley. It was the beautiful, but vacant too long, pharmacy in the heart of the Rangeley business district. In 2013, Moose Alley had been open for 3 years, and was in great shape to look for new ways and needs to serve in Rangeley. I, like everyone else, loved Riddles Pharmacy, and hoped it would return in some fashion. We purchased it (thank you to the family who endorsed our plan) and renovated, keeping the spirit of the pharmacy. We collected as many of the old furnishings and original artifacts we could find with local antique collectors.
The purpose was to financially support the development of new business ideas and entrepreneurs. Riddles Pharmacy served this community, and the Inner Eye would too. We decided to be the first guinea pigs, selecting a need - a great coffee shop, bakery and retail concept. It would do the unthinkable. It would be an “environment”. Have a vibe. Not be cluttered. All gifts would be under $20, and have a personal theme. People could breathe in there, take a stroll, sip great coffee. Have the best internet experience. Hang out. It would be something I had no real experience in and I liked that a bunch. Creating a successful business model, throwing out traditional pricing concepts and “profits per square foot” thinking.
I wanted people to feel the space. It is an amazingly spiritual hub, and I enjoyed being in there and working there more than anything I have done. I love that space. Moose Alley Operations subsidized the start up and remodel. The Inner Eye flourished, and had great bakers, and baristas, and retail that made people laugh and feel loved. Hearing people laugh in that store was the best.
Covid came, and the harsh government restrictions caused the death of small leased space - particularly breakfast diners. It was clear Rangeley would need a breakfast spot. So, we moved our custom made La Marzocco espresso machine ( i cried when it was delivered, haha) and our bakery cases up to Moose Alley, and redesigned that space and our Moose Alley business model to make room for the best breakfast concept we could envision and support. We embraced table service, and new menus and longer hours, and learn new things everyday.
The beautiful Inner Eye was now vacant and we were ready to subsidize a new business venture. The idea is and was to allow new entrepreneurs to develop vision, and learn the financial ropes while not having the financial risk burden of the dreadful 3 year window, that pretty much makes or breaks a new business. How can new ideas flourish or explore boundaries when they will financially face bankruptcy 10 times in a 3 year window? It forces creativity out the window, and drives results to copycat businesses because getting outside the box requires a confidence/risk-taking born out of previous experience.
So, to provide new entrepreneurs with support, Moose Alley subsidizes the start-up, covers the overhead utilities, insurance and repairs, sets rent at 30-40% market, and forgives any missed payments.
Having the arts and music so close to my heart and business culture, I was delighted when Sonja Johnson jumped at the opportunity when I asked her, to try her hand at running a gallery and makers space in the building. It has always frustrated me that artists of all kinds are indoctrinated, that it’s one or the other, create or be in business. A convenient lie told by the many agents, and industries that grew up around exploiting others talents to make a buck. So giving artists a chance to run their own show and gain real business experience was a blessing.
For 3 years Sojo’s Gallery and Makers Space, explored new directions, business structures, and products, making the most of any empty space in the school calendar, and inspiring others to share and create their own artistic experiences. Congratulations to Sonja for meeting this challenge and making the very most of it. She is a great talent, an incredible resource and a very good friend of mine. Can’t wait to see what she does next. Love you Sonja. ❤
In Fall, there will be a new tenant in the Inner Eye space, and Moose Alley will be again, welcoming a new entrepreneur, subsidizing a new and exciting business venture for our town. Can’t wait til you experience it.
Thanks for reading. We love this town.
Nancy and Sam
