Kris Cornish says she learned the ins and outs of running her business, Drapeau’s Costumes of Maine, using the “trial by fire” method. “I would have been better prepared to run the business from the start if I had gone for professional business management help first,” she says. “Business management consultants, such as the ones at Androscoggin Valley Council of Government and SCORE, are professionals who can give new business owners information on what to look for and how to set things up.”

Cornish is referring to the Maine Small Business Development Center at AVCOG, and SCORE. Both offer tools for a successful business management plan, such as assistance in a start-up business plan, cash flow analysis, sales forecast, marketing and sales, and financing. Assistance is provided in finding sources of credit, market research, government procurement, accounting, record keeping, operations, personnel management, loan packaging, business liquidation/sale, international trade, and various other business issues. For more information, visit the Maine SBDC State Web site at www.mainesbdc.org or the SCORE site at www.score.org.

“The Small Business Administration offers small business loans especially for women. I didn’t go that route,” notes Cornish, “but I suggest that any woman looking to start up or purchase a business look into all resources. The SBA will give you important information and a solid foundation to start your business.” The Office of Women’s Business Ownership, part of the Small Business Administration, assists women in achieving their dreams and improving their communities by helping them start and run successful businesses. Visit www.sba.gov for more information.

“When making career choices after college, I always thought of myself as working for someone else. I did not consider becoming a business owner.” Cornish explains, “I worked in Boston managing trade shows. Like many women, I devoted myself to my job. I was on the job 24/7.” Cornish has known women who, like herself, finally come to a place in their lives when they find their lives are out of balance. Work takes over their personal time; some don’t have many (or any) committed relationships; some never take vacations.

“I’ve known women, myself included, who finally get to the point where a decision has to be made about getting our lives in balance. It often means taking a job that pays less and is less prestigious in order to get that balance,” states Cornish.

While Cornish was teaching at an elementary school, she happened to read an article in the Sun Journal about Drapeau’s Costumes being for sale. “When I told Jim (her husband) that Drapeau’s was for sale, he asked, ‘What’s Drapeau’s?'”

Visualizing what it would be like to own the costume shop, Cornish felt the business was such that it would not need a 24/7 commitment. Cornish says she thought, “How can I make this business work – and be successful – around my family?”

After visiting the store, Cornish was a step closer to making the decision to purchase the business. “In retrospect, my advice to anyone contemplating the purchase of a business, or setting up a new business, is to talk with professionals – accountants, bankers, lawyers – before you sign any papers. These professionals can offer advice before you make the commitment.” Cornish purchased the business with a partner in August 2006 and became sole proprietor in February 2007. Cornish adds, “After discussing your situation and business plans with the professionals, listen to your own intuition. My feelings have turned out to be right on.”

Cornish addresses some of the concerns that new business owners may have in regards to managing a business. Having a partner or spouse who can financially support the family during the early days of operating a business can offset a dry period in which the business is not generating income for the new owner. Taking a vacation may not be feasible unless the business can support staff to operate it during the owner’s absence. About emergencies, Cornish says, “I don’t have to think twice about closing the shop for an emergency. A sign in the window lets customers know they can call and make an appointment if necessary.” Cornish adds, “One benefit of owning a business is that you’re not punching someone else’s time clock.”

Using her marketing skills, Cornish has developed a direct mail program. “I send information about the costume shop to theaters, Chambers of Commerce, recreation departments, schools, summer camps, and corporations. I’ve also established an online presence. Both of these marketing tactics draw in customers from outside the central Maine area,” notes Cornish.

If you’re interested in owning a business that will allow you to do something you enjoy, Cornish highly recommends speaking to the professionals for good advice. “I love getting dressed up. I love sewing costumes.” Cornish adds, “I have the best job in the world because I help people have fun.” For more information, contact Cornish at Drapeau’s Costumes of Maine, 20 Main St., Lisbon Falls, call her at 353-2216 or visit the Web site at www.costumesofmaine.com.