Hello Niki, Nick and Chrissie (and 9 Gorgeous Guineas :) )
thank you so much for your kind and inspirational replies:)
Yes, one thing I can certainly resonate with - that I believe that its quite normal not to feel prepared and that one learns on the job. At least thats how it often was with things in my life, but when it comes to business, I have always allowed my fears to suade me away from my direction. Well, Im in very different place in my life and think I might just not let them this time, the morsel is too big. Yes, as you said, Chrissie, I would feel absolutely awfull if a while later I saw someone else succeeding with these babies only because they had more guts that I had!
Thank you very much for all your suggested questions, they are very helpfull, especially as I have never before really put a business hat on and did most things on an amateurish, good intention basis. Now its time to think serious and I have certainly been pushed to places, mentally, since this offer came up, that I have never been to. I think of these snakes first thing in the morning when I wake up
and last thing before I fall asleep...and I dream about them all night long :)))) My head has been pounding with this crazy project ever since it came up.
Its crazy because it has already taken me onto a steep learning curve - and I have not even bought them yet. Yet I already made friends from US who also breed this type of snake and they congratulated me on getting this opportunity and said, that if I produce young ones, they will buy the whole litter. Other reptile traders were also very interested. That shows that they really are desirable, interenet search also confirmed that. I also do know that these don't breed easily but I have a few hopefull tricks up my sleeve and feel that I have as good chance as anybody to succeed and keen to give it a go.
As you suggested, Niki, I feel that if I can't cope with them, or they won't breed, I will be always able to sell them on favourably. The fact the owner is selling is because they are moving abroad to do another snake related work and are under time pressure. I just spoke to them again and they say that as its a fairly big project, there just doesn't seem to be anybody around at the moment who has the interest/space/availability/money and courage (as they have a reputation of possible "challenging behaviour" as a species). I just, perhaps by pure chance, seem to have all of those at the moment, and feel that there is a bit of a fatal attraction going on there. Everyday more and more information crops up, some warnings and more encouragement, its like doing a 5 steps forward, 3 steps back dance, or like a praying mantis mating dance:)) (she bites off her boyfriend's head afterwards :)) Well tonite the messages ended up on a happy note and I am feeling quite positive I will go ahead.
Because these snakes are so special, most people who hear about them become very interested. I have already gathered some help and support and searching around for a possible business partner for the project. But I am worried about making legal mistakes etc because I really do not have much experience on that level and can't afford to hire solicitors for every little arrangement. Would you be able to suggest any good begginer's read about law and business partnerships, anything to help me avoid various fatal mistakes.
But on the whole, this project seems to want to go ahead, all doors are opening. A good friend wants to lend me money as an initial capital, possibly interested in an ongoing investment etc. Yes Chrissie, I am lucky that I live near a zoo and the local vet is their reptile specialist. No, I have never done this on such a scale before, but like yourself, I too believe that I will learn most about these amazing animals by living with them. By the way, you made me giggle with amusement - whoever heard of a guinea pig only aromatherapy - you rock:))! I do love it when I hear of such unique and funny ideas:) You'd be surprised what kind of things comes to my mind when Im thinking what else I could do with these darlings to earn a living! I want to build them an incredible artistic Gaudi-like mosaic enclosure and water pool, as I am primarily a creative artist and make them available to public for viewing, like a beautiful animal sanctuary type, perhaps just on an occassional basis, ie childrens parties or so. They are so educational, and so many people are irrationally affraid of snakes (well, with these ones there might be something to it, but I also have some harmless little ones) and I feel on a mission to reduce snakophobia rates.
Do you still think this could get somewhere? :) Do you like my "product"? Thank you for all your encouragement and support, its walking me through this together with other emails and calls Im making. I will let you know what I decided.
Best wishes with all your inspired work to all,
Hana ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~