Monica Hubbard had been working at a local bookstore in Humboldt County. She had been gaining more responsibility at the book store, when she realized, “I could do this on my own. I like this life of books and people.” In September of 2006, Monica went into business for herself and opened up a used book store called Rain All Day Books.
Rain All Day Books was the perfect business for Monica. However, she soon learned, while she was an avid book lover, she wasn’t a business woman. Monica was referred to the North Coast Small Business Development Center by an SBDC counselor. Monica knew she had needed help and now she knew where to go.
Monica began by taking a series of Business Basics workshops offered by SBDC. At the same time, an SBDC Business Advisor was helping Monica create business cards, bookmarks, business signs, and a website for the store. They then set up a special QuickBooks program to track Monica’s finances. Monica also began investing in an IDA (Individual Development Account) program, through an SBDC partner the Arcata Economic Development Corporation. “None of which would have been possible without the guidance and support of my Business Advisor and the SBDC. Because of them, I am thinking more like a business woman, rather than just a book lover. I depend less on intuition and more on knowledge and planning”.
Since implementing the tools and knowledge received from SBDC, Monica has experienced a steady increase of cash flow. And she now has the skills to manage that cash flow. “I am much more focused and goal-oriented," she said. Monica is living a dream, selling environmentally friendly products, which she is passionate about. Rain All Day Books has filled a niche in Fortuna, CA and is now able to donate to the local Safe and Sober Party Program every year.
