Great expectations
It’s hard to stay optimistic about the economy when you’re bombarded with the bad news. The U.S. Labor Department announced another 38,000 jobs were lost in February, up from January. Unemployment is nearly 10 percent. And Freddie and Fannie are still shaky.
The National Federation of Independent Business Research Foundation released its February study on small business economic trends. Optimism remains stalled, according to the study. And the quarterly index readings have remained below 90 for seven quarters, indicating the severity and pervasive nature of the recession.
But for a few small business owners in Big Bear none of that matters. The success of their business is about fulfilling their lifes’ dreams. They are not relying on the stock on hand—they’re even expanding. Some are even taking the pecuniary plunge.
Jeannie Antes of O Koo Ran is facing some of the biggest challenges she has faced since opening her high-end clothing boutique in 1988. “I am making adjustments by buying lower-priced clothing lines to supplement the quality lines I am known for like Free People, True Religion, Juicy and Karen Kane,” Antes says. “My customers still want those brands because they are well made from beautiful fabrics. Quality never goes out of style.”
