GLADWIN ? The name, Rooms Full of Notions started as a song in the 1980s, and now has evolved into the name of a business that provides affordable decorating services. In 2003, Rooms Full of Notions was named one of the Best Small Business by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center.

The song, Rooms Full of Notions, was recorded and produced by Diane Lopez? husband. Rooms Full of Notions, the business, started by Lopez serves Gladwin, Ogemaw, Arenac, Clare, Isabella, and Midland counties. The store features unique furnishings, antiques and recycled furniture, as well as new and used accessories for the walls, windows, and every area of the home, garden or workplace.

Lopez is a registered interior decorator. She has worked as an interior decorator in the community for the last two years and has built a reputation as a woman of excellence. This shows by the vintage displays she has in her store. She provides a unique atmosphere with soothing music, wonderful smells and soft, efficient lighting. Diane indicated in her business plan that the experience of her store would be one of quiet relaxation and comfort; the exact atmosphere she plans to duplicate in her customers? homes. She definitely has accomplished this objective; her store is very welcoming and relaxing from the minute, you step through the door.

With the help of Mid Michigan Community College’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, National City Bank in Gladwin and the SBA, Lopez opened Rooms Full of Notions in April 2003 to a sizable crowd of customers, despite less than perfect weather.

As part of the free service to area entrepreneurs, the MI-SBTDC reviewed Diane?s business plan and helped her through the start-up and financing processes. Diane said she received the boost of confidence she needed to make the final step in starting her business after speaking with a MI-SBTDC business consultant. Diane was surprised at the resources available to her and how easy it was to start her own business. She did have one obstacle in the beginning, which was that of locating the owner of the building she wanted to lease for her store. Diane found the perfect location for her store and after many phone calls and inquiring with other business owners in the area, she was able to contact the owner of the building and obtain a one-year lease for the store location.

Rooms Full of Notions created one full-time job and four part-time positions. Lopez?s originally requested $10,000 for start-up expenses. She soon discovered, however, that $10,000 would not be enough and ended up getting a $20,000 SBA 7(a) guaranteed loan as a line of credit through a bank in Gladwin. It?s this kind of help we can provide at the MI-SBTDC. For further information, click on MI-SBTDC.Org

This article was written by Jill Wallace, Marketing and Training Manager, MI-SBTDC.