Any self-employed retail mamas?

[cristeen]

DH has the opportunity to follow one of his dreams and open a store. But right now he is the bread-winner, so I'd be working the store during the days with the babe, he'd take the evenings and we'd split/share the weekends.

Right now the babe is almost 8 mos, and just starting to explore walking. I'm a bit nervous about how to finagle a babe and a retail establishment at the same time. The space is small, so I could manage it with a large behind-the-counter space (large enough for a pack & play), but how do I do naps? diaper changes? I'd be the only one working, so even bathroom breaks for myself present a bit of a challenge.

Should I hire a mother's helper to come in and take him to the park for an hour so he's not stuck in the store all day every day?

Does anyone have any experience with something like this? Any thoughts or advice or BTDT?

[nomadsindiansaints]

What kind of store? And in what kind of community?

My partner and I have a retail store in downtown Eugene, Oregon. I do employ a teenager 3 afternoons a week to do pretty much whatever I need (including, but in no way limited to, helping with my babe). And my partner is there when I really need him to be, but lately that's not much.

For me, it's not "perfect" and not always easy, but very do-able, especially with a little creativity. But I think there are 3 major reasons for that -

1) My kiddo loves being in any sling, any time (just got my new Boba 2G and LOVE IT!!!)
2) Our inventory is baby-friendly (clothing, jewelry, art, glass but in cases - no chemicals or heavy equipment or anything that requires complicated/dangerous movement from me to sell)
3) We're in Eugene!! It's a super family friendly town. I did a sidewalk sale today in front of our shop, and nursed openly while selling. I do this all day long, inside and outside, while selling items and ringing up purchases, and no one ever bats an eye. Almost the same with changing diapers. I've even plopped my babe in a bouncy seat in our front window display (for the sunshine) and had people come in just to see him!

There are also several other things that make this work well for us...my kiddo loves people, loves attention and interaction, is generally very cheerful and isn't the least bit shy. He takes good solid naps in the right kind of sling (though lately has refused to nap in my office). I have several stations set up in strategic places so that if I'm not wearing him and need my hands for a minute, I can easily put him down (playpen, bouncy seat, bumbo, bucket seat, etc, all with toys ready).

There's a lot more I could say, but I'm out of time for now!