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Your StoriesDragonmarsh has been in business for 20 years based on the experience of our costumer/seamstress Misty Johnson. She attended FIDM and learned the trade basics to create her dreams and ideas since she was 7 years old making clothing for her Barbie Dolls. When she was in high school , her mom Linda started to notice the time consuming occupation and made several suggestions using her business administration background. Within a year they were selling costumes and jewelry at the local Renaissance Faires and SCA reenactment events. This was all done nomad style with a temporary canvas tent and many miles traveled to reach the customer. This was 1989 , way before the Web site and the E-Bay stores. Living on event sales alone was very seasonal and another alternative was explored. The family opened a storefront in Downtown Riverside, nestled in the historical Mission Inn District. Over the years the store grew and expanded to 2200 sq feet nextdoor. One whole room was devoted to costume and wedding attire. When the rest of the family- boyfriends-stepdad-sisters- got involved they expanded the merchandise offered and we needed more space. We moved 2 blocks to a facility of 5500 sq feet. This had a second floor dedicated to manufacturing and fabric storage. The Drragonmarsh became known for the expansive theme weddings complete with costumed (legal) minister available. Business went well for about 10 years and the city decided to strip the downtown with imminate domaine condemnation of our building. In total panic the family rallied together and moved the store around the corner to our current location on 3643 University Ave. This is a city recognized Historical Building so no one will take this one and it was a bank before. We now have a fabric "vault" using the bank vault portion of the building complete with the original bank door. Another area is costume alley- a wall with costuumes and attire displayed. There are several other rooms with the rest of the families interests such as; wellness- herbs-spices and remedies : candles of all sizes and colors; jewelry and costume accessories; pirates corner- all kinds of novelties and accessories and the religious and superstition area; anything unusual and little know about will be found here. This store supports 2 branches of the family and a husband/wife team as employees (who might as well be family). We have weathered many storms and jumped many hurdles in our time in business. Families are important but can be a handful to work with. After all when there are problems or lazy employees- you just can't fire them! Linda Shrode My name is Patricia Arena and I own one store Patti's Party World and work with my son Jason Arena. I started the business with no knowledge of it in 1994. I never worked in retail. I was thrown into it by an X-husband who was in the business for many years. We broke up within two weeks of opening. I kept the business because I invested the money into it. I struggled the first year learning everything by reading magazines like yours and others. Looked thru catalog after catalog. With many tears and thoughts I couldn't make it I just persisted and made it. I must of had a good sence of what to pick because the business did not fail. I spent hours upon hours working 12 hours a day to absorb all I could. For the first year I took very little out of the business. What money came in went back into the business. I knew to keep the business I needed to have variety, back up stock for large orders and the shelves filled. Now it is 13 years later and the bussiness has flourished. My son has worked with me for the last 7 years. He is my right arm and the one who keeps me sane. Retail is a rough bussiness. He has definately taken alot off my shoulders. He is a hard working and has a great personality for the business. He does all the ordering for Halloween and has a great sence of what will sell. He was the one who started with the sexy costumes before they even became poular. I was leary but went along with his sugestions. It was the best decision I ever made. We sold out. The young girls loved them. Because he is young 27 he has an eye for the costumes, masks decorations and the children costumes. He knows all the Characters. I would not have done as well with Halloween if it wasn't for him. I've been blessed to have him by my side. Click here to view these other
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