A YEAR AT RENDEZVOUS
With out sails full of naivety and gay abandon, we launched Rendezvous in Dayboro on the 24th of November 2007. For two months prior we gathered together all available funds, linked as they were and committed them to the comedy and heartbreak of a shop-fit. Despite the potential for disaster and mayhem, the job proceeded very well and remains a credit to the creativity and enthusiasm of all those involved.
Many less naïve advisers have provided valuable feedback during the course of our first year under sail in the unforgiving ocean that small business can be at times. Although we have at times feared running aground or being swamped, we have ‘pumped the bilge’ with vigor, managed to keep the scurvy at bay and somehow managed to continue to fly our colours.
We owe a great debt to our fearless crew. Many of you would remember Micha who was with us from the beginning and has since moved on to a career in nursing. Mandy moved on to expand her family and pursue other adventures. Then there came the unforgettable ‘Dancing Queen’ Lara, who is only with us between contracts dancing with Disney in Tokyo. There is much we could say about the current tag team of Sally, Lucy, Jacqui and Michelle who bring vibrancy, creativity and laughter to the shop. Finally we must mention our new recruits Dannielle and Alana – to you we say “A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first coffee.” A big thank you to you all for what you contribute to make Rendezvous special.
We would also like to thank the many business owners of the district who have supported us in our endeavours. Most especially we would like to mention Emma and Erin from Amore, who were an inspiration from the outset and have continued to inspire and encourage us along the way. We, like many others, will miss them when they leave or lovely town.
Last, but certainly not least, we would like to thank all our customers. We as business owners can provide a physical setting, service and stock, but without consistent patronage it simply wouldn’t fly. Since opening, we have been overwhelmed by the positive support of the local community and visitors to the district. Many local individuals seem to have adopted the shop as a second home and have become good friends. Events have proven popular, such as the book signing and story-time which has been well attended and enjoyed by the smaller members of the community. Thank you to Monique for your enthusiastic support of story-time and thank you also to the mothers who continue to enjoy some respite at the shop.
The shop has given Debbie and I much joy, particularly because of the positive dynamic that has evolved in the way people interact in the space. We had hoped that people would feel free to meet and chat with both their existing friends and strangers – we have not been disappointed! Rendezvous certainly has become an established meeting place in town. See you at Rendezvous!
We look forward to the future at the shop and have great plans for its development. We would like to invite you all along to celebrate our birthday on Sunday the 23rd of November, we would love to see you. There will be free coffee all day and a special story-time with Monique form 10am till 11.30am.
Thank you all again for all you have done to make our dreams a reality.
Debbie and David .
