The next stop was Phoenix. The first step towards my obtaining a masters degree was failing out of Arizona State University at age 18. If you are going to fail out of school, there is no more fun place to do it then A.S.U. Not too far from campus is the town of Scottsdale and Artafax. Artafax is run by a native New Yorker, features designs for the modern home, and will be carrying Ink Dish.

I had never been to Austin Texas before and I loved it. When I first drove into town I passed this funky little street of bars advertising live music, tattoo studios, and trendy boutiques. I made a note of the area so I could go back. It wasn’t until I spent the day in Austin that I realized the whole city could be described that way. IF+D is a really fun shop in the 2nd street district and will be carrying our line. If your in town check out the shop and then go for a stroll down the river.

My journey South continued on to Charleston, South Carolina, a beautiful city and regarded as the most polite city in the country. Charleston Green Home is a great little shop in town that will be carrying both the appetizer plate gift sets and the mug gift sets. I could tell this was a good fit when two dogs greeted me at the door and a wine rep showed up a few minutes after me.

I am on my way across the country from Boston to San Diego, meeting with retailers, seeing friends, and taking in the scenery. The first two stops have been a lot of fun and successful. Shortly, Ink Dish will be available at Gore Dean in Baltimore and Washington D.C. and Artifacts in Charlottesville, Virginia. Both stores are really fun and a great fit for us. And my favorite road sign so far: “All you can eat shrimp and free wifi”. Who knew they went together so well. Back on the road tomorrow.