20 Our Voice / September 2014
One of the reasons I interviewed these two ladies for this month's article related to rumors on the wind about new things coming on the horizon, but when I asked each of them about these new ideas, new endeavors, they offered a veiled response, not quite committing to anything new, not ready to reveal trade secrets. But Vikee did say, "A new store is in the works with lots of new features for LD. That's all I can say for now." So like you reading this, I too await the next big step that this company plans on taking with an eager anticipation.
Because September's issue wanted to focus on business owners who were female and women of color, both women were asked to comment on skin color and how it affects online business, if it does at all, and if they believed it was a necessary representation of self, since they could look like anyone or anything with all the variety and imagination Second Life provides. "I believe that motive and intent play a big part..." she said. That's a powerful message and one that reaches beyond the virtual world or virtual walls to touch any business anywhere.
Vikee owns and manages stores in both the virtual world and the world off line. To compare them was a challenge, since there are so many differences, but she did have a few things to share. Marketing expenses are high off line. Compared to SL they're enormous. The many details, legal things, payroll, taxes, and stuff all make the business off line far more complex so in her opinion, yes much more difficult. Both are rewarding.
She looks for quality people who share her passion and joy to work and create and participate in an ever growing and changing business environment. She tries to avoid turnover, as it interrupts continuity in creation, but that's something she deals with on and off line. Even when she's faced turnover,