This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 22nd day of July, 1941, in accordance with request made by the self - Miss [2448], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Misses [2448], [1709] and Mae Roberts.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of [2448], present in this room, who seeks information, advice and guidance as to the dress business venture, which her Life Reading stated would be excellent for the entity. You then will answer the questions she submits, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [2448], present in this room; and the information indicated as to the dress business being an outlet for this entity's abilities.
3. As we have heretofore indicated for this body, the entity is especially gifted in the ability to coordinate ideas with individuals as to wearing apparel; particularly ready made or ready to wear and the dress goods business.
4. Then, there only needs to be the application of self in those directions to make or bring more familiar terms, conditions, circumstance; and to meet those necessary material activities to qualify the body-entity for such.
5. Then, to begin with, choose some associations in that direction; by material investigation of those whose policies are somewhat in keeping with the body's own.
6. Then apply self, not only in those fields of being agreeable to purchasers but to every phase of such an undertaking. That of style, that of buying, the seasons, and all phases.
7. And we will find that within a short while - a year, or year and a half - there may be those opportunities for the body to engage itself in its own business.
8. Choose the name "MY LADY" as that in keeping with the vibrations, and to indicate the special classes or characters of undertakings that would be a part of the whole activity.
9. Ready for questions.
10. (Q) In which of the following Norfolk dress shops would it be better for me to get my training and be associated with such activities, - not as a partner but as one learning and gaining all of the activities: Michael's Dress Shop, Leon's, Reed's, Kay's Dress Shop, Mary Benton's; or would some other firm be the best?
    (A) As we find, for the beginning, Michael's. Then we would change, for you should be acquainted with the varied policies. This is that needed to be studied by the body - the manner in which the policy of the shop is conducted. For, there is the natural tendency, the trend in the activity of the body for formation of policies that would be most agreeable; not only for the material but the mental success in same.
11. (Q) When shall I begin?
    (A) As soon as there can be those adjustments, and conditions and circumstances permit.
12. (Q) How much money should I have before going into business?
    (A) This depends upon whether the body is a representative of certain groups or associations, or formulating its own policies and carrying its own stock. And this will then depend upon that determined by the body in its activity.
    We wouldn't consider this first. We would let this become rather a part of the developing and the proceedings. Something like $1500 to $3500.
13. (Q) Would it be advisable for me to have a partner, or partners? If so, whom?
    (A) This, too, should be a matter of development and policy. As indicated, there are the needs for the body in its activity to study policies of the various groups. For these will be noted in the manufacturers as well as in the manners in which such a shop or organization is conducted.
14. (Q) I have given much thought to having the garage to my home renovated for my dress shop, or to renting an apartment on a well lighted street so that I may cater to night customers. Which would be the better location, or is there a better plan of location?
    (A) This should be rather the general development as would come with the qualifying of self to meet all the contingencies and emergencies that might arise. DO NOT go too QUICKLY into such an undertaking. Then weigh all of such. As we find, if it is to be a beginning in a small manner to meet a part time or night trade, the lighted street apartment would be the better circumstance. If there is to be the "ALL OUT" program, then the preparing of the special place would be the better. But we would not consider these as YET. Let these come in their regular order. There are possibilities of the policies and circumstances being such that this would not be the full manner in which to carry it on, when qualified to conduct same. It might be an entirely different situation. For, the body might become an agent, representative; or it might become one to have the whole amount of stock supplied by others on consignment, or it might become BOTH. Thus there would be required a location among regular competitive places of such natures.
15. (Q) As a special feature of my shop I would like to be able to analyze different types of people so that I may be capable of suggesting clothes that will be suitable for them. Please suggest how I may study and train myself for this.
    (A) One is usually born with this, rather than training to it. And, as we have indicated, this is a part of the body's qualifications. Then there is only needed the actual practice of same in its associations with others. Thus the needs for the body to stress rather the policies of a shop, rather than the study of individuals. This will come, with this body, by practice - naturally.
16. (Q) I plan to carry sweaters, dresses, skirts, blouses, one particular kind of perfume, two styles of slips, one style of panties. Are there any of these that it would be best not to handle? Are there any more than these that I should handle?
    (A) We do not find it so, but these may change in the considerations of such, and of the individual types that are in mind at the present - for these may be entirely changed with the actual practice and associations, and knowing the good and bad points in each by association with shops that handle such, see? Thus as indicated, there should be the year or year and a half of the actual practice BEFORE there would be the undertaking of same. Make haste slowly, for one can easily become discouraged. One can become overenthusiastic. Once can become in such a manner of policy as to let the little ends slip without proper consideration, as to their meaning with the whole undertaking. But it will be a success, if the entity will first apply itself and study policies - not only of meeting the public but of its associations with those who supply stock, see?
17. (Q) Feeling that my present employer will be interested in my shop if it is presented to him in the right light, how shall I apprach him?
    (A) Just as a plain business proposition.
18. (Q) Shall I tell my family of my plan in the beginning, or just what method of approach should I use to make them feel that this will be a good venture and a wise plan, to give up what I am in now to begin at the bottom building up for the shop?
    (A) It is well to consult, of course; but these are part of problems that you must meet in self. While there should be due consideration, know what you want to do and then do it! But do not BEGIN the actual operations with all depending upon self, until qualifications by actual practice are a part of the entity's experience, see?
19. (Q) I desire to have an air of refinement and complete contentment, a place free of all confusion and hurry, a shop where patrons may come and feel completely at ease. What colorings and furnishings will give the best vibrations to others and to myself?
    (A) Light blue and gold. These would make for the BODY, and for that type of policy that would be a part of the entity's experience, the better vibrations. But these will all come later. For you will find that all of these will change, as there is the better comprehending of the various problems that are to be met in such an undertaking.
20. (Q) Please give me something that will act as a stabilizer and make me keep driving, even when these urges of letting down come.
    (A) None better than that as we have indicated. KNOW what you want to do! Then do it; knowing that each answer for each problem is within self, as in formation of policies - for thine OWN; not for the considering of others' now, but of thine OWN, always consider: "If the circumstances were reversed, what would I like?" This will bring the answer. For, while self is not so commonplace as to be called a normal or ordinary individual, yet one with the qualifications and abilities to weigh all circumstances in the experiences of others. Do not trust others as far as the financial part goes, but as for their advice - take it, and then weigh it with thy own. For, everyone will give advice, no matter what their position! and usually too freely! Then hold thine own advice, but when ye speak - as with thy associates - do so positively but gently; remembering that the gentle word turneth away anger. And this is not merely a saying, but it builds hope, it builds confidence; while "This is this and That is that" doesn't go very far with many individuals. As has been indicated, and as may be used here, oft agree with thine adversary quickly, or those who dispute thee, - but that does not alter that thou knowest - IF thou knowest! Thus it becomes and behooves thee to have a year or year and a half of training in meeting the public, and in determing the policies in associations with the public. And remember this is only half. For the policies with which an individual deals with those that supply material, or in associations with those who manufacture stock, are as much of an asset as to be able to sell to each individual seeking any garment.
21. (Q) Would the special feature of taking care of weddings, all of the clothes for bridesmaids, the bride, their flowers and all other details connected with the clothing angle, prove a worth while feature, - to make my shop outstanding and well known because of that feature? If so, please give helpful suggestions.
    (A) May within two to three years, but don't start with this. This may be builded. But don't begin with it.
22. (Q) Is a good plan of securing my customers to select names from the city directory and systematically send each of them a series of letters asking for their patronage? Are there any other suggestions for securing customers?
    (A) This is very good, but rather expensive. The better is SATISFIED CUSTOMERS!
23. (Q) Is it advisable to cater to small sized people, probably sizes 9 to 16, and to carry moderately priced merchandise?
    (A) This is very good. VERY good.
24. (Q) Should any of the following firms for sweaters, dresses, blouses, skirts, underwear, etc., be discarded? Richmond Dry Goods, Richmond, Va. Butler Bros., Baltimore, Md. University Frocks, N.Y.C.
    (A) These are all very good, but you'll change oft after thy associations with the public itself, and others will be indicated that must be considered rather than JUST these.
25. (Q) Please give me names or suggest a means by which I may know the names of the proper firms.
    (A) These will come with the practice. Because many of those that might be named now that would be well may not be in existence even when there is the actual need for their activity! or they may be so altered in their policies as to not be so good to associate self with too directly.
26. (Q) Would it be wise for me to feature the dress that my friend Dorothy Howren represents from the N.Y. firm?
    (A) This is very good, but this - too - may be changed. As we find in the present it is alright. But with the preparation of self, too many other things are to enter in. Let's do the first things first.
27. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 2448-2.

REPORTS

1. 8/26/41 EC's conscious reading of auras at a Tuesday Night Bible Group meeting included this one for Miss [2448] - see under 5746-1 Reports. It is repeated here because the colors are similar to the ones suggested for her shop.
   Your aura might be called a crown entirely, with gold, purple and pink; because things must measure up materially as well as spiritually and mentally. It is very beautiful. Gold, of course, means that you have attained to some understandings in which you are very sure.
2. 9/05/42 She obtained a Check Life Reading in regard to advisability of joining the WAACS or WAVES - See 2448-4.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation