u/SL2999

So I'm coming from Philly to Johnstown for a 10 week training program at the Hiram G. Andrews Center. Not sure what to expect. for those of you who work or go to the school, whats it like? Whats near the school in the area? Whats to do on weekends? any feedback would be apreciated

My strong8k started buffering horribly. I’ve tried using all the URLs I was given, nothing also try to VPN and still the same thing. If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know or if you have some URLs, please DM me. Also looking for the official strong Telegram if anyone has it, please DM me.

Question for all you, Store owners and managers. When you first opened, was it really slow? Did you go to networking events and hand out business cards? Now what are your sales like on a daily basis? How many big sales versus small do you get a week or even a month? Are you happy where your business is currently? Any feedback on opening or owning a brick and mortar store? Any feedback would be appreciated

Hey everyone,

I’m a legally blind entrepreneur currently working at a retail storefront. I am launching an expansion into high-end custom jewelry (diamonds, gold chains, engagement rings, etc.).

Since I don't have the vision to sit at a bench with a torch or magnifying glass, my business model is built entirely on logistics, material sourcing, and contract labor management. I source pre-fabricated gold components and third-party certified stones through wholesale trade channels based on weight and GIA data specs, then hire local master bench setters on contract to handle the physical assembly.

I’m curious to connect with others in this community:

Are there any other blind or visually impaired individuals working full-time in the jewelry industry, either on the bench or on the business/sourcing side? What has your experience been?

For those running any service or high-ticket retail business, how do you handle customer interactions regarding your vision? Do you find it builds immediate trust and a strong personal narrative, or do you face skepticism about quality control that you have to talk down?

Would love to hear from any business owners or makers making a real living out of this or a similar trade. Thanks!

So I'm an entrepreneur currently running a retail storefront. I am launching a custom jewelry venture, and I want to get some honest feedback on consumer psychology, branding, and trust.

I am legally blind, so my business model is built entirely on sourcing, logistics, and project management rather than physical bench labor. I source premium, pre-cast gold and silver components, buy certified diamonds and precious gemstones directly through wholesale trade portals, and contract specialized master setters on our local Jewelers Row to handle the physical assembly for a flat trade fee.

I plan to operate this out of a dedicated, high-end showroom section inside my established, premium smoke shop. Customers get elite pieces without the traditional 300% corporate showroom markup.

I’ve already had regular clients tell me straight up that they would absolutely buy their jewelry and engagement upgrades from me because of our established relationship and the transparent pricing. However, I want to scale this beyond my immediate circle.

I'd love your insights on a few specific points:

The Trust Factor: From a consumer standpoint, does an independent jeweler being legally blind build immediate trust regarding honesty and straight-shooting pricing, or do you think average consumers will worry about quality control? (Even though all stones are third-party certified and assembly is handled by master trade setters).

The Storefront Setup: How do consumers react to buying high-ticket custom jewelry (chains, bracelets, rings) out of a dedicated, upscale section within a high-end smoke shop, rather than a traditional standalone jewelry store?

B2B Marketing: I plan to partner with local high-end salons and florists to hand out $150 "Trade Credit" gift tokens to their VIP clients. Do you think this premium framing works better than a standard percentage coupon for a luxury service?

Appreciate any raw feedback or advice on how to position the branding!

I am a blind shooter and a monthly member at a local range, but I am canceling my membership tomorrow because of how I am being treated.

I own firearms for personal safety because I work alone when managing my business. When I go to the range, I am there to train. I have always followed every single direction given to me, I have never had a safety issue, and I have absolutely no problem hitting my targets. Just because I am blind does not mean I cannot shoot.

Despite this, the range constantly changes the rules on me on the fly. First, they told me that if I need to grab ammo from the desk, they cannot leave me in the bay with my own firearms unattended. Then today, I showed up and they told me that because I didn't call 24 hours in advance to reserve a Range Safety Officer (RSO), I might have to completely stop shooting mid-session if they needed to pull the RSO for something else.

To top it off, they told me today that they are putting me in a separate, isolated bay because other members complained about "not feeling safe" around me, even though I am putting rounds downrange safely and always shooting with an RSO assisting me with aiming.

I feel completely singled out, unwelcome, and treated like I am incompetent. I am done paying a monthly fee to a place that treats me like a liability instead of a business owner and a customer.

Can anyone recommend a professional, welcoming range in the Southeast PA area that actually understands customer service, respects safe shooters, and understands basic accessibility?

So ive been thinking of turning half my storefront into a jewelry store. Think lab grown diamonds, gold plated silver chain earrings. I was able to go to jck and got inspired. I also live near NYC, and made a lot of connections with wholesalers. For anyone who has jumped in and actually done it, how’s it going? What do you wish you knew before going into it? Do you regret it? Any feedback would be appreciated

Coming down for a few days this week, and looking for some cool things to do, good places to eat, stores to check out, and any other fun activities. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I was prescribed Gabapentin for another issue and I noticed when taking it I didn’t have a flair.  The medication was temperery but I had a lot left after its primary use.  I have figured out that my flairs come from nerve misfiring’s.  I’m also on nortriptyline and it helps for the most part.  When I get one of those bad day flair that’s lasting days, and I take a Gabapentin, the next day I wake up feeling like a new man and the flair stops immediately.  I take it for a few more days after just to be sure but this works 99% of the time.  Not sure why but if you have some try it.  If a doc or someone can explain to me why this works ide love to know!

I was prescribed Gabapentin for another issue and I noticed when taking it I didn’t have a flair.  The medication was temperery but I had a lot left after its primary use.  I have figured out that my flairs come from nerve misfiring’s.  I’m also on nortriptyline and it helps for the most part.  When I get one of those bad day flair that’s lasting days, and I take a Gabapentin, the next day I wake up feeling like a new man and the flair stops immediately.  I take it for a few more days after just to be sure but this works 99% of the time.  Not sure why but if you have some try it.  If a doc or someone can explain to me why this works ide love to know!

I’m coming during the week with my family and we are looking for things to do.  We love the water, being on boats, and trying new seafood spots.  Any recommendations and suggestions would be appreciated!

Just curious, has anyone had their local embroidery just add the logos on the shirts? I’ve heard it’s pretty easy to do or to get done. Might bring something from halfway across the world when you can just get it done locally probably for same if not cheaper?

I plan on making a small batch of gator wallets, how much should i expect to pay per flank? And whats a good source? Tia

I’m looking to purchase linen shirts.  I can’t justify paying retail price for something that maybe costs $15 to make if that.  Anyone have any good sellers for them? TIA

I started Reta last friday. I started with .75mg and had to meals that day one in the morning and one in the evening. On sat, i ended up so sick and i had to be at work that day. had a pounding headake and felt like i couldnt digest the food from the day before.

At the same time, I was so tired and felt like the ultimate stomach virus was killing me.  After finally throwing up, I felt a bit better.  After working an 8 hour shift I went home and straight to bed.  Next day felt a bit better.  So far its day 5 and I’ve been eating one meal a day.  I plan on lowering this week’s dose to .50 and seeing what happens.  Another thing I noticed is that it’s given me incredible erections, my wifes loving it.  After overcoming the initial first 2 days, it’s been pretty smooth.  Another thing that makes it bad is the constant heartburn.  I’m taking heartburn meds, hopefully this helps.  My Doc said keep doses low, this actually works better on low doses.  For anyone starting out, do it when you have a few days off because the initial reactions are unpredictable.  If anyone has any suggestions or knows what would work great for the heartburn please let me know.  Will keep updating my experience.

Like title says, there’s stuff I want like sneakers, shirts, shorts, preferably Ralph, Lauren, and brands like that, but I want to buy it here in the US and don’t mind paying a premium for that. If you’re out there with stock of men’s clothing hit me up, if you’re in the Philly area hit me up, I’m here.