#AI for Small Business Owners

[ai4nonmarketers]

Unlocking Predictive Analytics for Small Businesses

Unlock the future of small business success! Dive into our latest blog post to learn how predictive analytics can transform decision-making, boost customer retention, and optimize your marketing campaigns. Start leveraging data-driven insights today. Read now:

Predictive analytics is transforming how businesses make decisions, plan for the future, and connect with customers. For small business owners and non-marketers, this concept may seem intimidating, but it’s no longer the exclusive domain of data scientists or large corporations. Today, with user-friendly tools and accessible insights, even the smallest businesses can leverage predictive analytics…

[delhijeetechacademycourses]

Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your existing skills, AI training in Delhi provides a great opportunity to stay ahead in the digital world.

[scorpioeyes]

Who doesn’t love a pug with personality? No one at the dog park got swagger like him! This dapper dog’s swagger is turned up to a hundred trillion. “Pug Thug” is a cartoon pug channeling his inner gangster, looking fly, dressed in urban streetwear.

[thebroken--soul]

If you care about artists… don’t post AI, don’t post artists work without credit. If you love an artist, buy stuff from them on Etsy, Shopify… or tip them on kofi etc. Support them on Instagram, TikTok by reposting their posts. Most of us are working hard to have time to create anything we love in the face of… all this.

[technologyequality]

Scaling Smart: How AI Helps Businesses Grow Without Chaos

Scaling Smart How AI Helps Businesses Grow Without Chaos When we talk about scaling a business, most people picture endless meetings, growing pains, and a to-do list so long it deserves its own zip code. But what if growth didn’t have to be chaotic? What if AI-powered automation could help businesses expand effortlessly… without the burnout? AI isn’t just a fancy buzzword; it’s the secret…

[sweaters-and-vertigo]

full offense, if you use ai to start or run your business that is not your business.

[pwrn51]

RUBI-AI: Leading the Charge in the AI Revolution

      Why RUBI-AI Stands Out from the Crowd: RUBI-AI is a content wizard, trained on industry best practices to help you craft blog posts, social media updates, product descriptions, and more. Its advanced algorithms grasp context, tone, and your brand’s unique voice, ensuring your content always hits the mark Providing the Video for more information about RUBI-AI.  ⭐⭐ Click here to play…

[socialblazes]

How to Create Waterproof Stickers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Waterproof stickers are an excellent choice for outdoor applications, products exposed to moisture, or items requiring durability in harsh conditions.

Here is a complete Guide on Sticker Printing business using AI

Whether you're a business owner looking to brand your products effectively or an individual wanting to create weather-resistant stickers for personal use, creating waterproof stickers is easier than you might think. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating your own waterproof stickers.

Select Waterproof Materials:

Start by choosing waterproof sticker paper or vinyl sheets specifically designed for outdoor use. These materials are resistant to water, moisture, and fading, ensuring that your stickers remain vibrant and durable in various environmental conditions.

Design Your Stickers:

Use graphic design software or online design tools to create your sticker designs. Keep in mind the intended use and environment of your stickers when choosing colors, fonts, and graphics. Opt for bold, high-contrast designs that will remain visible and attractive even when exposed to water.

Print Your Designs:

Once you've finalized your designs, print them onto the waterproof sticker paper or vinyl sheets using a high-quality printer. Ensure that your printer is compatible with the chosen material and can produce vibrant, waterproof prints. Adjust printer settings as necessary for optimal results.

Apply a Waterproof Sealant:

To enhance the waterproof properties of your stickers and protect them from moisture, apply a waterproof sealant over the printed surface. Choose a clear, waterproof sealant specifically formulated for use on paper or vinyl. Spray or brush a thin, even layer of sealant over the entire surface of each sticker and allow it to dry completely.

Cut Out Your Stickers:

Once the sealant has dried, carefully cut out each sticker using scissors or a craft knife. Take your time to ensure clean, precise cuts, as the quality of the cutting will impact the appearance of your finished stickers.

Remove Excess Material:

If your stickers have any excess material or white borders around the designs, carefully trim them away using scissors or a craft knife. This step helps create a polished, professional-looking finish and ensures that only the intended design remains on the sticker.

Store Your Stickers Properly:

Store your waterproof stickers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent them from becoming damaged or warped over time. Consider using airtight containers or plastic sleeves to protect your stickers from environmental factors.

Test for Waterproofing:

Before applying your stickers to any surfaces, conduct a waterproofing test to ensure they can withstand exposure to water. Place a sample sticker in a bowl of water or run it under a faucet for a few moments. Check for any signs of smudging, fading, or water damage. If the sticker remains intact and vibrant, it has passed the waterproofing test.

Apply Your Stickers:

Once you're confident in the waterproofing capabilities of your stickers, you can start applying them to your desired surfaces. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or debris, then carefully peel off the backing of the sticker and press it firmly onto the surface, smoothing out any air bubbles or wrinkles.

Enjoy Your Waterproof Stickers:

Now that your waterproof stickers are applied, you can enjoy their durability and weather resistance in various settings. Whether you're using them for branding, outdoor signage, or personal decoration, your waterproof stickers will continue to look vibrant and professional even when exposed to water and moisture.

By following these simple steps, you can create your own waterproof stickers that are not only visually appealing but also highly durable and resistant to water, making them suitable for a wide range of applications both indoors and outdoors.

[smarterbiznetwork]

SMART(ER) BUSINESS NETWORK OVERVIEW – EPISODE 16 – SMART BUSINESS DAILY EMAIL UPDATES

WELCOME! PLEASE WATCH EPISODE 16: SMART Business Daily Email Updates

For Your Reference:

Here are the main links referenced throughout the introduction and overview sessions in this series:

SMARTER BUSINESS ACADEMY: https://smarterbizacademy.com

 

SMARTER MONTHLY RECRUITING CONTEST: https://smarterbizacademy.com/smarter-academy-ai-staff-recruiting-contest/

 

SMARTER AFFILIATE REQUEST PAGE/LOGIN PAGE:  https://smarterbizacademy.com/affiliate-area/

 

SMARTER BUSINESS RESOURCE SHOP (FOR MEMBERS): https://resourceshop.smarterbizacademy.com/

 

SMARTER BUSINESS COMMUNITY: https://smartbiz.tribeplatform.com

 

 Now for a word from our fearless leader! : )

—

FROM COACH DAVE

“Welcome, SMART(ER) Business Network members! We understand that navigating a vast array of features and resources can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created this series of videos to help you understand what you have access to and how to leverage these powerful tools for your business efforts.

In each episode, we’ll dive deep into specific areas, guiding you through the features step-by-step. And don’t worry, we’ll be continually adding more features to meet your evolving needs.

So, you can always come back and check what’s new and make sure you’re not missing out on any game-changing opportunities.

We know that as a new member, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information and possibilities within the network. But fear not!

Our series is designed to address things that overwhelm you and provide you with a clear roadmap to success.

Here you are, visiting the sixteenth episode of the series, with a total of twenty episodes published so far. And guess what?

We’re always open to adding more as we discover new features and innovative ways to support your growth.

Our goal is to ensure you have a comprehensive guide to follow, empowering you to make the most of your membership.

So, get ready to unlock the full potential of the SMART(ER) Business Network. We’re here to support you every step of the way, offering guidance, feedback, and insights to help you achieve your business goals.

See you inside!”

—

Session 16: The Daily Dispatch: Your Passport to SMART(ER) Business Insights

Welcome to The Daily Dispatch – your ultimate passport to a world of SMART(ER) business insights! Get ready to embark on a daily journey filled with timely updates, exclusive network news, and even outside business updates.

As we sail through the ever-changing tides of business, we understand the need for real-time communication. That’s why we’ve set sail with The Daily Dispatch, ensuring you stay informed every step of the way.

From Monday to Friday, expect a burst of quick updates related to the network. We’ll cover all the essential news, highlights, and exciting developments happening within our SMART(ER) Business Network. But that’s not all – we’ll also touch on related business updates outside the network, keeping you in the loop with the broader industry landscape.

But wait, there’s more! We’re not just about staying up-to-date – we’re also here to provide you with a targeted email series. These exclusive email courses are designed to dive deep into specific subjects, delivering a new email and subject over a period of days. It’s like having your own personal guide, leading you through a journey of knowledge and growth.

Just like our newsletters, our goal is to provide multiple avenues of communication, ensuring we reach our members in the way that suits them best. Whether you tap into these daily emails or not, rest assured they are here to support you, inform you, and even entertain you at times.

Our mission is simple – to empower you with the knowledge and resources you need to thrive. We’re here to be your trusted companion on your business journey, leaving no stone unturned to keep you informed, engaged, and inspired.

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for The Daily Dispatch – your passport to SMART(ER) business insights. Let’s set sail together!

—

Episode Wrap Up

To join now, go to the offer pages at https://smarterbizacademy.com under the shop menu tab. There you will see the various offers and can register to get started.

While there on the home page, you will also note the banners on the top and bottom of the page. The top one will take you to the latest sales offer (often the best offer too, by the way!), while the bottom banner will take you to the recruiting contest.

The recruiting contest runs from month to month and the data collection starts new (old data is purged/destroyed except for winners and reward recipient’s information for network use to track membership).

In Case You Missed Them – For Your Reference:

Here are the main links referenced throughout the introduction and overview sessions in this series again:

SMARTER BUSINESS ACADEMY: https://smarterbizacademy.com

SMARTER MONTHLY RECRUITING CONTEST: https://smarterbizacademy.com/smarter-academy-ai-staff-recruiting-contest/

SMARTER AFFILIATE REQUEST PAGE/LOGIN PAGE:  https://smarterbizacademy.com/affiliate-area/

SMARTER BUSINESS RESOURCE SHOP (FOR MEMBERS): https://resourceshop.smarterbizacademy.com/

SMARTER BUSINESS COMMUNITY: https://smartbiz.tribeplatform.com

Again, see you inside! Please view the video and ask any questions in the comment section! We will get back to you ASAP…There are no dumb questions…We are here to help…

Cheers!

Coach Dave

[ai4nonmarketers]

How to Humanize Your Chatbot Engagement

Your chatbot shouldn’t sound like a robot. Learn how to humanize AI-driven support and delight your customers 24/7. Read our blog now!

In today’s customer-first business landscape, speed and personalization are the gold standards for customer support. While AI-driven chatbots are celebrated for their ability to provide instant assistance, many small business owners worry about losing the personal touch in automated conversations. Here’s the truth: when optimized correctly, chatbots can balance efficiency with meaningful…

[delhijeetechacademycourses]

These skills are useful for IT professionals, developers, and anyone interested in the growing field of cloud technology.

[patricia-taxxon]

i think what gets me abt these anti ai arguments abt labor theft is the "difference" between Unethical corpos & Ethical small artist jakeys. but its like, is the art program youre using made with ethical work practices? was your drawing tablet made with ethical work practices? if you do traditional art, the paints or the canvas or the paper and pens and pencils. the phone or camera you use to take the photos. the computer you post the art on.

all of these things are made thru overt exploitation, but since it isnt affecting The Artist, it doesnt matter to them.

it is just small business owner shit, you're absolutely right. at the very least, it feels like music communities have a more consistent conception of themselves as being part of the same labor force as anyone else but a certain contingent of visual artists seem to understand art as a specially societally exempt skillset. forgive me but its petit bourgeois as hell

[forthelostones]

𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚏𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 ➺ 𝚓𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚢 #9

anderson construction and landscaping had been parked outside your door since you returned home from university. as if the summer couldn't get any hotter, the business owner works overtime in your area. anderson is collecting new, loyal clients of your neighbors, cementing her permanence in your life for the next few months. what's to come of your girlish crush when she keeps showing up?

𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜. 18+ (mdni); age-gap, young!reader, older!abby, butch!abby, slow-burn, suggestive language, thoughts of infidelity, ellie ft, smoking/drinking, mentions of parents, nickname: sweetheart, and modern au.

𝚊𝚗. listen,,, i am actively doing a masters i apologize!!! i've recently stopped using grammarly for a more real writing experience. so if things are wonky, just know thats why! no more ai help. this isnt my BEST but.

♫ 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝. cry to me by loleatta holloway♫

I was completely dazed, hoping that I won’t crash into a brick wall anytime soon. The images from last night were on a constant reply behind my eyes. I’m sure she has no idea or at least I hope that she doesn’t but when I got up to go to the bathroom, I saw her. She was standing in my shower letting brushing her hands against her body, tracing the lines of her hips with what I presume was my soap. The door was slightly ajar although the steam hid her, which I was thankful for, a perverse part of my brain wish it wasn’t. But her outline was more than enough. The feeling wasn’t anger towards her but frustration all again within me being a creep and internal moral conflict. 

As I tossed in bed, I listened to her feed pad around the hardwood and finally settle in the living room. After rolling back and forth multiple times I found a comfortable position and let my mind drift away void of any lingering thoughts. Images of her continuously flashed in my mind, it was inappropriate, unprofessional, a conflict of interest. My shoulders dropped instantly as we pulled into her driveway, she left me alone and I pressed my head against the seat.

Once I ended my call with Henrietta and confirmed today’s appointment, she reappeared dressed in black jeans, baby blue cotton button up rolled to the elbow, hair out of her face and ears decorated with gold jewelry and minimal makeup. A soft tote bag thrown over her shoulder slipped off ever so slightly as she opened the door — I itched to get out and do it for her, it didn’t feel right to see her open it on her own. Up close she looked honey-drenched from a soft golden shimmer highlighted on the peaks of her face. I swallowed roughly. 

“Are you nervous?” I ask, hoping the breaking the silence will help me feel normal. 

“Not at all,” She says plainly.

“Were you nervous your first time Ms. Anderson?” She stares out the window. 

I chuckle. “Depends.” 

“My mindset is there is nothing I can’t do. I can have it all, you know.” 

“I remember my first project after Grandad died, I took over his small crew of chauvinistic dicks.  They all acted like I gave him the cancer, that was the hardest part, getting the job done even though I was surrounded by people who couldn’t care less if I died too. A lot of time I was at sites overnight, fixing mistakes they made on purpose, juggling multiple contracts, grieving,” I grip the wheel tighter remembering the level of mental turmoil I was put through. Funeral arrangements, emotionally manipulative girlfriend, underpaid… “I don’t think I had time to be nervous, I had to be strong immediately. Let them call me horrible names and make those jokes to prove a point,” 

A small Henrietta came into view waving a small, saggy arm quickly. She was so cute. 

“That’s Mrs. Harris, she’s quite the character.” I add. 

Without time to complete our conversation we both step out with haste. 

“Welcome ladies, now I don’t remember this fine young lady before.” 

“Hi Ms. Harris, I’m Ms. Anderson’s new assistant, nice meeting you.” She smiles brightly and genuinely. 

“Perfect, you can meet my daughter Nora then, she’s making iced tea.” 

My face contorts with confusion as we take our shoes off at the door to walk into the kitchen. Lemon lady, Nora, looks up and our faces share similar confusion. I scratch at a sliver of my exposed arm. 

“Abigail,” She manages to grunt. 

“Oh—What? You two know each other?” Her mother questions. 

“‘Ma were actually neighbors,” 

Mrs. Harris gasps theatrically and slams her hand over her chest and praises silently to herself. 

“We are.” I confirm. 

Nora’s tanned skin was deep and rusty, causing her light brown eyes to pop even more. I saw her beauty in its fullness as she pranced from around the island in a hot pink wrap dress. 

“So, what the hell!” Henrietta laughs, wrapping a causal arm around my new assistant. 

“In passing we speak but not fully, I definitely don’t know you, hi.” 

I had never payed attention to how raspy her voice was - sultry. Her long lashes fluttered as two parts of my new world began to collide instantly and explode right in my face. Nora’s full 'fro was painted with a stroke of grey around the edges of her hairline feathering outwards. Her femininity was palpable, she floated on her lavender painted toes around the kitchen, finally making it to me. I had to look downwards slightly to meet her gaze. 

“Hi,” She twinkles softly. 

“Well, hello there. I started to find it suspicious that I didn’t receive a crate of lemons recently.” 

She laughs behind a soft manicured hand that then brushes slightly against my bicep. “I’m starting limes now.” 

For some reason I blushed. 

We sat in the tastily aquatic themed living room where I sat with all three ladies to have further discussion, even now I didn’t want to, I wanted to hear Nora’s voice again. A small tingle danced on my body from all the pleasantries Nora and I had ran into from simply speaking. No awkward waves or glances and I felt … a bit nervous. Her femininity was fragrant and I pictured those short nails piercing into my skin as I flatten her curls into a pillowcase.

Iced tea sat center on to coffee table that I sipped while avoiding any glances in Nora’s direction, undressing her with my eyes in front of her mother would be absolutely inappropriate — which made it harder. As I slipped on my specs to read some notes I made after meeting with Henrietta I felt two flaming gazes traveling in my direction. One of them mutual and one of them not, a fantasy living in my dreamscape. 

“‘Ma I won’t be moving back in anytime soon, but if you worked on the guest bedroom, maybe I could stay over more often?” Nora groaned. 

Henrietta melted into her seat sadly at the final conclusion. 

“Fine. Abby, would that be something you have time to do?” She asked. 

“Let me check our calendar and call you.” 

“Or call Nora!”

I giggled a bit and looked to my newest edition force a soft grin at the non-business related topic at hand. The sheer enthusiasm from her mother told me everything that I needed to know, Nora had been single for far too long, living a bit sedentary like me. Luckily for me, I didn’t have any parents anymore to nag me about it. 

Nora slipped on tan criss-cross sandals to walk us outside to the door, where we headed for the truck, but not just before she gripped my bicep. I turn with hot curiosity to the woman who now stands slightly above me the peak of the morning glistening on her face. 

“Sorry, she can be a bit dramatic.” She apologies. 

“It’s perfectly fine, it’s good you still have her,” I add. 

“Listen Abby, this blind date was unusual but I feel like we can take a drink and learn more about each other. Or I could cook you breakfast this weekend, whatever you want.” She smiled. 

I nodded casually but was internally on the brink of combustion, her initiative surprised me and I was upset I couldn’t approach her first, but I was pleased. 

“Absolutely, your mom took the liberty of texting me your contact so no worries I’ll be in touch.” I mimic her soft smile. 

“Perfect. Hope to hear from you soon.” 

“Whatever we decide to do I’d love to see you in some lavender.” I wriggle my fingers. 

She nods her head and my knees could’ve buckled then and there but instead I step back and turn to face the truck. 

“Fuck,” I whisper. “Sorry.” 

I jog slightly to the truck and unlock the door for my poor assistant who had to see the most unprofessional display of interaction with a client on her first day. I cut the AC on quickly and lean back in the driver’s seat to look over at her. But I couldn’t read her, was she upset or confused? I couldn’t tell. 

“How about we get you home, I’m headed—“ 

“Could you take me to Ellie’s? She’s just off the second exit on the highway.” She request then buckles her seatbelt. 

“Of course.” 

— 

Last night I promised myself to sort through the regular onboarding paperwork so I could pay my new addition for her time as soon as possible. I sat in an empty house under the hum of central air under me as I sort out the forms, some that I needed her to sign. Realistically, I could send the PDF to her email or invite her over so I can see her again.  I look over to my empty wine glass and the sticky red residue settled at the bottom of the cup. My stomach tightened for the third time, but I can’t ignore it, I needed to get dinner in order. 

8:53 p.m.: Need you to fill out some forms for me. 

Instead of sitting and watching grey bubbles appear and disappear, I started on sorting my grocery order I placed when I came back. After my third glass of wine I decided to make a lemon garlic pasta after reading one recipe and certain that it was simple enough for me to do tonight. 

I found a beer in hand and my phone in another with a caldron of a pot boiling over to the stove top. Chopped lemons lifted the scent in the house from rich to light and sweet as it grew dry on the counter. A bell-sound came from my phone and I jumped at the opportunity to read it but was highly unaware of my own mess. 

“Fuck,” I holler, my screen now covered in lemon juice. 

I drop my phone down on the counter amongst the ingredients and pick my angel hair pasta up, the package slips out of my hand and the threads of hard yellow sticks hit the floor. I watch them spread and roll to wherever they pleased. 

My door bell hummed at the front of the house and I slightly jogged to catch it, I wasn’t expecting her to pop up now, especially in a moment like this, shit.

“Hey, I wasn’t—“

“Oh.” Nora smiled timidly. 

“Nora, wow, hi.” 

“Seems like you were expecting someone. I can dip out…” She offers. 

“Um,” I wipe my fingers against the dish towel thrown over my shoulder. “Not at all come in.” 

I slip to the side and welcome her in. Her choice of loungewear was black linen pants and an oversized Howard University sweatshirt. She left her UGG slippers near the front door and crossed her arms as she admired the room. 

“Cooking or attempting to, um, in the kitchen if you wanna join me. Want a drink?” 

The water in the pot dulled, most of it gone into the atmosphere or on the stove itself.

“Oh gosh, Abigail,” Nora rushed to gather the stray pasta. “I’ve never seen anyone struggle like this to cook noodles.” 

If anyone else would’ve said that, I would have been highly offended but her non judgmental tone soothed me. She held them out like a bouquet before handing them to me to toss in the trash. Without thought she turned the heat off and refilled the pot carefully in the sink and carried it back. 

“I have pasta in my pantry, it’s capellini if that’s okay?” 

“Perfect.” I smile, clueless of what that is. 

As soon as she closed the door I jolted off to the bathroom to freshen up. Stepping in front of the mirror was a live horror show. My braid was veering off to the side with flying hairs sticking up around my crown. Quickly, I untangled my hair, brushed it out and threw on more deodorant. 

Nora was natural in the kitchen with her tea towel tucked in her waistband and using knives that have about as much action as me in the last five years. She brought over a much more adult bottle of a 2012-something and taught me how to identify the notes. I stood over her shoulder, watching her wrist make a swift motion out of a steel pan she brought from her home. The fragrant lemon sauce was coming together well with diced shallots and what I believe was fresh thyme, from her home garden.

She taught me how to properly swirl and plate the right portion and then store it for the days to come. We gathered at my dining table, slightly tipsy, but overjoyed at the fresh grated parmigiana’s compliment to the wine. Her lips were coated in the smooth sauce and her tongue grazed against them to clear off the residue. “I don’t remember my last home cooked meal.” I admit, chewing behind my hand. 

“That’s a shame,” she sighed. 

“Well, nope I just lied. My assistant’s parents invited me over for dinner, so I guess that counts. I think I was referring to more so inside of my own home.” 

“Do most of your clients prepare food for you?” She chuckled uncomfortable. 

“Uh, not meals but drinks, snacks, of course. They’re getting a bathroom demo and it’s a little bit exciting and I’ll be spending a bunch of time there — to be fair, I wasn’t the priority receiver of their kindness, they threw a party and invited me.”

"Great because mom can't cook." She smirked.

She twirled the last bits of the noodles around her fork and sat back to glance over to me, her hand slightly grazing her belly. My alcohol intake was far too high in the last couple of days and it was making me more and more malleable. I chewed on the corner of my lip as Nora’s eyes poured into mine seductively. 

“I am overjoyed Nora, thank you.” I mumbled, wiping my mouth with a napkin.

“Me too, I’m glad I stopped by.” 

I scooted my chair out to collect our dishes as her hand reached out to stop me. 

“Abigail, why don’t you get that after you walk me to my door?” 

All the blood rushed out of me as her dark voice beckoned me to obey.

“Well, yes ma’am.” 

Nora shuffled in front of me and led me to her property, covered in healthy plants and garden decor. I guess I never really looked at the items in her yard but she had a landscaping talent. 

“This is me.” She smiled before turning towards me and crossing her arms as she does. 

“I’m happy to have shared a nice meal with you. Thanks for saving my dinner.” 

Nora casually tucked a stray hair floating on the side of my temple and pulled it back behind my ear. “Abigail, I just followed the recipe.” 

I leaned down to place a long, intentional kiss onto her right cheek, her hands came to my shoulders briefly and back to her sides as I stepped away. 

“I’ll wait to see you fully in.” I gestured to her door.

꒰ঌ ໒꒱

You were waiting outside for over thirty minutes, banging your fist against Ms. Anderson’s door. One of her truck’s was in the driveway and nothing seemed out of order outside, so you were confused as to why she wasn’t coming to the door. 

All your calls went straight to voicemail meaning it was dead or she turned it off entirely. You do a combination of doorbell ringing and phone calling until the door flies open. Abby stood in an unusually silky black robe with a metal baseball bat. Her usually perfectly primped hair was matted and sticking to her skin. She sighed in audible relief that it was just me. 

“I heard banging,” She winced and covered her eyes with her palm. 

“I’ve been calling and banging for almost an hour.” You move past her. 

Wine glasses and dirty plates came in to view and a sinking feeling dropped in your belly. She had her neighbor over, she got to have dinner with Abby, touch her, kiss her, and by the looks of it fuck her too.

[gremlin-girly]

Warmest Welcome

Pairing: Biker Bucky x f!Cafe Owner Reader

Warnings/tags: mild threat, intimidation, petnames (doll) meet ugly

Not beta'd. I do not give permission for my work to be reposted, copied, translated or put through an AI machine.

Chapter Summary: The final touches of your café are being put together and on the day of your grand opening, you meet the leader of the White Wolves.

Word count: 2.4k

Dividers by: @/bernardsbendystraws | Banner by me, made in canva, images from canva and Pinterest (credit to the original creators)

Series Masterlist | Bucky Barnes Masterlist | Navigation

Part 1 | Part 2

The sun was setting over Briarridge Town as you sped past the welcome sign. The houses on the outskirts gave way to sun-bleached suburbs with lush green trees

This was your fourth, and final, trip back; the last of your belongings packed tightly into your car. Years of saving, grinding and working hard had paid off and you were finally able to live your dream of opening a café.

Despite your family's protests and worries about you moving away from them, you felt amazing. Setting out on your own, building your own path, your own business.

Doing something you loved.

The building had been dirt cheap, a fixer-upper for sure, but nothing a lick of paint and deep clean couldn't fix. You’d been lucky finding a place to set up a small café at such a cheap price. The townsfolk seemed nice enough if not a little withdrawn but you hoped they’d warm up to you soon enough once the café was up and running good and proper.

You unloaded the last of your boxes from your car with a spring in your step into your new home-cum-café. The apartment above the café was yet another fixer-upper but, like your café, it was yours.

The apartment was relatively large; two bedrooms, a bathroom and a large living room with a kitchen just behind it. Another steal, had it not been for the fact that there was a hole in the centre of the floor, the water wasn't working and other components were in various states of disrepair.

Again, nothing a lick of paint couldnt fix. And Google.

Maybe a plumber.

Your bed wouldn't be arriving until the following day so a blow-up bed you'd set up with a duvet and pillow on your first visit would have to be your place of sleep for the night. Dumping your last box you collapsed against the musty smelling makeshift bed. Despite your circumstances, excitement still filled your chest and you squealed with joy into your pillow.

Tomorrow would be a fresh start to your new life in Briarridge.

The first thing on your agenda the next morning was coffee.

You leaned onto the kitchen counter etching down the things you needed to buy with the rest of your savings. Bed was bought. Café equipment already fitted. Chairs, tables coffee machine ordered. The sign out for delivery.

You needed a lot of paint, coffee and all of the ingredients to ready yourself for opening. You hum thoughtfully to yourself. You'd also need to think about decorating the apartment, not just the café.

Maybe put a rug over that hole.

You're at the department store the moment it opens buying a trolley full of paint, tools, fake plants and a few other odds and ends. The other odds and ends being milk and snacks for sustenance as you get to work on making your café look appealing and your apartment a home.

The first room you tackle is your bedroom. It's the bigger of the two bedrooms and painting the room a delicate lilac, the room already looked brighter. After a short break and accepting the the delivery of your bed, you start on the café downstairs.

There's a brief moment when you're on your hands and knees, scrubbing the life out of the wood-effect linoleum if it was worth it. However, at the final wash and the gleam in the warm lighting, you knew it had been. Why pay when you could do it yourself?

An excellent work ethic is something you had always had and to achieve your dream you knew it would be the longest and hardest battle you would have to fight.

But dammit, it was worth it!

Sighing, rolling your aching muscles, you make your way up to your apartment after locking up; desperate for a hot shower. Crawling back under the covers of your air mattress you fell into a deep slumber, ready to wake up and do it all again the next day.

After a week of gruelling work, of painting, of baking, of preparing, decorating and hiding the hole in your apartment; you were ready.

The unveiling of your dream come true was nothing short of surreal; the curved black signage of Whisk & Whimsy glistened in the dewy spring air and the swell of pride in your chest.

Even though you'd told yourself not to expect throngs of people bursting down the doors, it was still disheartening when you waited for hours getting excited when anyone walked by, for no one to even stick their head in to take a peek.

Maybe you'd expected too much. Being a new business and a stranger in a new town but it was too quiet for a Wednesday at lunch hour.

You'd triple checked the best before dates, checked the food signs for the pastries and cakes, and had wiped every surface at least two dozen times since opening in the morning. Everything had to be pristine for your grand opening. Even if no one showed up.

You plucked a cupcake from behind the display case and munched irritably as you attempted to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee. The café was crickets and it irked you to think you'd done all this work, spent all this money, to fail before you even began.

"I should drag them in here and make 'em try a cupcake." You grumble to yourself, watching a few locals walk past your window without so much as a glance in your direction.

When the bell rings above the door, you're in the middle of counting the croissants in the display case and almost knock yourself out jumping up so quickly.

And oh boy, you weren't prepared for what greeted you.

A long-haired brunet man, easily about six foot four, as wide as he is tall with muscular arms that flex under his Henley. His face isn't tan but beautifully and perfectly sun-kissed, accentuating the pink of pouting lips under the five o'clock shadow and sweet-pea blue eyes.

Your eyes flicker to his torso noting how his red Henley is streaked with black smudges and flecks of paint. But where the collar lies against his collarbone, opened enough to give a teasing peak of a tattoo that's hidden beneath.

Why didn't anyone about the gorgeous men in this town? Maybe this was why your family was worried.

When your eyes look back to his face again as he leans against your countertop, smirking at you, interlacing his fingers with one tan hand that sports some silver rings and one tattooed one. He knew he looked good and he knew that you thought so too.

Yeah, your family was definitely worried about men like him.

"Welcome to Whisk and Whimsy," you say warmly, breaking into a delightful customer service smile and trying not to blush under his gaze. "What can I get for you?"

He smiles over at you and you can feel your heart beat a little faster but chide yourself gently. He's a customer. A handsome one, sure, but a customer nonetheless.

"Coffee please doll," He says, voice sweet and smooth like honey. "Black."

You nod and immediately get to work prepping the coffee and ringing it up through the register.

"Staying in or to go?" You ask

"To go, doll. This shouldn't take more than five minutes."

You wonder what he's talking about but put the portafilter into the slot and run the espresso into the take out cup before filling it with boiling water. Securing the lid you place the coffee in front of him and tell him the price, to which he hands you a five dollar bill, far exceeding the price but refuses change.

"You got settled in pretty quick," He comments, sipping the coffee quietly. "Didja work out a deal with the White Wolves before coming into town or what?”

“White Wolves?” You say, purging the portafilter and wiping down the machine. You shoot the guy a confused frown. “Is that the sports team here?”

He snorts. “You can’t be serious. No one’s told ya?”

You shake your head moving to the bar, resting your forearms on the counter opposite him. "I moved here a little over a week ago - I don't really know anyone yet."

"Really?" He grins at you before offering his large right, non-tattooed hand to you. "Well, I'm Bucky."

You tell him your name and shake his hand, trying not to wince as the rings dig into your skin slightly. He releases your hand, taking another glug of coffee and eyeing you curiously.

"So," you start. "The White Wolves?"

"Right. White Wolves." He grins, but now a feeling of unease creeps along your skin. "The White Wolves are a biker gang that run the town. No one comes or goes without them knowing and all the businesses pay.... well, insurance, shall we say."

"You can’t be serious." You snort. You would not paying insurance. All of your hard work, your earnings, your savings, your dreams... Shattered in less than a week? Absolutely not.

"Very serious." Bucky nods somberly before his eyes meet yours and they're not gleaming with anything other than frost. "And I'm their leader."

"Leader?" You scoff with a smile. "Fuck off."

Bucky raises an eyebrow and his lips quirk at the corners, clearly amused by your disbelief. Bike gangs? Seriously? He came all the way here to feel you out, see what you know and bully you into giving him money? Utterly laughable.

"Wish I was lyin' doll but I make a point of seeing every business for the first visit. It's a shame nobody warned ya." He sighs theatrically but smirks over at you. "I'm gonna give you some leeway for that, and because you made such a delectable cup of coffee, but by the end of the month I expect payment."

If you had no sense of decorum, and if you hadn't just washed the counter three times, you'd probably spit at him. You grind your teeth, fire in your eyes as you consider your options. But then the fire fizzles and dies as you sigh.

Bucky grins triumphantly at the sight, which should anger you more. It only serves to fuel your answer. Your shoulders relax. You sigh. Your eyes meet his.

"No." You say simply.

"I wasn't askin' doll." Bucky says, sipping at his coffee, eyes narrowing in confusion. "You're going to pay up."

"No." You say again and, to make it a point, you turn away from him. You can see a warped version of his face in the shiny surface of the coffee machine, his smile replaced by a gape of sheer disbelief. You wipe down the back counter acting like he's not even there. Meanwhile, your mind churns. Why did you say that? What have you done? You'd not even been here two weeks and of he wasn't lying, you'd just royally pissed off a bike gang leader.

Bucky chuckles. "No? You think you can just tell me no?"

"Yeah." You say throwing your rag down and turning to him, hands on hips. "Bet you don't hear it often."

Bucky blinks and looks genuinely shocked that you're not backing down and refusing his not-so-subtle act of intimidation. "I - no. I don't actually."

He considers you for a moment, eyeing your defiant stance in your black apron. "You're either stupid or brave, doll but I'm sure you'll come around."

Bucky straightens, cracking his neck with a sigh before heading to the door. "Cute place ya got here doll. Be a shame if something happened to it." He says before walking through the door with an eerie jingle of the bell.

Nausea swirls in your stomach with anger, watching him leave. You never liked bullies. Even if they were gorgeous, Henley wearing biker leaders.

You'd be dammed if you paid that arrogant biker a dime of your hard earned cash. You needed to come up with a plan, one you could execute while keeping your business afloat.

Two bikers sat outside Whisk & Whimsy the following morning. You'd given them a cursory glance as you opened the shop, and they nodded at you, but made no moves to get up and follow you inside.

Both hulking masses of men, easily over six foot. One was blond and pale skinned, looking like a porcelain doll come to life with pink lips curved into a slightly cheeky smile as he talked with his friend. His friend was slightly shorter than him but no less imposing, with dark skin and a beautifully radiant grin that would give Bucky a run for his money.

"They look like models not bikers." You huff to yourself, peeking through the blinds before sighing and rolling them up. You'd done all the prep the night before but the biker's just sat on their bikes, watching the café.

They didn't come in but you watched as every potential customer crossed the street to avoid them. Intimidation tactics 101.

By mid-afternoon, you'd had enough. Lunch rush was fast approaching and you needed the business. Stuffing two large coffees into a cardboard holder, you grabbed a to-go back and filled it with creamer, sugars and stirrers before wrapping two grilled cheeses and two sweet pastries. The small feast would be a minor set back in the grand scheme of things and you waited until the thrum of lunch rush began to step out into the street and approach the two men with your head held high.

You approached the one closest to you, full beaming smile as you handed him the bag and drinks. In front of at least a dozen civilians.

"Sorry it took so long!" You say brightly and both men look baffled. "If you need any napkins they're just inside the door."

You turn on your heel and bounce back inside, leaving the two men to look between themselves in confusion. You smirk to yourself as you watch a small group of the civilians talk amongst themselves for a moment before crossing the street and stepping over the threshold to Whisk & Whimsy.

You grin and welcome them; taking sick satisfaction in the bewildered annoyance written on the faces of the men outside realising they'd been had. If everyone else thought you and Bucky were square, you'd get customers and profit, whether his lackeys were outside or not.

You - one.

White Wolves - Nil.

Chapter One - End

A/N: So.... Welcome to Whisk & Whimsy!!

I love a good biker Bucky x sweet reader but you know what I love more? A reader whose a menace. I don't usually like letting Bucky keep his left arm.... but he kinda needs both for the bike and also.... TATTOOS. 😫😫 this is a set up chapter clearly giving a little intro to our reader and how much of a pain in Bucky's side she'll be :)

I was actually working on some Bucky Bingos today and trying to get more of my 20qs submissions done but I got possesed to get this out lol

Thoughts, comments, reblogs are all welcome!!

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