In my early 20s after graduating college, moving to a new city and starting a new career, my next thoughts turned to ... marraige. Not that it was top priority, but of course, this was the time it happened to many colleagues and friends. Time went on and I went on: skiing, kayaking, hiking and even on trips abroad. With different friends! Nothing doing in the wedding department and by my late 20s I kind of forgot about it. In fact, I pursued what was more important - environmental volunteer work. And then SURPRISE! Several years into that mode and the question was popped.
A little deja vu happened this summer...
Building my small biz has been a labor of love, but difficult at times. I've followed a cautious plan of limiting expenses, choosing venues that produce returns, and sinking time into no cost internet and live marketing. It's been a success, not that I am getting rich, but I am making a (small) income!!
One of the priorities of a home based crafter is to have their work in a REAL store. I've been fortunate to have that experience over the years, sometimes by luck but mostly by sheer persistence! Of all the places I've had jewelry, cards, and accessories, many have closed.
In the recent economic era, though, surviving shops have been stressed and less able to add new wares. So instead pursuing new stores, I turned to doing live shows for a year or two. It is a big time commitment but pays off.
But, just like the proposal, I've gotten 2 offers for selling my work in two new places.
One for a collection of painted wood frames and fun collage cards like these:
Thank You Blue
An unusual and high impact greeting!
Available
And a second for sea glass jewelry I am designing and producing from a treasure of supplies found by chance on a vacation to British Columbia:
Sea Glass Beauties
An exciting day! All the white and brown pieces under my hand are sea glass.
Watch for photos of the finished bracelets and more coming soon. Or just follow me on FB (left side bar) to get sneak peeks.
July 27th, 2012 at 06:40 pm 1343414428
Congrats on the new stores!
July 28th, 2012 at 11:53 pm 1343519605
August 4th, 2012 at 10:54 pm 1344120847
Jerry