Weekly Featured Artist 7/20-7/26

Q: Tell us a little about yourself…
I am a 23 year old wife (of almost 3 years) and mother to a one year old girl. I am a southern girl from North Carolina, and still live there today. I have been into crafts ever since I could pick up a glue stick and a crayon. As a child I entered many art contests and won some national ones. Now that I'm a mom drawing has since went out the window (because when do I have the time to draw). Now I concentrate on crafts that I can pick up here and there during nap times.

Q: How long have you been doing this?
I first learned to crochet at age 7. I quit for a long time and picked it back up at the age of 19. Needless to say, I had a lot of refreshing to do. I didn't have a lot of luck with craft shows so I started on Etsy. I have been an Etsy addict since September 2007. I've since been exploring all sorts of crafts depending on what mood I'm in that day.

Q: Who/What inspires you?
I can find inspiration from anywhere. But, I guess my main inspiration is my daughter. I try to make girly stuff that she will one day enjoy, which is odd because I'm definitely NOT a girly girl.

Q: What's your favorite piece?
My favorite item right now is my Blooms and Stripes Blanket. I worked on it off and on for 3 1/2 years so it's been a part of me for a while. I love the felt flower on it. I think it is beautiful yet hip. (See Image Below)

Q: If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be & why?
I would have to say Walt Disney. I just admire his imagination and his courage to follow his dreams. I go to Disney World a good bit, and it just leaves me in awe. To think one man started all that. He started a wonderful place where we all can be kids, where we all can believe in our dreams, and skip down Main Street hand in hand. I just love it.

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
Harry Potter, just because I know more about him than any Star Wars character, haha.

EBSpider's Shop
Blog

Big Business (Part 3)

What's the Plan, Stan?

Business plan, that is.

You've heard how important it is to come up with a business plan in the early stages, right? But why is it so important and what is it?
A business plan is a plan of action. Where you are, where you want to be and how you'll get there. Here are some tips and pointers in writing one...

1. In once sentence describe what you do. Be as specific as possible so that when you tell someone, they aren't confused. "I sell clothing" isn't near as specific as "I hand paint clothing for adults and children."
2. In detail, describe what you sell and what makes it special, or sets you apart from your competition. Is it more of a luxury, less expensive, custom, etc? Why buy from you?
   
3. Who are your customers? It's important to really think about this one. Be very specific. Everyone can't be your customer, so who are you selling to? Senior citizens? Teenagers? Moms of twins? Where does your ideal customer usually shop/frequent? If you don't know where to find them, how will you market to them?
4. Realistically look at your start up costs. Do you need a loan or are you fronting all of the money yourself? All of the little things can add up quickly, make sure you know what you're getting into before heading unknowingly into debt.
5. Make sure to include copies of your Fictitious Name Statement and publication documentation.

Leave room for growth. It's a good idea to revisit your plan in a year to see if you're still on track or if you need to make any adjustments.

Weekly Featured Artist 7/13-7/19

Q: Tell us a little about yourself…
I'm a stay at home mum of two - my six month old Milla and my 7 year old step daughter Felicity; and couldn't think of anything better in the world.
My week is a full one - I have Felicity 4 days of the week running her play-based therapy for her autism and the rest of the week I juggle Milla and Giggleberry. I love to be busy and get in and get things done.
I have a store on Etsy, selling pre made or custom ordered bunting sets for kids room, nurseries, cubbies, play rooms, parties, baby gifts, craft show tents… anything really! Q: How long have you been doing this?
I have always loved creating things, and love the 'handmade factor' of gifts, so I started Giggleberry Creations in April 2008 and have loved every minute.

Q: Who/What inspires you?
Forever. I have longed to be a mum - a fun mum - just like my mum was, and still is - I hope I've still got the spark for life she manages to ooze day in and day out for her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends - definitely an inspiration.
In regards to my Giggleberry products - anything unique and different has my full attention and I love to create one-of-a-kind items for that very reason!

Q: What's your favorite piece?
My favorite item is a little bit biased. My mum handmade all her grandchildren a cot quilt - unique for them, so when she made one for my daughter I requested the leftover fabric and created a set of pennant strings with the fabric. They hang above the very cot that the quilt is in!

Q: If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be & why?
I'd love to meet Julie Andrews. I LOVED Mary Poppins as a girl and was a nanny for 4 years from that love. I'm sure she would have many amazing stories to tell.

Q: If Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter dueled, who would win? Why?
Much to my hubby's amazement, and disappointment, I have never seen any Star Wars movies so I'd have to vote for Harry Potter in this one - fingers crossed - I have heard Luke is pretty clever! LOL.

Giggleberry's Shop