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Archived
Business Spotlights - 2005 |
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See also Archived Spotlights
2004 &
2006 |
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January 2005 -
Designs by Marnie Perry
Here are the
Questions and Answers shared by Marnie Perry of
Designs By Marnie Perry.
1. Describe your business: type of business, where you're
located, how long have you been in business, website URL's, etc.
My online Shoppe is called Designs by Marnie Perry and I design
and create hand painted slate decor for the home and garden, and
slate/metal jewelry. I've been working with slate for over
two years, but my online store opened July of 2004. I'm a
work at home mom from Alberta, Canada. You can find my
Shoppe at
http://www.designsbymarnieperry.com
2. How did you
decide on your business name? I've been a part of
this craft industry for over 10 years and, as a self-taught
artisan, I've worked with many mediums and have had several
business names. When I saw my business was growing,
and my customer base consistently expanding, I decided that
I wanted people to remember my own name and associate me,
personally, with my artistic style. It's worked to my
advantage really well because I'm never tied down to one
medium...I can be freely creative and still work under my
chosen business name.
3. What were the first things you did to get your
business going? I didn't start my business online,
so I guess the first thing I did was spend many years
building a locally reputable business with great service and
trend-setting, quality products. My initial reason for
opening my online Shoppe was so that my existing customers
could find me easily and see my entire product line.
Now I'm expanding outside my province and outside my
country!
4. How long did it take you from the time you
decided to open your business to your Grand Opening Day?
I guess it took
about two months. There was alot of preparation,
especially in making samples of all the slate designs I
currently had and then getting all that information uploaded
to my site. I really wanted my site to reflect my
creative style and I feel very proud to have succeeded in
doing that.
5. What was the
best thing you did to get your business going?
I found a host server that I not only felt confident to work
with, but one that primarily works with the primitive/craft
industry. They've supplied me with a huge support system
and amazing networking opportunities.
6. What was one
thing that you did that you would advise others not to do? Wow,
that's a tough one. I've been very fortunate with my
business (both online and at home). I guess my best
advice, because I've seen other artisans make this mistake,
is don't try to grow too fast. Take the time to really
learn about your market, your customers and what you can
offer that sets you apart from everyone else (and how to do
all this and still make a living at it).
7. How do you
network? What do you find works the best? The most
fun I have networking is online community forums. It's
a great way to meet other people who share my interest and
love of creativity. I'm able to get my name out there,
and I'm also given another support system when I have
business questions.
8. Do you advertise? If so, what type of advertising
works the best for your business? The best
advertising that has worked for me, is handing out
information flyers about my online store when I'm exhibiting
at local craft/trade shows. I'm also just getting
ready to launch my store's newsletter. Once a month my
newsletter will be sent to everyone who has signed up
through my website. It offers interesting links, great
articles, notices of new products and specials on my site
and so much more. I'm really excited about this new
addition to my business.
9.Do you have any
advice to give someone thinking of getting into their own
business? Going back to what I said before, you
really have to take the time to know your industry.
This is absolutely key.
10. What type of products do you find are "hot"
right now? Snowmen, snowmen, snowmen!!!
We all love them and I've painted so many of them! :)
Having said that, my hottest
new release for this past fall/winter season was my hand painted
slate clock.
Thank-you Marnie for
being such a informative spotlight! I wish you much
continued success!
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February 2005 -
HOMESPUN KEEPSAKES
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by Cristi of
Homespun Keepsakes.
1. Describe your business: type of business, where you're
located, how long have you been in business, website URL's,
etc. We are a wife/husband team. We are
located exclusively online. We started by doing craft malls.
However, the time it takes for us to drive there, stock up
our area, and pay not only for our booth but a commission,
it wasn't worth it. We decided to go online -
www.homespunkeepsakes.com
2. How did you
decide on your business name? We wanted our name to
have a warm and country feel. I really liked Keepsakes
because that's what I wanted our customers to feel they
bought. Also, we make everything ourselves. Finally, it came
down to Homespun Keepsakes.
3. What were the first things you did to get your
business going? Figure out our general product
information. What were we planning on selling? Advertise:
anything to get your name out there. Research web designers
and hosting sites.
4. How long did it take you from the time you
decided to open your business to your Grand Opening Day?
From the time we decided the craft mall wasn't for us to
being online, was approximately 10 months.
5. What was the
best thing you did to get your business going?
Advertise, you can't do enough. We always carry extra cards
on us. We also have an advertisement in our vehicle window.
6. What was one
thing that you did that you would advise others not to do? There
is not one particular thing I regret. I believe you need to
make small mistakes to learn what you need to do. I would
just tell everyone to research what they are wanting to do.
Then, make up a to do list.
7. How do you
network? What do you find works the best? You
really need to get your name out there and keep it out
there. Work with someone who has a party business and do
shows with them. Make up a catalog and take it to work or
appointments (hair, nails, etc.)
8. Do you advertise? If so, what type of advertising
works the best for your business? I advertise
online and offline. Through fellow website and website
voting. I also have an about me page on ebay whenever I
decide to sell something.
9. Do you have
any advice to give someone thinking of getting into their
own business? Think about your target market and
research it. Find out what already exists, what is
profitable, what people are wanting but can't find.
10. What type of products do you find are "hot"
right now? I think there are tons of things
that people are wanting to decorate their home. Anything
that people can scent their house with.
Thank-you Cristi for
being such a informative spotlight! I wish you much
continued success!
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March 2005 -
Pure Soy Candle
This site is no longer available...
Here are the
Questions and Answers shared by Ronnie of Pure Soy Candle
aka Hess Sticks, Wicks and Gifts.
1. Describe your business: type of
business, where you're located, how long have you been in
business, website URL's, etc.
I make my own soy candles and tarts, and I use absolutely NO
additives in any of my products, just soy, fragrance oil,
and a wick if needed. I am located in South Central
Pennsylvania. I have been in business for over two years,
and my web address is http://www.puresoycandle.com
2. How did you decide on your business name? Hess
(my last name) Sticks (my dh does
wonderful woodwork) Wicks (my candles)
and Gifts (all the other crafts that I can do!!)
3. What were the first things you did to get your
business going?
Research, Research, Research!!! I researched three
months before I even bought an ounce of wax. And even
today, I still research, I try to make the best products.
Because if it doesn't pass my test, no one else will ever
see it!!
4. How long did it take you from the time you
decided to open your business to your Grand Opening Day?
Well, I created my business more offline than I did online,
in the beginning. And once I started my website, I
thought this should be the time to make the Grand Opening!!!
5. What was the best thing you did to get your business
going?
FEEDBACK!! I
constantly wanted feedback, as in scents, and different
containers. If I think a scent is nice, but it doesn't
go over too well, it just doesn't work. So now, what I
do is send out samples to have some of my wholesalers test
them out!!
6. What was one thing that you did that you would advise
others not to do?
Don't ever stop making mistakes!! It sounds strange,
but you wouldn't know how much you learn from your mistakes,
I know I did.
7. How do you network? What do you find works the best? Word
of mouth, and a bunch of help with promotion! I think
word of mouth works better for me, because if something is
good, your family and friends will know, but if something is
bad, twice as many people will know.
8. Do you advertise? If so, what type of advertising
works the best for your business?
I advertise any where I can. I pay for site promotion,
and I also advertise with other WAHM's, and I believe that
advertising with other WAHM's is the best way to go. I
know that when I need anything, I will go to another WAHM,
before I go anywhere else.
9. Do you have any advice to give someone thinking of
getting into their own business? Enjoy
what you do!!
10. What type of products do you find are "hot"
right now?
Well, I would say wickless jars. A lot of people would
love to burn candles, but they have a problem with the wick,
because they sometimes have a problem remembering to blow it
out. But with the electric jar warmers and wickless
candles, they don't have to worry.
Thank-you Ronnie for
being such a informative spotlight! I wish you much
continued success!
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April 2005 -
Kountry Kitchen
Kandles
This site is no longer available...
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by Liz of Kountry
Kitchen Kandles:
1. Describe your business:
type of business, where you're located, how long have
you been in business, website URL's, etc. I
make what I like to call "super-scented,
uniquely-blended hand-poured ParaSoy" candles.
What's a "ParaSoy" candle? Well, my candles are
made with my own unique blend of premium paraffin and
soy candle waxes to offer my customers the best of both
worlds. My container candle contains 70% soy and
is designed to burn longer and cleaner and traditional
straight paraffin candles. The small amount of paraffin
wax is used ensures maximum color and scent binding and
retention qualities. My votives and tarts are made
with a preblend of paraffin and vegetable/soy base
waxes. These unique combinations give my customers
the best of both worlds. I am located in
Dallastown, which is in South Central Pennsylvania.
I have been making candles since July of 2003 and have
been on the web since January, 2004. My website is
http://www.kountrykitchenkandles.com.
2. How did you decide on
your business name? Well, I started out
making my candles in my kitchen and I sort of live in
the country. And I wanted to be a bit different so
the only natural way to go was Kountry Kitchen Kandles!
3. What were the first
things you did to get your business going?
A lot of research. I did a lot of internet
research and testing when first starting out.
4. How long did it take
you from the time you decided to open your business to
your Grand Opening Day? Well, my grand
opening wasn't really until I decided to go onto the
web. I started out by taking my candles with me to
work to burn. It didn't take long to draw an
audience and we'll just say the rest was history.
LOL. After I was let go from my job last January,
the next day I was on the web and the grand opening
followed from there.
5. What was the best thing
you did to get your business going? As I
said before, I took my products into work with me for
personal use at first. Immediately, people wanted
them and the rest followed from there. I guess you
could say that putting the product in people's faces was
the best thing that I could have done in the beginning.
I was even offered a spot in a co-worker's family-owned
a salon and I'm still there today. When I went
onto the web, I joined every forum, top site list and
link exchange program that I could and it really helped
put my website out there.
6. What was one thing that
you did that you would advise others not to do?
Change things around. People like continuity.
I drove myself, and probably my customers, crazy by
adding, changing and deleting things. Keep it
simple and keep it consistent. If you are going to
add things, keep them. Don't confuse people.
7. How do you network?
What do you find works the best? Message boards
for me are my best way of networking. But the best
networking of all is word of mouth.
8. Do you advertise? If
so, what type of advertising works the best for your
business? Groups, message boards, site
promotion, brochures, email sig tags, whatever way that
I can find to advertise I do it. There are so many
avenues to pursue for advertising out there, free and
otherwise. You just have to take the time to look
for them.
9. Do you have any advice
to give someone thinking of getting into their own
business? Research all that you can and
make sure that you love what you do!
10. What type of products
do you find are "hot" right now? I would
say that prim/grubby candles seem to be on everyone's
hot lists right now. That's why I'm adding them to
my offerings soon ... LOL. Grubby pillars, loaves,
muffins, votives, tarts, as well as electric candles.
For me personally, my best sellers are my one ounce
floater tarts.
Thank-you Liz for sharing
your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued success!
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May 2005 -
Harvest
Glo
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by Holly of
Harvest
Glo:
1. Describe your business:
type of business, where you're located, how long have
you been in business, website URL's, etc.
We are Harvest Glo Soybean Candles, Wax Dipped Critters
& Bath. We are located in DeMotte, Indiana, in the
northwest corner of the state. You can find us on the
web at
www.harvestglo.com. We have been in business for
three years. We make all of our products by hand. Our
pouring facility is right next to our home.
2. How did you decide on
your business name? It took quite a long
time to come up with a business name. We felt it very
important to have our name reflect who we are and what
we wanted our business to be. Holly grew up in a farming
community, around soybeans her whole life. She loved
harvest time when all the bounty from the hard work of
the summer was collected, the glow of a harvest moon,
and the colors of Autumn. That is how we came up with
the name Harvest Glo. Our products are the bounty of the
hard work we do in our shoppe. The colors we choose
remind us of the many colors of Autumn and all the
colors God has chosen to bless us with throughout warm
weather in flower gardens everywhere.
3. What were the first
things you did to get your business going?
We believe strongly in simple values, honesty, hard work
and integrity. So to begin our business, we decided to
work on our product first. We wanted to have the best,
most pure, soybean candle. After many, many test and
trials, we believe we have made the best soybean candle,
lotions, lip balms, and soaps that we can make. This
process is ongoing.
4. How long did it take
you from the time you decided to open your business to
your Grand Opening Day? We opened our
business in 3 months, however, we continue to test and
make improvements as new products become available. It
is a neverending process.
5. What was the best thing
you did to get your business going? The
best thing we did to get our business going was make a
good product and be honest with our customers. Our
business grew by word of mouth. People were happy with
our products and told their friends.
6. What was one thing that
you did that you would advise others not to do?
Never sell a product without trying it yourself first.
7. How do you network?
What do you find works the best? To network, we
talk to vendors at the festivals and shows we attend. We
have also been very fortunate to have people approach us
at festivals asking us to sign up for their festivals or
asking to put our products in their stores. We are
beginning to explore the world wide web by linking with
other sites to share information.
8. Do you advertise? If
so, what type of advertising works the best for your
business? We try to limit our advertising
to keep costs down. However, when we do advertise, we
place ads in our local newspaper for sales and holidays.
We also send out emails to our website email list. We
send postcards out to our regular mailing list customers
announcing new products, seasonal products, shows, etc.
9. Do you have any advice
to give someone thinking of getting into their own
business? If you are thinking of getting
into your own business, there are a few things we
believe are very important. You must be driven, don't
take no for an answer, you MUST believe in what you are
doing. You MUST be willing to make sacrifices and work.
Be prepared for the lifestyle that your new business
will bring you to. Do not expect to have a huge success
immediately. As with anything, slow and steady is best.
Be patient!
10. What type of products
do you find are "hot" right now? Our
hottest item is still our candles.
Thank-you Holly for
sharing your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued
success!
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June 2005 -
Heart-N-Hand
Printing
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by Melissa of
Heart-N-Hand
Printing:
1. Describe your business:
type of business, where you're located, how long have
you been in business, website URL's, etc.
I operate desktop
publishing/printing business from my home. I've
been in business for over 15 years, but have been doing
desktop publishing for about 2 1/2 years. Recently
opening a full website strictly for the desktop
publishing/printing business.
http://www.Heart-N-HandPrinting.com
2. How did you decide on
your business name?
I've always liked the
Heart-N-Hand concept and already owned a business called
Heart-N-Hand Gifts, so just carried on with another
version of the name for the printing business.
3. What were the first
things you did to get your business going?
Research, Research,
Research!!! I did all my homework on the business
before deciding to "Go For It" and open the website.
I researched and found the best commercial equipment,
supplies, etc...to do the best quality job possible.
4. How long did it take
you from the time you decided to open your business to
your Grand Opening Day?
Over 1 year
5. What was the best thing
you did to get your business going?
Advertise, network with
other business, put my business info on EVERYTHING!!
6. What was one thing that
you did that you would advise others not to do?
I would advise others to
take time for yourself and family. Balancing
everything is very hard, especially at first. I'm
still struggling with that! I love what I do and
want to do it 24/7.
7. How do you network?
What do you find works the best?
Exchange fillers with
others, join message boards, discussion lists, groups,
etc...
8. Do you advertise? If
so, what type of advertising works the best for your
business?
The best form of
advertisement for me is "Happy Customers" and word of
mouth. I offer lots of freebies and specials.
I try my very best to make them happy and they spread
the word. I DO purchase advertising, also. I
usually do banner ads to keep my name in front of
people.
9. Do you have any advice
to give someone thinking of getting into their own
business?
Realize that it won't
happen over night...it takes lots of hard work, money,
long hours and sacrifices to make a business successful.
It is SOOO worth it though! Do your research and
have a plan...Then give it all you got!! Ü
10. What type of products
do you find are "hot" right now?
For me, personalized
notepads, business cards, hang tags, labels etc...All
which are very important in getting your business name
in front of people and building up name recognition.
Thank-you Melissa for
sharing your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued
success!
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July 2005 -
Christmas From The Heart
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by Peggy of
Christmas From The Heart:
1. Describe your business:
type of business, where you're located, how long have
you been in business, website URL's, etc.
Christmas From The Heart is a website for individuals to
list their businesses in. A Mall style website, I live
in Palmdale CA and I've been in business since the mid
90's
http://www.christmasfromtheheart.com Every year I do a
Christmas In July Sale so it seemed natural to also open
Christmas In July Sale.com as a partner site
http://www.christmasinjulysale.com
2. How did you decide on
your business name? In the mid 90's I was a
manager with a Party Plan Company named House Of Lloyd
and our Christmas Line was Christmas Around The World.
When they closed down, within a year or so of the new
owners taking over, I felt so lost because I am such a
Christmas person and loved doing in-home parties and
meeting people. At my parties I would ask women to share
their most cherished Christmas memory: happy, funny, or
heartwarming. Well, over the years, I and a lot of
Regular hostesses heard some great stories! We laughed
and cried, and they just touched my heart so much. It
was so special to me! This is something that most of us
do not do - sharing stories from the heart so openly. So
it came natural having the name Christmas From The
Heart, as it was and is a reminder of all the terrific
ladies and their stories I met over the years.
3. What were the first
things you did to get your business going?
Designing the website. I knew it has to feel conformable
to me and then I went to friends online and invited them
to join me on the website. Then I added the recipe and
craft sections as I was receiving emails from people
asking me where they could find them. And the traditions
section is from the days of asking for cherished
Christmas Memories at my parties.
4. How long did it take
you from the time you decided to open your business to
your Grand Opening Day? About 3-4 months.
5. What was the best thing
you did to get your business going? I gave
it my all and then waited. I knew it would take time and
having asked friends to join me on the site was great
support. Time and Networking. I know I am very lucky as
I have always been able to follow my dreams and reach
for the moon and if I fall, the stars and my husband
(and kids) are there to catch me. Taking the risk to
follow ones dreams is the hardest yet the best thing to
do. My dad, who passed away in July 2000 taught me that
from a young age.
6. What was one thing that
you did that you would advise others not to do?
You know I think we all learn from our mistakes so they
are not bad ones if we have learned from them. But since
I have a service, listings and website design and not a
product, I tend to go ahead and list the persons
business and request payment afterwards and sometimes
the payment just never comes. It disappoints me but for
me I still feel comfortable doing it. But I would advice
others not to, especially if it is a lot of money
involved.
7. How do you network?
What do you find works the best? I
love to network. I like yahoo groups the best of all the
groups as I find Ryze great but to over whelming at
times when it comes to the amount is mail. I personally
have always liked chats the best of all networking. In
the 90's with House Of Lloyd there was a chat room where
almost any time of day you could go to it and find
another House of Lloyd rep- friend in there. I miss
those type of fun relaxing yet networking style chats.
8. Do you advertise? If
so, what type of advertising works the best for your
business? I do advertise. I personally like
banner ads on the top of home page websites but try to
stay away from banner rotators.
9. Do you have any advice
to give someone thinking of getting into their own
business? The best advice I can give
someone is to tell them it is so much easier to sell a
product or service if you really like it! To try to sell
something that you are not into or passionate about will
end up showing and the end results is your success in
doing or selling it. Find what you like and do it from
the heart when it comes to sales makes it so much
easier.
10. What type of products
do you find are "hot" right now?
I think that depends on where you are and your age
(smile!). I can't think of anything I would find hot now
but I know others would. I am a candle person year
round.
If you are interested in
viewing more of Peggy's websites please visit
http://peggyross.com/websites.htm
Thank-you Peggy for
sharing your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued
success! We are thrilled to be in our 2nd year of
participating in your Christmas In July!
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August 2005 -
Prim
Corner
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by Silvia of
Prim
Corner:
1. Describe your business:
type of business, where you're located, how long have
you been in business, website URL's, etc.
I offer handmade Primitive folk art style decorations. I
am located in the UK and my aim is to bring more
Primitive and country designs to the UK. My business in
the form it is now has been going for a year now. I
started out drawing primitive graphics. I am still only
Internet based ,
my site is
www.primcorner.com.
2. How did you decide on
your business name? When I first started creating
craft items we did not have much room. There was
literally only a corner in our hallway where my desk
stood. I had my laptop there and all bits and pieces in
the desk drawers. And a few Prim Decorations, it was the
primitive corner of the house. That is where I took the
from - Prim Corner. In the About Me section of my site
you can even see a picture of it.
3. What were the first
things you did to get your business going?
First I
had to find out about legal matters. Here in the UK we
are bound by European Directives so I cannot just sell
everything I want or the way I want. As soon as I felt I
knew enough about the legalities I checked out what
was already out there, then I set onto creating. I told
all my Family and Friends what I was doing and that is
how I got my first sales, feedback was very good so I
continued. I am still learning and always looking for
new Ideas and ways to market my products.
4. How long did it take
you from the time you decided to open your business to
your Grand Opening Day? I
had been playing with the Idea of my own business since
Jan '04. I eventually opened my Site as a business site
in July '04. I worked more or less day and night.
5. What was the best thing
you did to get your business going?
Advertise advertise
and advertise some more. I talked about it everywhere
and to all my Friends and family...and still do.
6. What was one thing that
you did that you would advise others not to do?
Don't do to much at
ones. I work full time away from the Home as well as run
my own business. It works for me....for now. But I am
limited to what Craft shows I can do and how much I can
do. So, think about the time you can devote to your
business. And don't give up to easily. There will always
be downtimes in the business. Persevere!
7. How do you network?
What do you find works the best?
Link to
other Sites which are like yours....even if they are in
different country's. Talk about your
business...you never know who is listening!!! Do as many
shows as you are able. Join Forums and discussion
boards.
8. Do you advertise? If
so, what type of advertising works the best for your
business? Being only a tiny business, I do not
have much money to spend on advertising. I use Forums,
Emails and Links mainly. I leave business cards where I
can. To the point of accidentally dropping them in the
streets!! :) I also give samples to my co-workers...that
way they will show their friends and so on... I have
gotten a few sales that way.
9. Do you have any advice
to give someone thinking of getting into their own
business? Research and research some more. See if
there is a market for what you want to sell. How big is
the competition in your area? What outlets like yours or
similar are there? Where to the get the best and
cheapest supplies. I wish I had done a bit more
research... it would have saved me some money in the
first year. And advertise!! Talk about your business at
every opportunity you get. Add your Site/Shop/Business
Address to all you mail.
10. What type of
products do you find are "hot" right now?
Here in
the UK right now 'Boho' style is very hot. Everything has a Bohemian influence.
Knitted and beaded. Lots of creams and browns. I found that I can adapt some
Items to this and still keep a country feeling. My biggest sellers right now are
knitted handbags. And then there are good old scented Gifts. They never seem to
go out of fashion over here. I say.. Make it smell.. it will sell!
Thank-you Silvia for
sharing your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued
success!
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September 2005 -
Primlicious
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by Eva of
www.Primlicious.com
1. Describe your
business: type of business, where you're located, how
long have you been in business, website URL's, etc.
My business is all about Graphics. I'm located in
Florence, Arizona. I have been in business (with
www.primlicious.com) for about 6 months now
- whoa! 6 months already?? Website address is:
http://www.primlicious.com
2. How did you decide on your business name?
Actually, I was listening to a Destiny's Child CD.
One of their songs is called Bootylicious. I just
thought of adding Prim to it. Viola! Primlicious was
born! (Thanx Beyonce!)
3. What were the first things you did to get your
business going? I, of course, had to sit down and
think about what exactly I was going to have on my
website. What style of graphics I would
create......extreme prim, grungy, country, whimsical?
How would I accept payment? layout of the site, colors
etc.
4. How long did it take you from the time you decided
to open your business to your Grand Opening Day?
Approx. 6 weeks from when I signed up with my web host, to
when I actually went live.
5. What was the best thing you did to get your business
going? Advertised! Joined forums! Just got my name
out there!
6. What was one thing that you did that you would
advise others not to do? Don't fall into the
trap of being like everyone else. I see so
many cookie cutter websites, and I wonder where is the
originality? BE UNIQUE! Hopefully others will
appreciate the fact that you ARE unique!
7. How do you network? What do you find works the best?
Just talk to others that are interested in the same things
as you. Forums are the BEST. You can get honest feedback
about things AND you can get many wonderful
ideas on how to improve your products or
website. Making great friends is a BONUS!)
8. Do you advertise? If so, what type of advertising
works the best for your business? For me banner
advertising has been the thing that has bought TONS of
visitors to Primlicious. Word of mouth has also been
great. It helps to show others that there ARE people
buying my creations AND that they are happy with them!
9. Do you have any advice to give someone thinking of
getting into their own business? Sure. If you are
going into business doing something you love, like
candle making or graphics. Never lose sight of the fact
that you love doing it! Don't get too caught up
in I gotta make money, I HAVE to
sell these. It will soon become a "job" and not
that enjoyable hobby. Your creations & your sanity will
suffer!
10. What type of products do you find are "hot" right
now? Personalized graphics! Such as avatars,
siggys and banners. I guess its close to Having your name up in lights.
Thank-you Eva for sharing
your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued success!
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October 2005 -
Marie's Homespun Gifts
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by Marie of
Marie's Homespun Gifts
1. Describe your
business: type of business, where you're located, how
long have you been in business, website URL's, etc.
I offer handmade bath &
body products, made by me. I also feature handcrafted
items made by WAHM's : handbeaded jewelry, soy candles
and bath & body products for kids. My business opened
this past May 2005. So I'm pretty new to this!
www.marieshomespungifts.com
2. How did you decide on your business name?
I wanted the name to
have a country feel as I really like the country style
and anything handcrafted.
3. What were the first things you did to get your
business going?
I searched for handmade
products that were of good quality and tried them. Make
sure you would use the items you are going to sell. Also
looked for a web host and website program, something
affordable.
4. How long did it take you from the time you decided
to open your business to your Grand Opening Day?
I would say about 6 weeks
before I had the site up and products on hand.
5. What was the best thing you did to get your business
going?
Emailing family and
friends about my Grand Opening. Advertising on WAHM
boards & groups. Leaving my business cards everywhere!
My first month I also had a raffle for those who placed
an order and that drew in business.
6. What was one thing that you did that you would
advise others not to do?
I can't think of one
thing I did but what I would tell someone is to make
sure your website is easy to navigate , so your
customers will enjoy browsing the site. Keep it simple.
7. How do you network? What do you find works the best?
I belong to a few yahoo
groups and Wahm boards so that's how I network. I have
gained new customers this way and made many new friends!
8. Do you advertise? If so, what type of advertising
works the best for your business?
Banner advertising on
other websites . I found WAHM message boards have worked
for me too. Leaving business cards around town helps.
Offering monthly specials for customers, everyone likes
a SALE.
9. Do you have any advice to give someone thinking of
getting into their own business?
Sell something you really
like and believe in. Don't get discouraged. It takes
time to get a customer base. Most of all enjoy what your
doing and have fun.
10. What type of products do you find are "hot" right
now?
Right now its been the
bath & body products especially the goats milk soaps and
the rich body cream.
Thank-you Marie for
sharing your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued
success!
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November 2005 -
Country Crow Stitches
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by Jennifer of
Country Crow Stitches
(*Note from Debbie: I had the honor of being one of
Jennifer's first customers and I was so pleased with my
purchase and wonderful customer service! Thanks so much
Jennifer! My stitchery will be treasured for years!)
1. Describe your
business: type of business, where you're located, how
long have you been in business, website URL's, etc.
I own Country Crow
Stitches ~ an online shoppe featuring handmade primitive
pillows, framed stitcheries, custom samplers for
weddings and births, ornaments, stuffed critters, dolls
and prim fixins (potporurri). My site is located
at
http://www.countrycrowstitches.com
2. How did you decide on your business name?
I love crows, so having a
crow in the name was a given. I searched for
available domain names and everything I liked was
already taken. So I asked my husband what he
thought and he said Country Crow and I added the
stitches.
3. What were the first things you did to get your
business going?
I did a lot of research.
I visited a lot of sites to see what types of items were
being offered online, what the prices were and who was
getting a lot of traffic. I also researched who
would host my site and what the design would be.
4. How long did it take you from the time you decided
to open your business to your Grand Opening Day?
It took me 2 months.
LOL Once I set my mind to something I go at it full
force! I also have a full time job where I have a
lot of "down" time so I was able to do a lot of it
there. Having that extra time really helped to get
me going in such a short time.
5. What was the best thing you did to get your business
going?
I signed up with a
lot of different craft malls which has given my site a
lot of exposure - exposure I wouldn't be able to get on
my own.
6. What was one thing that you did that you would
advise others not to do?
Set a budget and stick
with it!!
7. How do you network? What do you find works the best?
I belong
to several boards. For me that has worked
wonderfully. I've met a lot of people I wouldn't
have met and found some of my best customers that way!
8. Do you advertise? If so, what type of advertising
works the best for your business?
I have all kinds of ads.
I have ads on lots of different craft malls. I've
also joined a lot of topsites! I'm taking
part in a co-op ad for Country Marketplace and
Mercantile Gatherings which I'm hoping will generate
quite a bit of business.
9. Do you have any advice to give someone thinking of
getting into their own business?
Just do it!! It's
fun and exciting and scary and nerve wracking. But
nothing will ever beat being your own boss!
10. What type of products do you find are "hot" right
now?
Ornies! And fall
themed items.
Thank-you Jennifer for
sharing your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued
success!
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December 2005 -
Tarahenrie's Prims
Joann of
Tarahenrie's Prim Treasures is our Spotlight this
month! (*Note from Debbie: I have purchased her quilt
creations and I was so pleased with my purchase and
wonderful customer service! Thanks so much Joann! My quilted
sheep will be treasured for years!)
Here are the Questions and Answers shared
by Joann:
1. Describe your business: type of
business, where you're located, how long have you been
in business, website URL's, etc.
My business is called
Tarahenrie's PrimTreasures which specializes in
~~Handmade QUILT ITems and PRiMS~~ and I am located in
The Big Apple good old New York...I have been in
business since August of 2004 and my url to my site is
www.tarahenriesprims.com
2. How did you decide on your business name?
I picked my business
name from my pets...they are very special to me and I
don't consider them pets but one of the
family...actually they get treated better than any of us
do LOL...my Rottie's name is Tara and my dear kitty who
is no longer with me was Henrie so I put them together
and got Tarahenrie and then added the PrimTreasures.
3. What were the first things you did to get your
business going?
Well I sell on Ebay and
have for about 3 years now but never had a
website...alot of my friends knew that and told me I
should open up a website....to be honest the thought of
that really scared me because even though I had seen
girls with them I really had no idea how they worked so
I put it off but kept thinking about and finally took
the plunge.
4. How long did it take you from the time you decided
to open your business to your Grand Opening Day?
I'm the kind of person
once I make up my mind to do something it has to be
right away LOL..so I would say it was a month or so.
5. What was the best thing you did to get your business
going?
I realized that you just
can't open your business and expect customers to come
pouring in...you really need to ~~ADVERTISE~~and get the
word out there...so I did many things and still
do...from switching banners with girls, exchanging biz
cards for PrimPaks, sending out a monthly newsletter,
joining any Topsite I could find, signing up at several
different Craft Malls and Sites, doing a text or image
ad in a Country Magazine and I even signed up with Craft
Medic.
6. What was one thing that you did that you would
advise others not to do?
You have to give your
business ~~time~~you cannot expect to open and have tons
of sales right away...it takes awhile for people to find
out about your website and you will have busy times and
slow times...and try not to get too discouraged during
the slow times even though I know I do sometimes.
7. How do you network? What do you find works the best?
I belong to several
forums and sites that I have along with meeting so many
nice friends have also picked up some customers along
the way.
8. Do you advertise? If so, what type of advertising
works the best for your business?
Yes I do advertise alot
actually..that is a really big important part of running
a business..you have to be prepared to lay some money
out here and there for advertising too but it is worth
it..I advertise at various Craft Malls and Sites, joined
many Topsites even recently opened my own, some Magazine
ads and signed up with Craft Medic.
9. Do you have any advice to give someone thinking of
getting into their own business?
Do a little research
first, check out other websites, talk to friends who
have one and if this is something you really want to
do...DO IT!!
10. What type of products do you find are "hot" right
now?
Well right now being the
holiday season is upon us I find Holiday items are hot
right now..Fall and Christmas products, wintery things.
Thank-you Joann for
sharing your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued
success!
Joann would like to extend an invitation to
you to join her Top Site List at
Tarahenrie's Top Sites
See also Archived Spotlights
2004 &
2006
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