I've been giving a lot of thought to the direction I should take with Fabric Creations by Andrea. I've launched my ETSY destash shop www.fabcreatedestash.etsy.com and it has really taken off. I've had 8 sales in 1 month! I have a ton of fabric left to list.
At the same time I have not sewn a stitch in the same time period. Corporate America has drained me with the day to day activities of my 9-5. That being said, I do need to get back into the swing of things. I've been giving thought to focusing on 3-4 items that will be my staple/signature items, then will do others only on a special order basis.
In the meantime I will focus on my destash shop and organize a little Christmas In July sale to blow out my inventory.
I love a fresh start!
Stay with me for the new journey
Be Creative! Be Blessed!!
Andrea
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
An Interview with Jackie Zannino - Label Creations
Enjoy my interview with Jackie Zannino of Label Creations. I met Jackie thanks to Google! I was new to the craft show circuit and needed Hang Tag for my products. I found her online and felt she was the right fit for me - a female owned, home based business! The rest is history!
FCBA: What is your name? Where do you live? (City/State/Country
Answer: Jackie Zannino, Simpsonville SC – USA
FCBA: Are you married? Children? Grandchildren?
Answer: I am Married to my best friend and this January we will celebrate the big 10! We have two amazing boys, Josh 6, and Zach, 3
FCBA: What is the name of your business? What products to you make/sell
Answer: www.Labelcreations.com
Personalized Address Labels,Vinyl Labels, Tic-Tac Labels, Bag Tags, Checkbook Covers, Canning Labels, Bookplates, Favor tags, Note Cards, Hang Tags for Crafters & Events, and so much More! Always FREE Shipping in the USA!
FCBA: Who is your target client?
Answer: Women, women, women! We DO love to shop, don’t we??
FCBA: When did you start your business? What was your motivation?
Answer: I started this business in 1997, while still employed at American Express – I was an event coordinator there and was always creating something or other! I knew that when it came time for mew to settle down and raise my own family, I did not want to work outside of the home. so I started with a little bitty, 3 page website that only sold Address Labels. from there it grew to what Label Creations is today!
FCBA: Is this your only occupation? Do you work full-time/part-time?
Answer: I am also gainfully employed by my two sons. No pay, but the best job I’ve ever had!
FCBA: How long before starting your business did you (Sew, Crochet, Knit, Paint, etc)?
Answer: I have always made personalized items for friends and family.
FCBA: How do you advertise/build awareness?
Answer: I made A LOT of advertising mistakes, Spend A LOT of money, but through the years I have become very conscious of where every advertising penny goes and REALLY weigh the pros and cons of each!
FCBA: Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc)?
Answer: LOVE FaceBook....a little addicted I think! I do have a twitter account as well.
FCBA: How much time do you dedicate to promoting via social media?
Answer: Definitely not as much as I need to!
FCBA: Do you have an online store? Website with shopping cart, Artfire, ETSY, Zibbet, etc
Answer: www.labelcreations.com
FCBA: How successful is your online store?
Answer: Thanks to this economy, the last few years have been rough, but I am sticking it out. I am starting to see a turn around thank goodness.
FCBA: Do you offer in home shows, local craft shows, business expos, etc?
Answer: I have done local craft fairs around town.
FCBA: How successful are your in person sales?
Answer: Honestly, as successful as they were, what goes into getting it set up, etc. was very hard and time consuming, so I stopped for now. might go back one day...maybe when the kiddos are older.
FCBA: Looking back, what are some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Answer: Funny story (well...funny NOW!) When I first started this business I knew NOTHING about copyrights! so there I was, printing up Disney characters, movie stars, anything and everything that people are into and that were an easy sell. Hey! who doesn’t want a Marilyn Monroe Address label? Soon enough the “lawyers” caught on and send out some pretty strongly worded letters. thankfully I came away unscathed financially. These days I know all the artists I work with, or I design my own art. MUCH safer that way!
FCBA: What would you do differently? And why?
Answer: I would not have spend so much loot on advertising that got me nowhere. I wish I was more selective. Hey...when you know better, you do better! (thanks Oprah!!)
FCBA: Where do you see your business in the next year/5years?
Answer: Still rockin’ the labels!
FCBA: What is one thought that you would like to leave with our readers?
Answer: Buy my Stuff!! hahahha!
Follow Jackie on Facebook at www.facebook.com/labelcreations.
Thank you Jackie and I wish you continued success!!
Andrea
Be Creative! Be Blessed!!
FCBA: What is your name? Where do you live? (City/State/Country
Answer: Jackie Zannino, Simpsonville SC – USA
FCBA: Are you married? Children? Grandchildren?
Answer: I am Married to my best friend and this January we will celebrate the big 10! We have two amazing boys, Josh 6, and Zach, 3
FCBA: What is the name of your business? What products to you make/sell
Answer: www.Labelcreations.com
Personalized Address Labels,Vinyl Labels, Tic-Tac Labels, Bag Tags, Checkbook Covers, Canning Labels, Bookplates, Favor tags, Note Cards, Hang Tags for Crafters & Events, and so much More! Always FREE Shipping in the USA!
FCBA: Who is your target client?
Answer: Women, women, women! We DO love to shop, don’t we??
FCBA: When did you start your business? What was your motivation?
Answer: I started this business in 1997, while still employed at American Express – I was an event coordinator there and was always creating something or other! I knew that when it came time for mew to settle down and raise my own family, I did not want to work outside of the home. so I started with a little bitty, 3 page website that only sold Address Labels. from there it grew to what Label Creations is today!
FCBA: Is this your only occupation? Do you work full-time/part-time?
Answer: I am also gainfully employed by my two sons. No pay, but the best job I’ve ever had!
FCBA: How long before starting your business did you (Sew, Crochet, Knit, Paint, etc)?
Answer: I have always made personalized items for friends and family.
FCBA: How do you advertise/build awareness?
Answer: I made A LOT of advertising mistakes, Spend A LOT of money, but through the years I have become very conscious of where every advertising penny goes and REALLY weigh the pros and cons of each!
FCBA: Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc)?
Answer: LOVE FaceBook....a little addicted I think! I do have a twitter account as well.
FCBA: How much time do you dedicate to promoting via social media?
Answer: Definitely not as much as I need to!
FCBA: Do you have an online store? Website with shopping cart, Artfire, ETSY, Zibbet, etc
Answer: www.labelcreations.com
FCBA: How successful is your online store?
Answer: Thanks to this economy, the last few years have been rough, but I am sticking it out. I am starting to see a turn around thank goodness.
FCBA: Do you offer in home shows, local craft shows, business expos, etc?
Answer: I have done local craft fairs around town.
FCBA: How successful are your in person sales?
Answer: Honestly, as successful as they were, what goes into getting it set up, etc. was very hard and time consuming, so I stopped for now. might go back one day...maybe when the kiddos are older.
FCBA: Looking back, what are some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Answer: Funny story (well...funny NOW!) When I first started this business I knew NOTHING about copyrights! so there I was, printing up Disney characters, movie stars, anything and everything that people are into and that were an easy sell. Hey! who doesn’t want a Marilyn Monroe Address label? Soon enough the “lawyers” caught on and send out some pretty strongly worded letters. thankfully I came away unscathed financially. These days I know all the artists I work with, or I design my own art. MUCH safer that way!
FCBA: What would you do differently? And why?
Answer: I would not have spend so much loot on advertising that got me nowhere. I wish I was more selective. Hey...when you know better, you do better! (thanks Oprah!!)
FCBA: Where do you see your business in the next year/5years?
Answer: Still rockin’ the labels!
FCBA: What is one thought that you would like to leave with our readers?
Answer: Buy my Stuff!! hahahha!
Follow Jackie on Facebook at www.facebook.com/labelcreations.
Thank you Jackie and I wish you continued success!!
Andrea
Be Creative! Be Blessed!!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Power of One Contact, My Journey to Queen B.
As many of you know, I started my business back in December of 2007. It was a small endeavor that was born out of a love for handbags. I attending a "Shecky's Girl's Night Out" shopping event in the Design district of Miami in support of a friend's handbag business. While there I fell in love with this amazing leather handbag. So I bought it! The handbag was given to me in a plain brown shopping bag, and as I left the event, I thought to myself......hhmmmmm, she should make dust bags for the handbags that she sells. Much like all the other medium and high end handbag designers make. Since the bags were not her original, the dust bags could bear the name of her company and would add a really nice touch to her presentation. So I went away with that thought in my mind.....I even called and offered it as a suggestion to further her business along. Not even thinking that I could make these.
The next day, I woke with the thought in my head that I would attempt to make them; after all why not? So off I went to Walmart where I bought a Singer Simple sewing machine and some scrap fabric. I came home and took apart one of my dust bags and said....ok....here goes! And so Bags for Bags by Andrea was born!
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The next day, I woke with the thought in my head that I would attempt to make them; after all why not? So off I went to Walmart where I bought a Singer Simple sewing machine and some scrap fabric. I came home and took apart one of my dust bags and said....ok....here goes! And so Bags for Bags by Andrea was born!
I hosted a launch party at home with a few friends who all thought I was on to something!
I made bags for Shoes, Bags for Wallets, Bags for Handbags, Bags for belts, Travel Laundry Bags, Lingerie bags, etc. I got orders for Christmas presents and pretty soon I was buying more and more fabric. I even ordered hang tags for my products! This was becoming official.
Then someone said, you know you can do truck shows, craft fairs and home shows. So I started to research local shows. I jumped right into the craft show circuit and soon the requests started coming in for new items. I started making Hanging Grocery Bag Holders and those became the best selling items at every show.
I did the craft show circuit for about a year and eventually heard about ETSY, so I opened my ETSY store and found that I was a small fish in a huge pond (no Ocean!). I built my first website with the help of Yahoo Web Services...what an learning experience that was!
Then on March 22, 2009, I did a show in Coral Springs Florida. It turned out to be my worst show and my best show at the same time. The booth fee was $69.00, I donated $15 worth of products to the charity of the day and I sold $37 worth of products. You do the math! I also met someone who was just starting out on the show circuit as well and we hit it off right away, over a Green Handbag (from her booth) and a Exotic Print Dust Bag from my booth.
Here's why that show was also my best show ever! When I met Queen B, we started to share our upcoming events, we shared booths to keep our entry fees down (Oh boy...we and our products almost got washed away at one rainy day event!). We shared business ideas, often via Black Berry messenger or a quick phone call or email, and then we hit the Social Media circuit....Facebook has taken us to Countries that are only on our own personal Bucket List. Our businesses have gone to New Zealand, China, UK, Australia, Jamaica and so many more.
Today we continue to share ideas and share in each other's successes. Bags for Bags by Andrea is now Fabric Creations by Andrea and Queen B's Accessories has added a few more ventures to her family. She is quite Empressive!!!
That my friends is the power of networking! Sometimes just one encounter can be the platform for unbelievable growth and success.
To my friend Queen B, I wish you much success. I lift my glass to our continued Tweets, Facebook posts, Blog entries and local events!
Follow Queen B here www.facebook.com/queenbaccesssories, www.facebook.com/empressfootwear, http://www.theempressivestylz.blogspot.com/
Be Creative! Be Blessed!!
Andrea
Friday, June 24, 2011
An Interview with Jane Naylor-Jones - Edith & Elizabeth
Welcome to my interview with Jane Naylor-Jones, owner of Edith & Elizabeth. She has taken vinyl decals to a whole new level! Who knew you could jazz up your dining room walls with a decal! I absolutely love her spirit and her work. Edith & Elizabeth proves the power of social media, breaking down the time zone and physical distance between store and client. Please fan her page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/edithandelizabeth
FCBA: What is your name? Where do you live? (City/State/Country)Answer: Jane Naylor-Jones, Chelmsford, Essex, UK. I lived in Wisconsin for a year and Illinois for 3 years and have been back in the UK for just one year. I really miss Illinois.
FCBA: Are you married? Children? Grandchildren?
Answer: Married, two girls. Bronte 19 and Megan 11. I actually say I'm a single parent with three children (husband) but since we got home its changed to single parent with four children (mum). ha ha ... I think the actual children are less trouble!
FCBA: What is the name of your business? What products to you make/sell
Answer: Edith & Elizabeth. I make and custom design vinyl decals which can go on walls, windows, mirrors, cars ... anywhere that is flat and clean.
FCBA: Who is your target client?
Answer: I wish I knew! Anyone who is looking for a different way to decorate their home, office, student accommodation etc.
FCBA: When did you start your business? What was your motivation?
Answer: I started my business late 2009. I had bought a Cricut cutter with the idea of making my own cards. I had made cards in a very amateurish fashion for years but decided I HAD to have this gadget. From there it just developed and I love it.
FCBA: Is this your only occupation? Do you work full-time/part-time?
Answer: Before my youngest was born I had worked full time in the media. TV, Advertising, Marketing, PR. When I decided I needed more time at home I took a part-time job in PR for Education. I didn't work in the US because I wasn't allowed to. All of my working life I have helped my Father run his Karate club. He was an amazing man. He was President of the European and World Shotokan Karate Associations and Vice Chairman of the Karate Union of Great Britain. Since he passed in 2007 (while I was in the US) I have run the Karate club. It was literally down to a few members when we got back to the UK but we have built it up to 100 members again. Also, about 10 years ago I had set up a series of kids classes called The Shotokan Tigers and the classes were very successful. I am teaching those again and they are doing very well.
FCBA: How long before starting your business did you (Sew, Crochet, Knit, Paint, etc)?
Answer: I painted at school. Dabbled in knitting etc over the years but nothing too heavy - I never had time.
FCBA: How do you advertise/build awareness?
Answer: I started on etsy.com and am just about to set up my website.
FCBA: Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc)?
Answer: Facebook definitely! I sell more on Facebook than anywhere. I haven't quite got in to Twitter yet. I really need to move on that.
FCBA: How much time do you dedicate to promoting via social media?
Answer: A couple of hours a day.
FCBA: Do you have an online store? Website with shopping cart, Artfire, ETSY, Zibbet, etc
Answer: Just about to get a website but I do have a store on etsy and folksy
FCBA: How successful is your online store?
Answer: If you don't list daily you get lost. Some stores list on the hour, every hour. I can't compete with that. I've had just under 100 sales on there but some people have THOUSANDS. I'm excited to hear more about the Luulla launch. I like their people.
FCBA: Do you offer in home shows, local craft shows, business expos, etc?
Answer: I've tried the local craft show - it didn't really work for me. I custom design most things, so that's difficult to show.
FCBA: How successful are your in person sales?
Answer: I rarely sell "in person". I wish I could come up with a way of doing that.
FCBA: Looking back, what are some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Answer: Don't try to run before you can walk Be more organized. You can actually do something you never even thought of. Take advice. I should have bought a bigger cutter! lol! REMEMBER TO INVOICE YOUR CLIENTS!
FCBA: What would you do differently? And why?
Answer: I'm not sure I could have done anything different other than finding someone who makes vinyl decals and get them to show me lol! I've just found out everything as I've been going along.
FCBA: Where do you see your business in the next year/5years?
Answer: I'm too scared to think about it. I'd love to see vinyl decals take off more here in the UK but I'm scared if they do that I won't be able to cope. It is just me doing it and I'm not very organized at the moment (house move, country move, daughter at University, husband off sick with chronic migraine, mother having hip replacement, building up a karate club)
FCBA: What is one thought that you would like to leave with our readers?
Answer. Give it a try! If you like to make something/do something then tell everyone about it. Talk to people in the school playground, have business cards and give them out. If your "product" develops into something else, don't stress about it, just go with it. Have fun doing it.
Thank you Jane!
Keep cuting those amazing vinyl decal!!
Be Blessed
Andrea
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FCBA: What is your name? Where do you live? (City/State/Country)Answer: Jane Naylor-Jones, Chelmsford, Essex, UK. I lived in Wisconsin for a year and Illinois for 3 years and have been back in the UK for just one year. I really miss Illinois.
FCBA: Are you married? Children? Grandchildren?
Answer: Married, two girls. Bronte 19 and Megan 11. I actually say I'm a single parent with three children (husband) but since we got home its changed to single parent with four children (mum). ha ha ... I think the actual children are less trouble!
FCBA: What is the name of your business? What products to you make/sell
Answer: Edith & Elizabeth. I make and custom design vinyl decals which can go on walls, windows, mirrors, cars ... anywhere that is flat and clean.
FCBA: Who is your target client?
Answer: I wish I knew! Anyone who is looking for a different way to decorate their home, office, student accommodation etc.
FCBA: When did you start your business? What was your motivation?
Answer: I started my business late 2009. I had bought a Cricut cutter with the idea of making my own cards. I had made cards in a very amateurish fashion for years but decided I HAD to have this gadget. From there it just developed and I love it.
FCBA: Is this your only occupation? Do you work full-time/part-time?
Answer: Before my youngest was born I had worked full time in the media. TV, Advertising, Marketing, PR. When I decided I needed more time at home I took a part-time job in PR for Education. I didn't work in the US because I wasn't allowed to. All of my working life I have helped my Father run his Karate club. He was an amazing man. He was President of the European and World Shotokan Karate Associations and Vice Chairman of the Karate Union of Great Britain. Since he passed in 2007 (while I was in the US) I have run the Karate club. It was literally down to a few members when we got back to the UK but we have built it up to 100 members again. Also, about 10 years ago I had set up a series of kids classes called The Shotokan Tigers and the classes were very successful. I am teaching those again and they are doing very well.
FCBA: How long before starting your business did you (Sew, Crochet, Knit, Paint, etc)?
Answer: I painted at school. Dabbled in knitting etc over the years but nothing too heavy - I never had time.
FCBA: How do you advertise/build awareness?
Answer: I started on etsy.com and am just about to set up my website.
FCBA: Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc)?
Answer: Facebook definitely! I sell more on Facebook than anywhere. I haven't quite got in to Twitter yet. I really need to move on that.
FCBA: How much time do you dedicate to promoting via social media?
Answer: A couple of hours a day.
FCBA: Do you have an online store? Website with shopping cart, Artfire, ETSY, Zibbet, etc
Answer: Just about to get a website but I do have a store on etsy and folksy
FCBA: How successful is your online store?
Answer: If you don't list daily you get lost. Some stores list on the hour, every hour. I can't compete with that. I've had just under 100 sales on there but some people have THOUSANDS. I'm excited to hear more about the Luulla launch. I like their people.
FCBA: Do you offer in home shows, local craft shows, business expos, etc?
Answer: I've tried the local craft show - it didn't really work for me. I custom design most things, so that's difficult to show.
FCBA: How successful are your in person sales?
Answer: I rarely sell "in person". I wish I could come up with a way of doing that.
FCBA: Looking back, what are some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Answer: Don't try to run before you can walk Be more organized. You can actually do something you never even thought of. Take advice. I should have bought a bigger cutter! lol! REMEMBER TO INVOICE YOUR CLIENTS!
FCBA: What would you do differently? And why?
Answer: I'm not sure I could have done anything different other than finding someone who makes vinyl decals and get them to show me lol! I've just found out everything as I've been going along.
FCBA: Where do you see your business in the next year/5years?
Answer: I'm too scared to think about it. I'd love to see vinyl decals take off more here in the UK but I'm scared if they do that I won't be able to cope. It is just me doing it and I'm not very organized at the moment (house move, country move, daughter at University, husband off sick with chronic migraine, mother having hip replacement, building up a karate club)
FCBA: What is one thought that you would like to leave with our readers?
Answer. Give it a try! If you like to make something/do something then tell everyone about it. Talk to people in the school playground, have business cards and give them out. If your "product" develops into something else, don't stress about it, just go with it. Have fun doing it.
Thank you Jane!
Keep cuting those amazing vinyl decal!!
Be Blessed
Andrea
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
An Interview with Rachel Polen - Red Windmill Designs
Enjoy my interview with Rachel Polen. I met Rachel on Facebook and fell in love with her Crocheted Face Scrubbies and Dish Cloths. Her work is amazing and I love to watch her fan page for updates on her newest projects. Please visit her on ETSY http://www.redwindmilldesigns.etsy.com/ and show her some love on Facebook www.facebook.com/redwindmilldesigns.
FCBA: What is your name? Where do you live? (City/State/Country)
Answer: Rachel Polen VaBeach Virginia, US
FCBA: Are you married? Children? Grandchildren?
Answer: I've been married to my husband for 11 years this year and we have 2 great kids that helped inspire my business. Mia who is 4 and into everything princess and fun, and Connor who will be 2 soon that just likes to be sure I have plenty to do around the house so I can feel useful!
FCBA: What is the name of your business? What products to you make/sell
Answer: Red Windmill Designs. I make crochet goods of all types really. Things for children and babies, photography props for infant and newborn photography, personal pampering items such as slippers and face scrubbies and then things for the home as well such as dishcloths for your kitchen.
FCBA: Who is your target client?
Answer: Hopefully just about everyone! I try to make a little bit of everything so there is something for everyone!
FCBA: When did you start your business? What was your motivation?
Answer: I started my business in April of 2010 more on a whim than anything. My husband had been laid off from work and I thought if I could make $20 here and there it would be great and then everything just grew!
FCBA: Is this your only occupation? Do you work full-time/part-time?
Answer: My first job is full time stay at home wife and mother.
FCBA: How long before starting your business did you (Sew, Crochet, Knit, Paint, etc)?
Answer: I actually started crocheting years ago so I would have something to do during football season. My husband is a huge football fan and watches as many games back to back on the weekend as possible and while I enjoy a game here and there I was bored! So about 8 years ago I taught myself to crochet.
FCBA: How do you advertise/build awareness?
Answer: My fan page mostly and then great word of mouth by some wonderful clients!
FCBA: Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc)?
Answer: Both! Although I'm not the best at updating my Twitter page! Twitter is The_RedWindmill on Twitter and Red Windmill Designs on FB
FCBA: How much time do you dedicate to promoting via social media?
Answer: Quite a bit. I try to spend time everyday sparking conversation with fans, letting them know what I'm working on and trying to get feedback on what they would like to see in the future.
FCBA: Do you have an online store? Website with shopping cart, Artfire, ETSY, Zibbet, etc
Answer: Yes on Etsy. www.RedWindmillDesigns.etsy.com
FCBA: How successful is your online store?
Answer: Very in my book! In such a big sea of so much talent to be found on Etsy I was thrilled to finish out my first year of business with over 150 sales.
FCBA: Do you offer in home shows, local craft shows, business expos, etc?
Answer: Home shoes mostly. A good bit of my work is custom done which tends to lend itself more to one on one events than craft shows.
FCBA: How successful are your in person sales?
Answer: I love home shows. It's great for people to be able to touch and try on, not to mention see the colors in person and get a feel for what they may want for their own items.
FCBA: Looking back, what are some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Answer: You never know what will catch on! So many items I thought were a "sure thing" never seemed to be very popular, and then other items I made up on a whim sold like crazy!
FCBA: What would you do differently? And why?
Answer: You know, nothing! I have learned so much through trial and error!
FCBA: Where do you see your business in the next year/5years?
Answer: Hopefully just growing.
FCBA: What is one thought that you would like to leave with our readers?
Answer: Create what you love and love what you create! I have the best two jobs in the whole world. I get to be home with my family and have my own career as well.
Thank you Rachel and we wish you much success!!
Andrea!
*******************************************************************
FCBA: What is your name? Where do you live? (City/State/Country)
Answer: Rachel Polen VaBeach Virginia, US
FCBA: Are you married? Children? Grandchildren?
Answer: I've been married to my husband for 11 years this year and we have 2 great kids that helped inspire my business. Mia who is 4 and into everything princess and fun, and Connor who will be 2 soon that just likes to be sure I have plenty to do around the house so I can feel useful!
FCBA: What is the name of your business? What products to you make/sell
Answer: Red Windmill Designs. I make crochet goods of all types really. Things for children and babies, photography props for infant and newborn photography, personal pampering items such as slippers and face scrubbies and then things for the home as well such as dishcloths for your kitchen.
FCBA: Who is your target client?
Answer: Hopefully just about everyone! I try to make a little bit of everything so there is something for everyone!
FCBA: When did you start your business? What was your motivation?
Answer: I started my business in April of 2010 more on a whim than anything. My husband had been laid off from work and I thought if I could make $20 here and there it would be great and then everything just grew!
FCBA: Is this your only occupation? Do you work full-time/part-time?
Answer: My first job is full time stay at home wife and mother.
FCBA: How long before starting your business did you (Sew, Crochet, Knit, Paint, etc)?
Answer: I actually started crocheting years ago so I would have something to do during football season. My husband is a huge football fan and watches as many games back to back on the weekend as possible and while I enjoy a game here and there I was bored! So about 8 years ago I taught myself to crochet.
FCBA: How do you advertise/build awareness?
Answer: My fan page mostly and then great word of mouth by some wonderful clients!
FCBA: Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc)?
Answer: Both! Although I'm not the best at updating my Twitter page! Twitter is The_RedWindmill on Twitter and Red Windmill Designs on FB
FCBA: How much time do you dedicate to promoting via social media?
Answer: Quite a bit. I try to spend time everyday sparking conversation with fans, letting them know what I'm working on and trying to get feedback on what they would like to see in the future.
FCBA: Do you have an online store? Website with shopping cart, Artfire, ETSY, Zibbet, etc
Answer: Yes on Etsy. www.RedWindmillDesigns.etsy.com
FCBA: How successful is your online store?
Answer: Very in my book! In such a big sea of so much talent to be found on Etsy I was thrilled to finish out my first year of business with over 150 sales.
FCBA: Do you offer in home shows, local craft shows, business expos, etc?
Answer: Home shoes mostly. A good bit of my work is custom done which tends to lend itself more to one on one events than craft shows.
FCBA: How successful are your in person sales?
Answer: I love home shows. It's great for people to be able to touch and try on, not to mention see the colors in person and get a feel for what they may want for their own items.
FCBA: Looking back, what are some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Answer: You never know what will catch on! So many items I thought were a "sure thing" never seemed to be very popular, and then other items I made up on a whim sold like crazy!
FCBA: What would you do differently? And why?
Answer: You know, nothing! I have learned so much through trial and error!
FCBA: Where do you see your business in the next year/5years?
Answer: Hopefully just growing.
FCBA: What is one thought that you would like to leave with our readers?
Answer: Create what you love and love what you create! I have the best two jobs in the whole world. I get to be home with my family and have my own career as well.
Thank you Rachel and we wish you much success!!
Andrea!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Follow me why don'tcha!
Hi all,
My blog will now become my primary mode of communication going forward. Here I will be posting give aways, links to interesting articles and soul stirring stories from the crafting community.
I look forward to great dialogue with you all!
Be Creative! Be Blessed!
My blog will now become my primary mode of communication going forward. Here I will be posting give aways, links to interesting articles and soul stirring stories from the crafting community.
I look forward to great dialogue with you all!
Be Creative! Be Blessed!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
It's been a while!
Hi Friends
Today's entry is a short one. I've been in an extremely introspective mood for quite some time now. The result being made very clear to me that "something's gotta give".
It's the light bulb moment, the aha moment, the fork in the road if you will.
Stay tuned......get prepared for an amazing journey with me to success in every area of your life!.
Be Creative, Be Blessed!
Andrea
Today's entry is a short one. I've been in an extremely introspective mood for quite some time now. The result being made very clear to me that "something's gotta give".
It's the light bulb moment, the aha moment, the fork in the road if you will.
Stay tuned......get prepared for an amazing journey with me to success in every area of your life!.
Be Creative, Be Blessed!
Andrea
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sunday Morning Reflection
...so I woke this morning with so much on my mind. I thought of the projects that I need to complete, Fabric Creations by Andrea orders to mail, fabric to find for waiting customers, Mary Kay orders to package, what to cook for dinner, need to get a pedicure, need to go to the fabric store, need to go to the bank, need to sit and pay bills, need to finish the laundry, need to, need, to, need to........then I got a Blackberry message from my mom saying "We'll talk later..going to church"...and then it struck me....I haven't visited the structure I call my church home in quite some time.
Church and the process of worship has always played an integral part of my life. I can't think of a day when I don't pray, talk to God, appreciate my higher power, thank God for his journeying mercies (a practice I learned from my maternal grandmother). There are days when I just sing of his love and his goodness. Back to why I haven't visited my church home in a while. One simple reason - I was overwhelmed. I volunteered for an event and gave it my all - then all of a sudden I was bombarded with requests to do this and to do that...I felt like every time I walked in someone was waiting around the corner to enlist me for another project....frankly I was overwhelmed!
My reason for going to church is to have communion with like minded people and to be spiritually fed - NOT to work on projects and committees.....wait for it......wait for it......Andrea, how selfish can you be??? Don't you get it?
At this point I saved this blog post as a draft and left to go to the fabric store. While there I received a phone call from a friend that I had not heard from in a couple of months....she told me of another friend who had asked for me, wanting to know if she had seen me at church lately...... The next day I got a facebook message from another Church friend letting me know that someone else had asked for me.....wow....is the universe trying to tell me something?
Now at 11:52pm September 8th, almost 2 weeks later I am ready to complete this blog entry. The main reason I have not been able to finish this entry before tonight is simple.....I've been overwhelmed with projects.....most of them not my own....so now I've come full circle. Projects for the Lord (through church), projects for my family and friends, projects for myself. It appears that I am being called upon because people believe in me. I need to embrace that. I need to think on that. I need to come to terms with that.................until next time!
Church and the process of worship has always played an integral part of my life. I can't think of a day when I don't pray, talk to God, appreciate my higher power, thank God for his journeying mercies (a practice I learned from my maternal grandmother). There are days when I just sing of his love and his goodness. Back to why I haven't visited my church home in a while. One simple reason - I was overwhelmed. I volunteered for an event and gave it my all - then all of a sudden I was bombarded with requests to do this and to do that...I felt like every time I walked in someone was waiting around the corner to enlist me for another project....frankly I was overwhelmed!
My reason for going to church is to have communion with like minded people and to be spiritually fed - NOT to work on projects and committees.....wait for it......wait for it......Andrea, how selfish can you be??? Don't you get it?
At this point I saved this blog post as a draft and left to go to the fabric store. While there I received a phone call from a friend that I had not heard from in a couple of months....she told me of another friend who had asked for me, wanting to know if she had seen me at church lately...... The next day I got a facebook message from another Church friend letting me know that someone else had asked for me.....wow....is the universe trying to tell me something?
Now at 11:52pm September 8th, almost 2 weeks later I am ready to complete this blog entry. The main reason I have not been able to finish this entry before tonight is simple.....I've been overwhelmed with projects.....most of them not my own....so now I've come full circle. Projects for the Lord (through church), projects for my family and friends, projects for myself. It appears that I am being called upon because people believe in me. I need to embrace that. I need to think on that. I need to come to terms with that.................until next time!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Memories of Manchester - Fruits
I have a love for fruits....I don't think I've ever met a fruit I didn't like! Of all the fruits that I remember from my days in Manchester the Mango and the Jackfruit remain my favorites.
Mangoes of all kinds..East Indian, Julie, Bombay, Common, Hairy, Number 11, Stringy, Blackie, Turpentine, Sweetie-come-brush-me, Hayden to name a few! I looked forward to Saturday mid morning when Mama would come home from the market in Mandeville and would bring bags of common mangoes. I would wait anxiously with my cousins for our share, then we would find a place to sit and eat them, stripping the skin away with our teeth, juice running down our arms, getting to the sweet flesh. Why just the other day my brother encouraged me to "find a cheap plane ticket and come man - is mango season!"
Now the Jackfruit is another story altogether...We had a huge tree in the back of the first house at Williamsfield, just behind the outside stone fireplace. That tree grew so tall I don't believe we ever saw the top of it. The fruit it bore would easily weigh upwards of 25 lbs! After devouring the sweet, pungent contradictory flesh, we would roast the seeds in the hot ashes from the fireplace, because there was always something cooking at Mama's house!
As I walk through Williamsfield in my mind, I can think of the Ortanique, Navel Orange, Common Orange, Ugly Fruit, Grapefruit, Star-Apple, Tangerine, Ota-heiti Apple, Guavas, Yellow Coat Plums, June Plum, Guineps, Sugar Cane, Coconut, Chocolate, Soursop and Custard Apple trees. Now there is a story about the Navel Orange tree out by the "Common".....no one could pick a fruit from that tree. Those oranges were saved for Harvest time at the Church. That's for another chapter.
Won't you come back to read some more?
Mangoes of all kinds..East Indian, Julie, Bombay, Common, Hairy, Number 11, Stringy, Blackie, Turpentine, Sweetie-come-brush-me, Hayden to name a few! I looked forward to Saturday mid morning when Mama would come home from the market in Mandeville and would bring bags of common mangoes. I would wait anxiously with my cousins for our share, then we would find a place to sit and eat them, stripping the skin away with our teeth, juice running down our arms, getting to the sweet flesh. Why just the other day my brother encouraged me to "find a cheap plane ticket and come man - is mango season!"
Now the Jackfruit is another story altogether...We had a huge tree in the back of the first house at Williamsfield, just behind the outside stone fireplace. That tree grew so tall I don't believe we ever saw the top of it. The fruit it bore would easily weigh upwards of 25 lbs! After devouring the sweet, pungent contradictory flesh, we would roast the seeds in the hot ashes from the fireplace, because there was always something cooking at Mama's house!
As I walk through Williamsfield in my mind, I can think of the Ortanique, Navel Orange, Common Orange, Ugly Fruit, Grapefruit, Star-Apple, Tangerine, Ota-heiti Apple, Guavas, Yellow Coat Plums, June Plum, Guineps, Sugar Cane, Coconut, Chocolate, Soursop and Custard Apple trees. Now there is a story about the Navel Orange tree out by the "Common".....no one could pick a fruit from that tree. Those oranges were saved for Harvest time at the Church. That's for another chapter.
Won't you come back to read some more?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Memories of Manchester - An Introduction
This is the title of my soon to be released book. It is a compilation of my childhood memories of growing up in Manchester, Jamaica. I have such great memories of my times in Manchester. One of my earliest memories is walking to Hope Prep School, the swing set at the back of the school and Mrs. Evans my teacher. This is where I learned to read about the Little Engine that Could and Dick and Dora. Hope Prep was located in Hope Village, just above Williamsfield, where my Grand-parents lived. During this time, My mother was living and working in Kingston, the Capital of Jamaica, having gone there to work and to set the stage for a better life for my brother and me. You see my father passed away when my brother and I were very young. The details of which you'll read further on.
Williamsfield (which by the way, I thought was named after my grand-parents) is the place where I tend to retreat to in my mind when I need to "breathe". My memories of Manchester are so rooted in that place, just at the round-about, with the house on the hill, Mama's house just off the side of the road , Aunt Gwen's house to the rear of the land and the family burial plot just above the "common".
Stay tuned.
Williamsfield (which by the way, I thought was named after my grand-parents) is the place where I tend to retreat to in my mind when I need to "breathe". My memories of Manchester are so rooted in that place, just at the round-about, with the house on the hill, Mama's house just off the side of the road , Aunt Gwen's house to the rear of the land and the family burial plot just above the "common".
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Have you plotted your course? Do you know what direction to take?
I recently read an article and one of the lines that stood out to me was, "Direction determines destination" (Thanks Jim Rohn). It hit me like a ton of bricks. How many times have you headed out on a journey, knowing exactly where you want to go yet found it hard to actually get to your destination? You took many twists and turns along the way, still wondering why you cannot arrive at your destination. One could argue that the twist and the turns add excitement to the journey and may teach you lessons along the way. What are your thoughts?
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