Shop Talk Feature: Love Like Red

It has been quite some time since we've had a nice Shop Talk feature and I'm so happy that a shop I've been following since last year has not only done a major facelift, but has truly become all that I knew this shop could be! I stumbled upon Melissa on Instagram last year and fell in love with her unique art and style, though she was just really getting her bearings for Love Like Red, I new she was going to become something phenomenal. Time has taken its course and Melissa has not only debut her new shop, but is ready to share what she has been doing as well as her gift. From how to say thank you or just because, Love Like Red has exactly the card you're looking for! Please read, check out her site, and purchase some stunning stationary (with a great discount of course!).

Q: Share a little about yourself:

A: I work out of my home studio in Victoria, BC, Canada, having moved here a little over a year ago. Inspired by life’s soft and quirky nuances, starting a line of greeting cards seemed like a very natural progression in creativity. I prefer pen to paint but love the challenge in exploring new mediums which (in my humble opinion) has led to a really beautiful collection of work.

I've always been a crafty and creative kid, it seemed inevitable that I would pursue a life of making things although I took a lot of detours before arriving here today. And right alongside making art has been my insane love of making and giving cards to friends and family. What joy to be able to bring the two together! Of course, being able to translate my artwork and illustrations into accessible forms of art for others is what drives me to keep going.

Q: How did Love Like Red get started? 

A: It really just happened so naturally. When we moved to Victoria we bought a home with an extra room specifically for a studio space for me. Once I got in there and had the time and space to create, Love Like Red just poured out of me. Technically, LLR started August 2013 but officially it just opened this past week (Sept. 8, 2014). When Carmen first approached me last year to do this interview I agreed because I was excited but it turned out I had no idea what I was doing. I couldn’t answer these questions with
any certainty. Fast forward less than a year later and I have a plan! It’s been a lot [a lot] of trial and error but I never lost the belief that I was on the right path.

Q: What do you love most about running a handmade business?

A: That I’m my own boss. I left high school early : ) mostly because I have always struggled with doing things on other peoples schedule and being told how to do it. I love that the success of my business solely depends on me and that I get to decide on how to structure my days, how to offer my work to the world and that it is a chance to share a small piece of my own world with others. I’ve never really fit in to any one thing or group or ideal so having something that is completely my own to sculpt and craft feels good and natural.

Q: What has been your greatest small business achievement thus far? 

A: I don’t know if there is one thing in particular. I am proud of myself for having the courage to do something that still seems a bit crazy. The market seems to be saturated with small creative businesses especially in paper and stationery but it is so much a part of me that I have to do it. This whole process has been challenging and I think about quitting at least 6 times a week but that would be like thinking about quitting life and we all know that is not an option. In all honesty, there hasn’t been a lot of specific achievements but I carry on believing that it will all come in time and with a heck of a lot of hard work! I’m ready for it.

Q: What is your advice for small business owners? (Top Three) 

A: You are not the only one who has no idea what you’re doing — everybody is faking it til they make it. So do that.

Love Like Red is offering all of my readers a special discount starting today until next Wednesday!

Use PROMO CODE: blueswallow14 for 15% off any purchase over $25

Thank you so much Melissa for sharing not only your shop, but who you are! I hope that you all will visit her shop and share it with others! Have an amazing handmade day friends. If you would like to feature shoot me an email!

Shop Feature: Dainty Revelations

It has been some time since we've had a Handmade Shop Feature! I've saved this one for too long, but am nonetheless excited that this feature will not disappoint. I met Jenn through my first mug swap, where she showered me with chocolate, a mug (my husband and I fight over...), and beautiful handmade gifts that I use regularly. To my pleasant surprise, Jenn shared that she had a blog and also a shop (to add to the list of hats she wears daily!!). She was more than happy to share a little bit of who she is with you and her love for what she does. I hope you are inspired and enjoy this feature, as well as check out her other daily adventures at Dainty Revelations!

My name is Jenn, and I'm a work at home mom of 3 boys under 5. It can get pretty crazy - both because, well...3 boys, and because I love to collect projects (see my list of jobs on my blog - you'll see what I mean!). We live in

WNY (near Buffalo & Niagara Falls) with my awesome husband and our two pretty kitties.

How long have you been doing this (drawing, sewing, etc)?

I've been crafting since I was a kid, sewing and paper crafting since high school, and crocheting for about 5 years. Everyone once in a while, I'll pick up a new craft-related hobby (this year's is embroidery, last year's was painting, the year before was jewelry making). I'm kind of ridiculous like that!

What is the catalyst for your shop (i.e. passion, inspiration, etc)?

For most of my life, people would say things to me like, "I can't believe you made this!" and "You could totally sell these!". The problem I had was that I could never settle into a niche. I didn't want to just make one thing, and name a shop in a way that would limit me. I am a jill of all trades lady (have you picked up on that yet? Haha!) I finally had the idea one day to just make things I love and add copies of them to Etsy, and that's how Love Forward was born. I like thinking that I'm sending a little bit of love out into the world!

 

When did you open your shop?

I started the shop in August of 2012, but didn't officially launch it until November 2012. It was fun - I learned a lot that month. Getting started in the middle of Christmas shopping season was both good and bad. I had great success right off the bat, and it was easy to find the items that people liked purchasing the most. But it also set expectations that were kind of unreasonable for the rest of the year. As I said, it was a learning experience, for sure! Maybe don't start your own shop during busy season ;)

What are you favorite supplies/items to use?

I am so addicted to yarn and fabric - their colors and patterns just speak to me! I love color. Lots of bright, ridiculous color!

What type of items do you sell/offer? Can you purchase custom items?

My most stocked and best selling items are my bow coffee cozies. I love mixing color combinations for holidays and seasons and then seeing what people love. You can ALWAYS find my bow cozies in the shop, but since I list what I love at the moment, you can also find other little things at any time - reusable handwarmers, handmade cards and jewelry, Christmas ornaments, and other little art. I've got some big plans for some fun embroidery pieces and colorful garlands coming this summer, and even more for the holidays. I'm so excited about my shop this year! And yes, unless I post a note because of a vacation or something big happening in life, I'm happy to take custom orders - especially for my bow cozies!

How can people purchase your items? (website info)

Love Forward is on Etsy, here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/loveforward and you can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram for sneak peaks, coupons, and sales!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoploveforward

Instagram: http://instagram.com/loveforward

Shop Talk: Brave Ones Apparel Co.

Shop Talk is a new series I hope you'll enjoy. I've always been told there is power in sound advice, and that has never steered me wrong in life. Learning from others not only helps you grow, but also encourages those who share their life experiences with you. It takes courage on both ends. I will be honest, I cried when doing this interview. I stumbled upon Brave Ones Apparel Co through my second social media home - Instagram. The bold prints and seriously unique take on style captured me something serious! After contacting the owner, she was more than willing to talk about her shop and being a small business owner. In the near future I will be having the privilege to do a review on an item of theirs! Please check them out, go follow their creative journey on Instagram, and be as enamored as I am with the heart behind BOA Co.

Brave Ones Apparel is simply about being Brave. About showcasing who one truly is through expression of wardrobe. For many years our kids would come home telling us that they were picked on because of their hair, the way they spoke, or simply because of what they were wearing. They just didn't feel cool enough or confident enough. We needed to fix that. We think we've accomplished that. We aren't saying that we have single-handedly stopped bullying. We are just giving our kids and many others that extra boost in confidence to stand up for themselves and say, "Well this is me! I don't care what you say!" Plus they look pretty damn cool in the process, if you ask me. ha ha!

Q: Who is the BOA Team:

A: Our team is mainly made up of two people. My Husband & I. I run the business & sewing side. I search for new talent to introduce to our line and new artist. I find pretty amazing people who are so eager to jump on board with us and get their art seen and known. In return they have actually helped us attract more people and I am truly grateful for that. My husband is the book keeper and my supporter. He helps me decide WHAT we spend our money on and when or things we may need to cut out. I have an idea overload at times. I want to make everything and do everything and sometimes it's not that practical. He helps me weed out the potential business sinkers and keep us afloat. If it were up to me, I'd have fabric on all corners of this house and we'd be swimming in it! ha ha! I swear! We have been searching for brand ambassadors & photographers who we consider our team members. They help us out a lot. We are humbly amazed by their love and support. 

Q: What type of items do you currently sell?

A: The items we sell range from 100% Organic Apparel, Nursery Decor, Home Decor, Baby Essential Items for both Mom and Dad. I have found a few places this week over in the UK that have amazing wears! I never knew people could have such an amazing outlook on clothing for kids. Oddly enough, our clothing line fit right on in. We love textures and designs. We wanted our product to be one of a kind, unique and just crazy enough that people wanted to buy it for the originality. We love simplicity and we love creative spunk. I believe our brand is a mixture of all things Wonder, Cool, and Simple.

Q: How Did You Begin Your Shop? 

A: Oh Wow, That's a funny yet crazy story! We started our business back in June of 2013. We were called Peu De Nelly's (A Little Of Nelly's) named after our daughter, Penelope. We sold leggings, some top,s and headbands but for some reason, Carmen, it wasn't clicking! I wasn't truly happy with the name or what I was doing. I didn't feel inspired enough to continue with the name or with what we were selling. The positive thing was that we were selling. Just not what I felt was good enough. So, we changed our name to Alexzandor & Penelope; Children of The Tribe. We switched to all natural goods, organic wear, knitted wear, bath and body and things went great! Our business florished and yet, the name wasn't speaking loud enough. I thought, "Seriously? I named my business after my kiddos, how cliche is that!" I wanted something to scream, LOUD! So I sat and pondered about what I felt could get people's attention. November of 2013 we opened an Istagram account and in Decmeber we changed our name to Brave Ones Apparel. We ended up calling our selves BOA Co. We changed our names a total of 3 times within one year and we went from having 40 followers to 1100 within 4 weeks. I later realized that when I first started, I was trying so hard to be like everyone else. What was selling on Etsy or on Facebook, what my friends were selling and I wasn't truly embracing my weird self. Then I told myself, "Now that's enough! You don't get anywhere by trying to be like everyone else, so quite the bull and be you!" I found my niche. I found people just as equally weird right there on Instagram. I made friends with some amazing people along the way, Tom over at Mimobee, Andy at Indie Nook , Makel at Finomenon Kids , Bianca at Little Pop Studio, Roxanna at Naked Lunge , Abbie at Maisie Jayne , (to name a few) and some really amazing bloggers such as you. I fitted in somewhere, I didn't know existed.  

Q: What is your Creative Catalyst? 

A: Our designs are unique. Things we found cool as kids and things we wanted to be. Kids love: Dirt, Sharks, Slugs, Snails, Lizards, Ants... Batman! They find it fascinating, boy or girl. So we figured we would design our clothing line around the unique and funky. We wanted things to be different. Odd enough for people to look at them and think, "WHOA COOL! My son LOVES sharks & he LOVES lizards, I have to buy this for him!" We design things that are not of the norm. That aren't commonly seen on articles of clothing. Especially for kids.

Q: What has been the peak of your small business thus far? 

A: Undoubtedly joining Instagram! I never knew you could create a small business there! The amazing feedback we have been getting and the love! Oh man, the love.. It's astounding. Some people bring tears to my eyes by just being so supportive. We have had over 180 orders since we opened as Brave Ones Apparel {BOA Co.} January 6th 2013. That's not even including the number of items per order! That blows my mind! We have been SWAMPED but the blood, sweat, and tears we pour into our work... they'll see it. They'll feel it when that package arrives. 

Q: Your lowest point in business, and how you made it through.

A: Our lowest point was literally when we initially opened back in June. We barely had any sales and I felt like we weren't good enough. That maybe I didn't have what it takes. I wanted to throw in the towel so many times but my mother helped me. I kind of felt those proud moments from her and it made me want to make her all the more proud of me for not ever giving up. That includes my husband. Every sale, even if it was for the smallest thing, he would say, "WOW! That's so cool! You inspire me." Those words alone kept me motivated.

Q: What is your advice for small business owners? (Top Three) 

A: Wow, You make me feel so accomplised! haha We've still got a long road ahead of us ourselves and it's going to be a fun trip. The advice I would give are all so cliche but alright... 

First and foremost: Please by all means and any circumstance or situation that arise. Don't you put that pen down, Don't you cut off the sewing machine and don't you ever give up. Success is coming, your hard work WILL pay off. Just take a moment to rekindle that dream you have and take a breath. I would be lying if I said things get easier with success, that's a lie. Things will get harder, but much sweeter. You aren't going to get anywhere by giving up on a dream when you're half way there. 

Second: Plan. Plan every move you want to make. Sit down and think about your business name, your business plan, what you wan to sell, what you want to accomplish and who is your audiance. I failed miserably at this, I found my way along the way it was definitely a struggle. 

Last but not least: Budget. Budgeting all your expenses is a must. KEEP track of every item you have sold, whether it is a key chain or a sturdy peace of vintage furniture. Keep track of every cent and every dollar you put into it and received back. People you collaborate with and percentages you give them or they give you. Keep your books balanced and organized. You want to be able to go back to it and understand where your some of your hard earned money went.

Thank you so much for this interview BOA Co. I really hope that you were inspired and down right excited for what is to come for this amazing company! Check out their items and once again see what they're doing on Instagram, I'm just waiting for the new Batman shirt to come out...I'm serious.

Small Business Mind: Sorry Can't Share That...

I was recently on Twitter just reading random stuff and I came across a small business owner who was complaining about the influx of inquiries about how to run a similar business like hers. In so many words she shared, "you have to keep SOME things private." At that part I agreed, then I felt a tug at my heart. I've read a lot of rants and frustrations from small business owners that really have made it BIG on this side of the industry. At some point lending a hand becomes a bit more less and less (I do understand that not everyone has the best intentions when asking questions). The more I grow in my business, the more I see the competitiveness that arises and just like anything else the "cliques" that exist. Is there anything terrible about these things? No, that's not what I'm focusing on. Just like in any setting we all gravitate to those that can relate to us and have similar interests...it's just natural.

However, in reading these different perspectives and frustrations from owners about people copying their work, had me really thinking and even some what concerned about my own work being copied by someone GASP! My first run-in with this was when I started researching how to purchase larger quantities of mugs. Naively I sent an email to a small business owner who hand paints mugs like myself and asked her... Wait for it... no response. I was shocked and a mad at first (how are you NOT going to respond..rude), because I felt like I'm not copying you I just don't want to keep running around trying to buy mugs! She never responded... 

So I figured that's kind of how it works - and I had a hard time not feeling like I would do the same just in case the shop really took off. I mean what if someone makes a Camera Mug like MINE?!? So I figured I better play it safe and keep things to myself that I find really helpful or "tricks of the trade" that I've had to trial and error to find out. It's been a lot of work these past several months, from replacing mugs because the paint did not withstand normal use to hunting for mugs and seriously praying for a consistent set of mugs to work with. Why would I want to just let someone have the easy way of starting up? I've put my heart and money into this thing.

Then I got an email today, asking what technique I used in designing my mugs. She ended it with

If you do not want to disclose your technique I understand.

and my heart sank, because she was just like me several months ago when I had no idea how to really make it work. I tossed it around in my mind and started talking to God about it, because truthfully I knew what to do. I took a look into her shop and thought to myself wow these designs are beautiful! Seriously. Even had a moment of, what if she becomes my competition? And then I got over myself. Just like that and responded. I shared with her some of the things I'm learning and encouraged her to look at different blogs I've seen regarding pricing and even asked to feature her. She really has some beautiful items.

The truth is if I focus on myself then I'm going to be really lonely in this journey. I've seen some people really make an impact with their businesses. And I've seen the same businesses everywhere and little up and comers not get the time of day... I'm not saying I'm going to be foolish and tell everyone what I do, but I am going to encourage and support those around me and point them to some great guides along the way. 

One person gave me a shot and it's made all the difference. From critiquing my blog to teaching me about sponsorship. I genuinely am grateful and know I need to pay it forward.

Today was a stretching moment for me, and not something I'm sharing just so I can say look at today's good deed - but really because I really wish that more people would be inclined to just reply back. In the process she even shared a technique I NEEDED! I would have never received that if I focused on protecting something that was not even my idea in the first place. A Blue Swallow was placed on my heart through my own quiet time and time spent with God. When we let things live their true purpose and don't hold them too tight they have the room to breathe and really thrive.

Kindness bears more worth than Wealth.

Handmade Holiday - Calling YOU!!

I've been working on a project for the holidays this year and I've been so excited about it! I wrote about it previously, but figured I needed to revamp it just a little. I love handmade small businesses, I always have and I've learned so much in jumping in headfirst honestly. It's been the greatest risk I've taken in some time (it's been a lot of tears and prayers). However, one thing I realized is with anything it costs money. So I wanted to start featuring shops for the holidays. Yes... YOU! No cost to you at all, I just want to show the heart of what you do. You may be asking why am I doing this? I will tell you honestly that my goal is so that others can see the heart and person behind the work. Most times we all look through Etsy and see something we like, but don't really know the story behind it. Why do you make what you make? I'd love to know and I know others would too. I've noticed even with this community of small business owners the "top sellers" get the audience you're hoping will find you. So let's help them find you! Anyone can make an item...but you're not just selling a product, you're selling your name. So let's do it together!

If you are interested please email me at blueswallow.inc@gmail.com 

Below are some guidelines on how to share you story for the feature:

 

General Bio:

- Background (a personal blurb about yourself - are you a college grad travelling the world one backpack at a time or a mother of three juggling stay at home life?) Share a bit about you!

- How long have you been doing this (drawing, sewing, etc)?

- What is the cataylst for your shop (i.e. passion, inspiration, etc)?

 

Shop/Skill Questions:

- When did you open your shop?

- What are you favorite supplies/items to use?

- What type of items do you sell/offer? Can you purchase custom items?

- How can people purchase your items? (website info)

 

* Do you have anything special for the Holidays as in sales? 

* When do your Holiday orders stop so they can arrive on time?

 

Then attach pictures of your items so I can be sure to show them!

 

 I really hope you will join me in celebrating and growing your own business this season. It really would be my honor to feature you here.

Small Business Mind: A Handmade Holiday

Confession: I've had two other shops with Etsy before, but third time is a charm!

I have the heart and mind of a creative. I've always enjoyed creating and figuring out how to best use it all (sometimes at once, and that just doesn't work.) My grandmother was an amazing seamstress and my mother is a ridiculous jack of all trades. From sewing to sand blasting glass to making jewelery, she really can do it all and I've admired that about her. It's amazing what you can do with as little or as much as you want. I'm always inspired daily and am constantly trying to refine a product that is the very best of what it can be and the very best I can make it.

So that's probably why I love Etsy so much. I love the community it brings and the inspiration I find there. This time around I've put my best foot forward and if anything I've learned to really just have fun. Have fun creating, sharing, and blessing those I have the opportunity to get to know through here, instagram, and other avenues along this journey! One thing I've realized though is that in anything it takes time and true investment for it to grow...but I didn't realize how much investment it takes and has taken to grow as much as I have. I've learned to not despise my small beginnings so when I hit 20 sales in the shop recently, I jumped for joy (literally). When I had a guest blog post on Love, Joleen - I definitely sent it to all my dear friends and couldn't believe it happened. I want to soak up every ounce of this journey and never forget when I just wanted at least 1 sale. I'm all about lending a hand and growing together in the handmade community. It's intimate, personal, and a joy to be surrounded by such creative minds and just awesome people. Sometimes we get "caught up" in who is copying who or stealing ideas and we miss it.

I've been praying and thinking about how can I lend a hand. No I'm not a "big deal" and I most certainly haven't "made it," but I can spread the word and bring business to those that want to grow and are finding their niche just like myself. It's expensive doing this handmade business. The cost of supplies and really shipping alone has made me realize why people charge as much as they do. I hope to make a profit one day, but I'm getting my hands dirty first and setting my base of quality product. And really I just down right enjoy The Blue Swallow. It's my own labor of love and honestly just a way to bless and share with others that someone cares. So what if that sounds silly, but it's true. I LOVE happy mail...but even more than that I love sending it. I love that I sketch and plan each design I create for that person. I love that it's personal...that's who I am.

So I wrote all of this to really say - HEY YOU! Yes you handmade business! I want to partner up with you for the holidays!

From the beginning of November right up to Christmas I will be featuring a handmade shop here on the blog as well as on my Instagram! Whether it's a sale you have going on or a giveaway that you would like to do, I want to be your platform. No cost to you at all. What I need is for you to email me at blueswallow.inc@gmail.com and share who you are, your shop, and what you would like me to feature about it! I was super bummed I couldn't afford to be a part of some of the fun holiday guides out there, but who says you can't do your own? So I'm going to! I hope you'll join me! Please spread the word as much as you can, there are a lot of days to fill!