Wow, six months have flown by!
Thank you to everyone for all of your support these past six months. Overall, it has been quite a success. But that is not to say it has been easy! I have made some wonderful new friends, some of whom are just starting out themselves. Here are a few things I have learned:
Put backs on your earring wires. There is nothing worse than trying to sort out three dozen renegade earrings that came loose during transport with only 10 minutes before your event begins.
Yes, you will do shows and boutiques with other jewelry makers. But this is not a bad thing! Why do you think there are food courts in malls? Everyone wants something different, but just being around it whets the appetite.
Whatever your craft, hone your style. Don’t try to be all things to all people.
Not every event will be a homerun, but if you don’t give up you will find out which events work for you.
Keep track of your books! Track every sale, regularly update your inventory receipts, track your costs. If you don’t know how to do this, find an accountant or software program that can help.
DON’T UNDERCHARGE! Do not price gouge your potential clients, but remember to add your labor, overhead, and unspecified expenses such as sales bags into your price. You might think undercutting your fellow crafters means easy sales, and it might, but at the cost of not making any money. And you really should be participating in these events to make money. Others depend on this income and try hard.
Remember that this is supposed to be fun work, not just labor. If you are not enjoying yourself, ask why. Are you doing too much? Are you spending more than you want to? Be sure to center yourself and remind yourself not to do too much, too soon
In my upcoming posts I will address some of these topics. In the meantime… are you SURE you have enough jewelry?
