Last December, a friend approached me about opening a store in a downtown area. She would need me to help run it. In exchange, I would be given an area where I could display my jewelry. I was really excited about the opportunity. I knew it would be hard work and at time things would be lean, but I was excited to start on a new adventure.
Unfortunately my friend could never come to an agreement with the building owner on lease terms. While this was disappointing, I felt that another opportunity would come down the road. So far, another opportunity to open a store has not presented itself. This lack of opportunity does not preclude me from dreaming about it.
Lately I have been thinking about how exciting it would be to open a store to feature local crafters. There is such a store in a small town from not far from here. I have put myself on the waiting list to get in. That was a couple of months ago. There are so many small business crafters and artisans that need a place to display their items. Websites like Etsy and Ebay are great, but not everyone is willing to take the on-line leap. Sometimes people want to be able to touch the item, examine it before buying.
The other issue crafters have is getting the word out about their items. Sure, there is a lot of social media out there, but how does one cut above the noise? I know I face this issue myself. Well, I may not currently be able to open a brick and morter store, but I do have this blog.
I wonder what would happen if I would feature a few artisan/crafters each week. Would my blog help them get some exposure? I'm willing to give it a try.
So, I would like to start a series called Handmade Wednesdays. I know it's not terribly catchy, but it gets the point across. Every Wednesday I will feature 5 people who make items by hand, I would love not to have to go looking for each one every week. Therefore, if you are a crafter and would love to be featured, just leave a comment to this blog and where I can find your items.
Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the first Handmade Wednesday!
Until Tomorrow - Melissa
<<>> meeeeeeee, please :)
ReplyDelete? My post disappeared! It said, among other things: meeeeee please! Give or take an e
ReplyDeleteYou're all set Inge!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I would love to be featured, but I second the idea that it's hard to buy online sometimes. It's been difficult to get my children's clothing up and running, and after months a few items have recently sold, but everyone says that if they were seen in person they would fly off the shelves. So, you are onto something there...that shop sounds great...did the spot open up yet?
ReplyDeleteKim - I will be sure to feature you. Either this week or next!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea, Melissa! Looking forward to "getting to know" some amazing artisans.
ReplyDeleteYou know that I'm interested in being featured, my yarn friend. I would also LOVE to open a store front similar to the one you mentioned above. Maybe two minds must come together to make it happen?
ReplyDeleteMarla - I LOVE how you think! I will def. get to you in the next week or two!!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet of you, no rush, I just love the idea...may need to do that myself when I get back to blogging...buried lately. ;)
ReplyDelete