If you have spent any amount of time on Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed this trend: macramé is back and it is hot. This isn’t your grandma’s macramé. The new-to-many art of weaving has returned with a cleaner, more natural look. The brightly colored wall hangings have been replaced with sleek macramé planters, modern wall decor,…
What’s the Difference Between STEM and STEAM?
Education is full of lots of acronyms, and one of the most buzzed about abbreviations being used in the last few years is STEAM. That’s not a typo! Most everyone is familiar with STEM by now, but STEAM is…uh…catching steam. What do all these letters mean and what what is the difference between STEM and…
Design Trend: Planning A Galentine’s Day Party
What is a Galentine’s Day Party and what are ideas for celebrating it? Galentine’s Day has been identified as a top consumer design trend of the moment and we’re super excited to investigate it a little more. If you ever watched the hit television show Parks and Recreation, you probably have wished at some point that…
Choose the Right Products for Your Customers
Deciding what to sell is one of the biggest ongoing decisions retailers have to make. You want to sell items that are both in high demand and profitable. Here are several things to consider to help during the assortment planning process. In no time you’ll be finding the right products for your customer base. Assortment…
10 Top Trends for 2019
Trend watching is key to sales success. Customers are always on the hunt for the “it” item, so preparation is key. Make sure you have the latest trend in stock and ready to sell when your clients come looking for it. To help you prepare your inventory for the new year, here are ten top…
Choosing the Right Craft Fair for Your Goods
Selling at craft shows takes a lot of time and energy, so you want to make sure you choose your events wisely. As an online maker business, you must make an informed decision about which craft and maker events to participate in to get the most from your investment. There are several factors to consider…
Spread Your Budget and Lower Overhead Costs
You have to spend money to make money, right? This is a fact of being a small business owner. Still, you want to keep your spending in check so that you can maximize your profits and grow your maker business successfully. Here are several ways that you can spread your budget to lower overhead costs….
Creative Ways to Grow Your Customer Base
As a home-based business owner and maker, it can sometimes feel daunting to reach customers outside your circle of influence. With craft shows you are limited to whoever shows up that day. With online shops, you rely on returning customers, referrals, and social media channels. If you are looking for fresh ideas for attracting clients,…
Top 10 STEAM Focused Blogs for Teachers
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education is more than just a buzzword. STEAM is shaping what we teach and the way we teach. I recently touched on how STEAM education enhances student learning, and followed that up with ideas for how to budget for STEAM activities. Whether you are new to this style…
Follow Up with Your Craft Show Customers
Anyone who has worked a craft show knows that the job does not begin and end with the event. Prior to the show there is an enormous amount of prep work and planning to do. In addition to getting your product and booth ready, you also want to make plans for how to follow up…
