Meet Abby Glassenberg and Kristin Link. These accomplished makers may have started their creative journeys individually, but their passion for sewing brought their paths together, resulting in the dynamic duo behind the Craft Industry Alliance. Introduce us to you. A: I’m Abby Glassenberg. I’m a sewing pattern designer, journalist and teacher. I live in Wellesley,…
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The Pros and Cons of Selling Online
Hi, this is Kara, from Kailo Chic and I am here to share the pros and cons of selling online that I have learned over the past 14 years in business. Kailo Chic started in February 2005. I had just graduated from UT with a degree in Chemical Engineering and was ready to start working. After…
Selling to Retailers: Are you Prepared?
Are you a maker who’s ready to grow and scale their business? Have you set up an efficient system to make your products quickly? Have you sourced your materials at discounted prices, or in bulk, so you can sell at wholesale prices and still profit? If you answered yes to these questions, then you might…
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…
Holiday 2019 Trends at AmericasMart
If you’re a retailer or buyer, you might travel to one or more wholesale markets each year. There are several popular markets, like Dallas Market Center, Las Vegas Market and AmericasMart in Atlanta. I recently returned to AmericasMart in Atlanta with my sister for our yearly buying trip. We spent three full days sourcing and ordering…
Top Trends From Creativation 2019
Hi all, it’s Angie! I had the pleasure of attending the Creativation 2019 trade show last week. This is a show where a ton of the craft brand manufacturers display their new and existing products. It is a great place to spot 2019 craft trends for the upcoming year. Since the show floor is only…
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…
Meet the Maker: Nicole Stevenson
Meet Nicole Stevenson. With almost twenty years of experience under her belt, this northern-Californian has been creating ever since she was a little girl – we’re talking make your own business cards at the age of nine. Pairing her love of creating with an entrepreneurial mindset, she’s created a community where makers can find resources…
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…
