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,…
business
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…
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,…
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…
Measuring the Success of Your Maker Business
“How is your business doing?” You are sure to either hear this a lot or ask your self this question often after you start your own Etsy or maker business. Measuring success in business is an important thing to evaluate often as you nurture and grow your craft business. As I mentioned in my top…
How to Brand Your Business
You rarely get a second chance to make a first impression, so figuring out how to brand your business is something you want to “get right” the first time. Your brand, from your name to your logo to your mission statement, lets consumers know who you are and what you represent. Here are some things…
Starting Your Etsy Business: 3 Things to Know
You have a great hand made product that you are eager to sell on Etsy. Great! Now what? Showcase your creativity by creating a brand, and start your path to becoming an Etsy power seller by publishing great photographs of your products and getting your sales to your customers quickly. Here are the top three…
Time to Quit Your Day Job?
It’s not always easy to make the leap. Our quiz can help you decide. Admit it. You’ve thought about it. If you love crafting enough to design and sell your own products, you’ve probably daydreamed about making it your “real” job. But are you ready to take crafting from sideline to full-time? Here’s a quick…
Take the Showroom Tour
Crafts companies with showrooms offer customers a convenient product-viewing option. Craft retailers can look forward to getting an up-close look at the latest offerings at major product shows across the nation. But those who would like to set their own product viewing schedules — or perhaps not travel as far or for as much time…
