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Where to start (Newbie)

Posted by katika quintanilla on April 11, 2013 at 8:56pm in Questions & Answers for New Members

So I began making hair bows and other hair accessories almost a year ago.  I am a stay at home mom and Army wife (retired).  Well since we have moved into our home and have settled in I wanted to test the waters of doing craft fairs and shows.  I really don't know where to start.  I see an amazing opportunity but I don't want overwhelm myself too fast and too soon.  I need to pace myself.  So does any one have any ideas on how I should make my approach? Any suggestions will be very helpful and greatly appreciated. 

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Replies

  • katika quintanilla April 11, 2013 at 10:10pm

    This information is very helpful. Thank you!!!

  • Richard L. Sherer April 11, 2013 at 9:43pm
    Start small to keep you investment in line with potential income. Take a look at local art/craft shows/bazaars at schools and churches. These will be minimum costs and not require outdoor booth, professional digital images etc. I don't normally do these any more, but to help out the ladies at my church, I signed up for two booths/1 day. Just going to put inventory on tables. It will be a primer and chance to see what I need to do for juried shows starting in May. Free chicken soup for artists' lunch too. Keep good records so you can analyze results and compare shows. Start a notebook of "need to do for next show" notes. Have fun. Have more fun.
  • Elle Heiligenstein April 11, 2013 at 9:42pm
    Hi if you prefer to ease into things, look on Zapplication.org for craft shows in your area. You can find out what is coming up and apply there. You can also check with the nicer flea market events too. Nicer and better crafts like yours are often at the better flea markets and local school shows and church shows. Just because an event is small or based in a school, church or flea market doesn't mean that you can't make seriously good money. I did a very small show at a local bed and breakfast recently and made a $300 sale. It cost only $20 to be there. The whole show lasted 3 hours and they gave me a nice dinner too for just being willing to show my work there. If you do the smaller events like I listed above, you can use tables and table covers which will save you the expense of designing and outfitting a professional booth until you can build up some funds. I know the bows and hair accessories sell really well, so good luck to you!!!!
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