Doily Boutique

Hello!  My name is Iris Korthauer and I am a crafter.  I sew and make custom table runners and dresser scarfs.  One of my bedrooms here at home has been completely transformed into my sewing room and there are many days when I think I've already outgrown that room and need to spill over into a second bedroom.

I participate in various craft shows throughout the Southeast and you can see my schedule at www.doilyboutique.com/crshsc.html.  I also have a store on the web which is at www.doilyboutique.com.

Is crafting as a business for you?

I suggest that you begin by assessing your skills and particularly what you like to do as a hobby.  Yes, many times a hobby can be successfully turned into a business for yourself.

As a small business where there is me, myself, and I, I am responsible for all aspects of making sure everything falls into place.  There's marketing, sewing, bookeeping, travelling, setting up at a show, tearing down, and some more travel, inventory keeping, and most fun of all designing new items.

Ready for this?

I also suggest visiting a craft show -- and not just any craft show, but a "major" craft show before jumping into this business.  Sometimes this means driving a few hours away from home, but believe me, you'll enjoy your day as an observer and a shopper.  Take a look around at what other folks are exhibiting and selling already.    I highly recommend that you find a special niche in what you do compared to what's already out there.

I think that's what's so wonderful about my table runners and dresser scarfs and all the other items I carry -- 99% of the time, I have no competition at a craft show. 

This business of crafting also puts you on the road alot.  You're at home alot too which makes it seem very attractive, but you have to travel too.  How much you travel is actually your choice in many ways, and not your choice in other ways.  For example, if I do a show every weekend, my chances of selling are much higher.  BUT that has to balance against my ability to sit and sew and replenish my stock.  There has to be a careful balance between making/sewing in my case inventory, and selling it at a show.  Like I said though, you're at home alot too -- which means all the responsibilities of home life have to be balanced again against taking time to make your inventory.  Sometimes that can be really hard because you'll have many different forces working against you -- but you can also be quite flexible and be there when you choose.