Such a dreary day today. The temp is nice, but it is so stormy and rainy. The girls were suppose to have their first tee-ball game tonight, but I am sure it will be canceled tonight. They were suppose to have one Tuesday night, but that was canceled also. I am so anxious to see them play.
I have something that I have been thinking and praying about for a long time to finally mention to you. I have been trying to decide if I want to open a retail store here in Wellman. I would feature my lampwork beads, a few other beads to compliment my beads, my jewelry and a party room for little girl parties or adult "girls night out" parties. It is kind of a scary thing for me to think about if I could make it work or not, but when I think about the possibilities it makes me excited. I am asking for a little feedback on what you think. Would you local people, and by local I even mean people from surrounding states, support me? I have had people drive 2 hours or more to come to my little shop in my house, so that gives me encouragement that people are interested in what I have to offer. There is a bead store closing in Des Moines, so last Saturday Justin and I drove there and got a bunch of semi precious beads, czech glass beads and some display cases. I think I have a good start for a store. Please let me know what you think...
A new necklace...
4 comments:
Hey Melissa,
I think it's a great idea for you! You have such a broad customer base and I know that if I lived closer, I would be there DAILY to buy from you in person! :) You have such a great variety of beads, and really they are very unique so I think that you will do very well in a retail venue. I wish you luck if you decide to go for it, and I know that you will make it a success!
Kristen
Melissa,
I would love to see you in a retail setting and I hate to say it, but I think you might fare better in Kalona due to all the extra "browsing" traffic. But, I'm sure the rent/space fees would be much higher. I do think the party room idea would give you an extra draw to bring people to Wellman (especially since our office party at Chameleon Cache is what started me creating my own jewelry). I have tried to encourage people from my office that admire the jewelry that I wear to go to your open houses, but for some reason they think Wellman is "so far" from Iowa City. Obviously I would support you in whatever you decide to do.
Melissa,
Being able to stay home and raise your 4 kids and do what you love and sell it. I would say ’if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’. A retail store, is going to cause you to be away from home, a lot more overhead, less time to create! I would go with e-bay--- though you may need to change ‘how’ you sell? In fact I know of a seller that auctions almost everything you need for a “complete set”; but she also has an auction daily.
In today’s economy I know several small businesses in town that used to have a great businesses; but not any longer. I had spoken with one I frequent, who closed recently. She was a ‘beader’, candles, soaps, yarn, and a lot of classes for over 7 yrs. Her comment was that small businesses are really taking a hit in this economy!
Especially with ‘gas prices’ the way they are, people are doing a lot less traveling. So unless you have a lot of ‘beaders’ in Wellman, I personally would not chance opening a retail store.
I’m really sorry, but I thought you would want my ‘honest’ opinion, keep us informed……….
Melissa,
I really like the 'house party' idea, to sell your products.(similar to a Candlelite party) Have someone sponsor the party and invite their friends and have it at your home(where it's already displayed) or the sponsee home? The problem with a store-front is no time for yourself,or creation, and $$. I think the best way to sell your product is by word-of-mouth.
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