[vc_row][vc_column][vc_message]Niche : Home and Living
Shop link : https://www.etsy.com/shop/Faerytastic
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/faerytastic[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]”
Tell us something about yourself. What is your niche? Why did you start your business?
Originally I started my business in order to be at home when my son came home from school, but I have always been fascinated by dragons, fairies, and other mythical creatures, and being a highly creative person I was very happy when making the items I sell!
What type of products do you sell? How does your manufacturing process look like?
Polymer clay mythical beasts: Faeries, dragons, unicorns, faery houses, faery doors, wizards, etc. I make them on a piece of glass on a desk in my kitchen! Using polymer clay, marbles, a scalpel, lots of glitter and mica powder, and lots of colored powder eyeshadows!
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What are some challenging aspects of your business? How did you overcome them?
When people request custom orders for something that I have no idea what it looks like. A lady wanted her pet sugar glider. I managed to get around this by asking for photos so that I could get the markings right. She was delighted with the result!
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? What’s the hardest about it?
Being creative on a daily basis is fantastic! I guess the hardest part is if I wake up in the morning and don’t have a headful of faeries clamouring to be made. Getting inspiration can be hard, but by using Google images and typing “mythical beasts” into the search engine, something usually pops up that gets the creative juices flowing!
What are some beginner mistakes you made? What advice or words of inspiration would you like to share?
As I began using polymer clay to make jewellery in a job I had over 25 years ago, I can’t really remember mistakes, I just know that the more often a person makes something, the better it gets each time. Also when using polymer clay (especially red, black or blue) make sure you thoroughly wash your hands before using a lighter colour! Yous imagination is the only limit to what you can make!
What inspires you while designing and/or creating new products.
Sometimes ideas will come in dreams, sometimes I will see a piece of architecture or watch a film that inspires me, occasionally paintings or cards will give me ideas.
How did you get the background and skills necessary to run this type of business?
Had a job years ago making polymer clay jewellery, and went on a week-long business course to gain the skills to run the business.
What are some of the most effective ways in terms of marketing products to your customers?
Facebook and Etsy. I did have a website at one point, but got so few orders from that I cancelled it as the fees outweighed the profit. I do as many craft fayres as possible too. I have recently opened an Instagram account which I hope will be helpful.
What would you say are the key elements for starting and running a successful online business?
Make sure that everyone you know is aware of it, and ask them to write honest reviews about the type of person you are. When customers get in touch ask them to tell their friends/family. Don’t expect to make a profit in the first year, very few small businesses do, but always have faith that you will succeed. A positive mental attitude works wonders!
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How do you personally define business success? Is it money? Freedom? Influence? Creative expression and innovation? Something else?
Freedom, and creative expression (and for me the ability to have crazy brightly colored hair!)
Describe your day-to-day operation. How do you manage your time?
I set myself a start and end time (10 am-4 pm) and try to stick to that most days, but the beauty of self-employment means that if I need to go to a doctor/optician, etc, I can. I don’t usually work weekends but I am happy to if I am feeling overly creative.
How do you plan on growing your business? What is the biggest impact on your profitability?
The current world situation has not been kind to a lot of businesses, but mine seems to be thriving. I will carry on making my polymer clay figures as long as people want them! Considering trying to get the local newspaper interested in doing an article.
Anything you wish to add, feel free to do so here. We value your opinion
If there is something you love doing, consider doing it for a living! It’s not just about money, it’s about doing what makes you happy!
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