Feb 20, 2017 |
Hey Rebels! Now you can show your rebel spirit with some awesome gear. We have designed tshirts, tote bags, mug and more to cheer you on as you take on your product based biz. In addition, any purchase you make is going straight to supporting the podcast and keeping it up and running. We truly appreciate your support of Creative Biz Rebellion!
We are also excited to be bringing you some great resources and downloads include the Retail Product Sales Planning Calendar.
We can’t wait to see how you rock your rebel gear! Go shop now and be sure to tag us on Instagram and use #creativebizrebellion.
Later Rebels!
Feb 14, 2017 |
Hey Rebels! In this episode Caroline and Kelly chat with Justin Woods. Justine is the owner and creative behind Appraising Pages, The Bookish Box, and Beaulitful Buzz author agency. In this episode we talk about how Justine got started in the t-shirt and subscription box biz and all the challenges and rewards that come with running a multi-million dollar business. This is a must listen for sure!
Quote Love from Justine:
I see an item I want to put in a box, and build the theme around that item.
I want all these sales, all the time.
I am a lister, I have to write list.
You must be able to personally connect with your market.
You have to be in it for the long haul.
If you can do it, it could be life changing.
Links:
Cratejoy
Big Cartel
Where you can find Justine!
Instagram: @thebookishbox
Twitter: @thebookishbox
Facebook: @thebookishbox
Websites:
www.thebookishbox.com
www.appraisingpages.com
www.beaulitfulbuzz.com
Follow us on instagram (Creative Biz Rebellions) and interact with us for a shop shout out!!!
If you have a second please jump over to iTunes and leave us a review!
Click on the link and then click on “view in iTunes” to leave us a review. We give you all the virtual fist bumps. Thank you!
JOIN THE REBELLION! Signup for our newsletter and get our fave list of Instagram hashtags FREE!
YOU CAN FIND KELLY ONLINE AT:
www.helloworldpaperco.com
www.kellyparkersmith.com
www.helloworldstamps.etsy.com
YOU CAN FIND CAROLINE ONLINE AT:
www.carolinecreates.com
www.carolineannhull.com
www.carolinecreates.etsy.com
Feb 7, 2017 |
Hey Rebels! In this episode Caroline and Kelly talk all about Calling in Sick.
As a business owner, the hardest thing in the world is to take a sick day. When you work alone at home, there is that internal pressure to work and get shit done. Caroline and Kelly talk how they struggled at first and never would give themselves time off when they were sick. We are allowed to take time off, isn’t this why we wanted to work for ourselves? In this episode, Kelly shares her story of how she struggles with Crohn’s Disease on a daily basis and why its is important to take a day to rest and get well so you feel better and are more productive with your work.
Kelly was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2006. Kelly was very sick and in and out of the hospital for 2 years. She was very weak and a single mom at the time so she had to find something that would make her feel better. Kelly went to several doctors and kept getting more opinions because she did not want to give up until she found out what was going on. She finally found one she was happy with and in 2008 she started IV meds for her disease. Do this day she is still on them. Kelly takes what she calls “liquid gold” every 6 weeks which takes 4 hours at the hospital and is administered through an IV. Crohn’s Disease can cause many different symptoms in each individual case. Kelly struggles with joint pain everyday, must watch stress levels and stay away from certain foods that cause flare ups with the disease. Working from home has really helped her with her symptoms and feeling better. She is know able to focus more on her health and is able to take the time to rest when her body tells her so!
“When days get hard and I feel bad it is nice to have the chance to just rest and call it a day” -Kelly.
Kelly’s Tips for handling sick days:
- Have a built in turnaround time for your business
- Set up an autoresponder for email
- Communicate with your customers and be honest, they will understand.
- Take a day to rest and get well so you feel better faster and be more productive with your work.
If you don’t feel good, you are no good to anybody -Kelly
As a business owner the hardest thing in the world is to take a sick day -Caroline
It is really about giving yourself grace -Caroline
Everyone and everything will survive for 24hrs -Kelly
Follow us on instagram (Creative Biz Rebellions) and interact with us for a shop shout out!!!
If you have a second please jump over to iTunes and leave us a review!
Click on the link and then click on “view in iTunes” to leave us a review. We give you all the virtual fist bumps. Thank you!
JOIN THE REBELLION! Signup for our newsletter and get our fave list of Instagram hashtags FREE!
YOU CAN FIND KELLY ONLINE AT:
www.helloworldpaperco.com
www.kellyparkersmith.com
www.helloworldstamps.etsy.com
YOU CAN FIND CAROLINE ONLINE AT:
www.carolinecreates.com
www.carolineannhull.com
www.carolinecreates.etsy.com
Feb 1, 2017 |
Having an online shop is great but sometimes it’s nice to get out, ya know? That’s why we love getting involved in our local scene through shows. Shows are a great way to get your name, product and business out there. Whether you are doing a craft show, bridal show or trade show, you are in a unique position to meet people you otherwise would not be able to meet online.
Shows can be great sources of income but also take a lot of time and energy. Over the years, my experience with shows has taught me that there are things that can make or break your show experience.
Here are 10 things you need for a successful show:
- Great displays – You want to merchandise your booth like someone is walking into your store. Use things from around your house and get creative with how to display your work.
- Eye Catching Signage – Your sign should draw people into your booth! Invest in a good sign that you can use again and again.
- Business Cards or Hand Outs – Make sure when you connect with someone or they make a purchase that they have know how and where to find you later. Include an incentive to encourage them to come to your website such as an opt in or coupon.
- Water, Snacks and Chapstick – Lordy it gets exhausting talking to people for hours! Be sure you have the essentials to keep you going, especially if you are unable to leave your booth.
- Card Reader – If you are at a show that is cash and carry, be sure you have a way for people without cash to pay. There are some really great options for credit card readers including square, etsy, and paypal. Figure out what works best for you and be sure to test it before the show.
- Enough Cash – Can you make change? If not, be sure to grab some cash and a safe place to keep it.
- Comfy Shoes – I know those boots look super fab but can you stand in them for hours? Standing and talking can get exhausting especially on concrete floors so be sure your feet can handle it.
- Custom Order Forms – One of my favorite things to do at shows is to take samples of some custom items such as stamps or photo cards and then have order forms available if someone is interested. At trade shows, be sure you have enough order forms, clipboards and pens.
My Booth at the National Stationery Show in 2016; Photo by Jenny Solar
- Backup – Have someone available to help you out and give you a break. Sometimes the booth can get slammed and you need an extra hand and sometimes, you just need to go potty. If it’s an all day event, have someone bring you lunch or give you the chance to walk around and check out some other booths. Have them text you if you need to come back to the booth and chat with someone.
- A Positive Attitude – Keep a smile on your face! If the show is not going your way and you start to reflect that in your demeanor and attitude, people will not come into your booth. Remember that sometimes the connections you make and people you meet are just as important as the sales and can impact your business in the future.
There is always more to remember but these tips will get you headed in the right direction.
What is something you’ve learned doing shows? Share your show tips in the comments!
Jan 31, 2017 |
Photo is by Minkmade, @minkmade
Alright Rebels, we know that Spring and Summer markets and shows are coming up fast and we want you to be ready to represent your brand in person so we asked Paige Poppe to come on the show and talk all about getting involved in your local scene! Paige is an amazing artist from Arizona who has recognized online brand, but also has this whole local craft/art show thing down to a science! I can not wait to hear how much you all fall in love with her!
photo is by Connor Dougherty
Here is a little more about Paige:
Paige Poppe is an Arizona native, currently living + working as a full-time artist in the Valley. Painting every day in Scottsdale, she is surrounded by the beautiful Sonoran desert. She works in watercolor + acrylic, painting the desert landscape and botanicals as her subject matter.
Paige is a graduate from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and holds her Bachelor of Architecture degree. This has left her with a great appreciation for sketching + working in analog, but her digital skills, including proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, allow her to work digitally, create mockups, and clearly communicate ideas with clients.
Paige is proud to connect with her local community by participating in several local art markets and including Phoenix Flea, the Tempe Arts Festival, and an art installation at Cartel Coffee. She has collaborated on exclusive designs with local apparel brand Overthrow Clothing, and shared her work at events at Madewell Fashion Square and West Elm Kierland. Her work can also be found at several retail boutiques including MADE Art in downtown Phoenix and !Viva! Paso in Paso Robles, CA.
Her painting and design work extends to her own products, wedding stationery design, branding and packaging for small businesses, design work for Phoenix Flea marketing, and large scale painting commissions for clients.
We told you she rocks! She also mentioned some great resources on the show that we wanted to link below.
6 foot folding table*
4 foot folding table*
PayPal credit card reader – point of sale system*
Dolly/rolling hand truck for loading in display*
Display Racks
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Wudls?ref=l2-shopheader-name
“10 Tips for Selling at Art/Craft Shows” Video by Paige Poppe
http://www.paigepoppe.com/blog/2015/4/29/10-tips-for-selling-at-artcraft-shows?rq=10%20tips
* Any link marked with an “*” is an affiliate link and Paige Poppe will receive a commission if purchased, however these are the items that she uses and recommends.
Follow us on instagram (Creative Biz Rebellions) and interact with us for a shop shout out!!!
If you have a second please jump over to iTunes and leave us a review!
Click on the link and then click on “view in iTunes” to leave us a review. We give you all the virtual fist bumps. Thank you!
JOIN THE REBELLION! Signup for our newsletter and get our fave list of Instagram hashtags FREE!
You can find Kelly online at:
www.helloworldpaperco.com
www.kellyparkersmith.com
www.helloworldstamps.etsy.com
You can find Caroline online at:
www.carolinecreates.com
www.carolineannhull.com
www.carolinecreates.etsy.com
