Shopping the Boxing Day Sales

October 30, 2012 1 Comment

One thing that I do normally is hit the Boxing Day Sales for Christmas cards, wrapping paper and decorations. Everything is so cheap!

I do the same for my business. In the lead up to the sales, I write a list of what I want – how many cards (I usually factor in at least a 10% increase in cards from the current year), the colour of wrapping paper, if I need any decorations for my stall at Christmas markets. This means I know what I'm looking for and don't spend all day wandering a busy shopping centre without knowing what I need.

If I have time, I scope out the shops so I have an idea of where to go on Boxing Day.

When the big day arrives, my hubby drops me off so we don't have to worry about parking and I call him when I'm done.

Back at home, I put everything away in a place where I will find it again easily the following year.

As Christmas approaches, I get my stash of cards and goodies out and I'm ready to go. Not only am I organised, but I've also saved myself a heap of money!

Enjoy your Christmas.

Jenna

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Workshops for kids

October 1, 2012 Leave a Comment

Jewellery and beads is what I do. My business has sparked my love of beads, and my kids would bug me to play with my beads. A couple of holidays ago, I let them have a play with some leftover beads and they had a great time.

Last holidays, I started to run workshops for kids with kid friendly beads. These beads were plastic rather than glass, and were a lot cheaper to buy. I also supplied elastic for them to thread beads on to. All the children were in Primary School and the workshops were in conjunction is a holiday program at a local school. It was so much fun they've invited me back, and referred me to another couple of schools. Part of the deal is my kids get to participate in the program at no cost.

It's exciting because running workshops for kids was not part of the original plan (having a business wasn't part of the original plan either!), however this has become an extra source of income as I charge per child to pay for my time and the materials I provide.

My kids also enjoy it because they can play with some new kids. Most programs have other activities for those kids who don't want to play with beads, so my kids are happy when they've had enough jewellery making for the holidays.

I don;t know if this will continue – but my tip for the school holidays is to be flexible and see if there is some way you can incorporate your business into a school holiday activity.

Enjoy the rest of your holidays.

Jenna

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A little bling from Jenna

September 19, 2012 Leave a Comment

Hey, I'm Jenna and I make jewellery. It all started when I made gifts for my kids teachers. One of them loved the necklace I made so much she wanted to buy some for gifts for her friends, and it went from there.

I make pretty necklaces and bracelets for little girls as well as something a bit more special for adults. I also do custom designs for weddings and special occasions.

Most of my sales have been at markets and online through handmade sites such as Etsy. I'm in the process of setting up my own website, It's a daunting feeling. I have also sold my jewellery through party plan style events.

The best thing for me about running my own business is going to functions with my husband. No longer am I being looked down on or avoided. Instead people talk with me, and I've even had a few sales! After years of being avoided because I'm "just a mum", these people are now talking to me.

I've had a few people asking me to teach them how to make jewellery, so I'm researching this option. It could be a good way to make some more money in my business, I just need to work out how this will fit in with the family.

Blogging here should be fun, and I look forward to sharing more with you.

Jenna

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