Things that didn't work//
- Wind. The wind was crazy and I had not thought about my table in terms of wind. My price cards kept flying off and at one point my shelving unit went airborne. Back to the drawing board on how to communicate prices.
- My people skills. My boyfriend sat with me at the table and after the first few people looked at my line he nicely told me that I was extremely awkward. (I've known this for years). I have a very hard time talking about my work and I don't want to annoy people that are browsing. However, I've decided to come up with a few sentences that engage a browser so that I don't come across as an uncomfortable artist.
- Ring displays. I don't think people see my rings in the shelving unit and then they get lost on the table. I've already bought supplies to begin construction on an idea for better display. More on that once I fail or succeed on that DIY.
Things that worked //
- My table setup. The new table design flowed well. There are many things I'd still like to improve to bring people over to my table. People seemed to want to pick items up and ask questions about them. And my banner is still a slam dunk!
- People love the product. I was told over and over how unique my line was (BINGO!). That alone made me feel like I was headed in the right direction. Just need to figure out a way to make it impossible to walk away without a purchase.
Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday I was at the Atlanta Market. It's basically where retailers all go to find new products to sell in their stores. I tagged along with my mom to help her shop for her monogram store. While I was there I began finding lines and product that fit with Indie & Chic's concept. I made a decision right then to expand Indie & Chic in 2013 to more than just my own handmade items. I picked up an amazing new clothing line, some household items and of course bags. Still have 5 more months to search for more product to introduce in the new year. I'm extremely nervous, kinda feel crazy, but I'm also smiling as I type this. Indie & Chic is a huge part of who I am, and I want to take the next step.
**Tomorrow we are celebrating Indie & Chic's three years with a big 24 hour sale. I promise it is worth your time**
Great to hear about what you learned! :) The Atlanta Market looks amazing! I wonder if it's like that Fashion District here in LA where you can buy items in wholesale... :)
ReplyDeletexo,
janmloves.blogspot.com
Probably very similar. You have to have a business license to get into the Atlanta Market. And they have vendors selling everything from furniture to hand lotion. Its pretty overwhelming :)
DeleteOh my goodness! Your whole table set up looks amazing and your banner IS a slam dunk! I probably could spend forever browsing! Don't worry. I swear I'm always the awkward customer that comes by to browse. Also, I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to see what products you'll have once you expand.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so cute!! I'm sure you were totally fabulous and not awkward at all :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to know more about your experience as an entrepreneur. Your expansion sounds great and as someone who is thinking of doing something similar someday, it would be so interesting to learn about! School me, girl!
I will start outlining some posts about my experiences, maybe start a once a month feature. Thanks for your idea and interest!!
DeleteHow exciting! Your booth looked super cute and I can't wait to see what new things you've got. And it's okay to be super awkward when people come to your booth. I always get weirded out by the vendors who are all over you (usually some old lady lol). If your products good (which it totally is), it'll sell itself. Again, can't wait to see what's to come!
ReplyDeletekendall, the lemonade stand