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What does your business do?
I sell stamping and scrapbooking supplies but I also teach how to use those supplies. I teach stamping and mini album workshops to help adults (and kids) to cultivate their inner artist (because we all have one, you know!)
When and why did you start the biz?
I restarted my business at the beginning of this year, so 6 months ago.
A few years back I had a crafting business but due to a divorce, a few moves, getting remarried (yay!) and having 2 boys, I decided to start my crafting business back up.
I started my business because I’m selfish. Paper crafting is my passion and I have this entrepreneur side to me. I love selling my handmade cards and gifts but I also like teaching others to find their artist side too.
How Many People are in your Company?
Just me and my 3 year old likes to help out when he can!
Where's your office?
We live in a tri-level home and my office area (or as I like to call it, my “crafting cave”) is located on the lowest level. I have a few windows, many plants and a messy desk filled with papers, stamps and ink. Pure bliss!
What's the toughest part of running your biz?
Juggling everything! I have 2 little boys under the age of 3 plus I do still have my “regular” job of doing medical transcription so it’s definitely a challenge keeping all the important bases covered.
What's the most fun part?
The crafting and meeting other people who either love it as much as me or are about to (new stampers and scrapbookers!). I truly get lost in time when I’m in my “craft cave” designing a card or a gift. It’s why I do what I do.
Anything you would have done differently?
I wish I would not have left my business originally a few years back because of a divorce. I did lose my passion for awhile because of the stress from going through a divorce but I wish I have stuck with it, asked for help and continued on.
What's next on the horizon for your biz?
Since now I am a mother I am planning on organizing workshops geared for kids and teenagers as a way for them to express their creativity since schools are not offering that as much as when I was a child. I really wished I would have known about paper crafts when I was younger because I was not artistic at all but I had that desire to be.
What advice do you have for others?
Simply do what you feel is right for YOU. Get advice from others, like here at Business Owners’ IdeaCafe, but always do what you feel is right for your needs at the time. What works for one person for their business, may or may not work for you and your business. And don’t be shy about sharing with others what you do, not in a pushy, sales person way, but just share and then stop and LISTEN to. Figure out who you can help someone by what their needs are but you have to listen first.
How do you use Idea Cafe to help your biz?
I used Idea Café before when I had my business and I always love to read the other profiles. I am inspired and motivated by what others have to say and have done. I actually read the profiles and visit their websites! It's so important in business to learn from others, in terms of learning from mistakes or from their successes.
School (where, still in school, degree)?
Career Step, medical transcription
Prior jobs or business?
Medical transcriptionist
Favorite Food?
Pizza from our neighborhood pizzeria with a cold beer
What are your pets' names?
No pets, just 2 active boys, Sean and Alex
Is there any one person or event in your life that led
you to go into business for yourself?
I don't think there was a person or event to be honest. Since I was little I had this entrepreneur spirit within me. I remember when I was about 12 or so, I learned to print address labels off a computer with cheesy graphics and I made some for my mom. Then I made a little catalog of designs to have my mom show her coworkers at her work. I'm always thinking with that entrepreneur brain of mine!
Anyone you publicly want to thank?
My mom of course! And my husband Mark who supports me 100% in "whatever makes you happy honey!"
Contact Info:
Ellie Jacobson
651-319-1470
ellie@elliesstampgarden.com
Website:
http://www.elliesstampgarden.com |
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