>Hello Everyone,
> My name is Holly and I look forward to getting feedback. I
>already hav a business in mind and can somewhat give a five
>and ten year outlook of what I would like to see happen. What
>I am challenged on is the leg work in between. The how to make
>it happen if you will. My hobbies are things like
>scrapbooking, crochet, and stamping. The last couple of years
>due to budget I have used those hobbies to make baby gifts.
>So my idea is to sell custom made baby baskets with things
>like a crocheted blanket and booties, with a first year
>scrapbook, and an embroidered family pillow. Hopefully you get
>the idea. Later, I want to expand to things like anniversary
>baskets,heirloom family projects, first home, etc. I feel a
>little lost on how to start because I can see a million
>avenues of expansion. I am at the point where I need to narrow
>it down or be to overwhelmed to start.
>Holly

What you have in mind is exactly the sort of customized one-of-a-kind gifts that people look for when looking for a gift for new babies, new married couples, etc.

I think it's a great idea.

You can put together a few samples of types of objects that would go into the baskets, take a few photos and start selling them on the internet... If you drive enough traffic to the site, they will sell.

I would also look into offering these baskets at juried craft fairs. The higher quality the craft fair the better you will do.

We kicked off our business using these craft fairs as the market for our hot sauces and it worked out really well for us, because we have such a different product. I think that you would find the same sort of reception. I would have a variety of "occasions" available and create a mailing list with newsletter so that when occasions come up over the course of the year, you are not far out of the potential customer's minds as well.

You'll need a business plan and you can get some help from your local business development center and others will chime in here with their thoughts on your idea as well.

Good luck with the idea. If your products are as nice as you describe, you can do very well.

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!