Sumptuosity in 2007

Submitted by Sumptuosity on Wed, 10/01/2007 - 12:37.

Happy New Year!

O.k. so I am a bit late with my greetings for all on this site but better late than never...

I was amazed that it was October that I last posted an entry, well actually I shouldn't be amazed as after this the fairs really started to pick up and the B2B sales (Trade & SoR) really began to take off.

Valuable lessons learned from 2006 to take into 2007 include the need for a lot of stock in the run up to major Fairs and especially towards Christmas, I spent a lot of the run up to Christmas 'fire-fighting' and I need to do much better with my organisational skills this year.

New designs - one of my mistakes in 2006 was not seeing enough opportunities (includng small ones). For example, we exhibited at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, where we sold a good number of my embroidered pin brooches - I had done a number of flower specific designs (e.g. Violets) and I thought about sewing some 'snails' but then 'logic' said to me Snails - gardeners hate snails in their garden and so won't want to actually wear designs with them on..... How wrong can you be? I was asked quite a few times for snails! At the same fair I had made some designs with spiders & webs on them - I only did a few because I thought that most people don't like spiders.... yes, you guessed it we sold out of them really quickly. I was amazed (that word again) by the number of people who appeared to have friends and family members who loved spiders (shoes and handbags I can understand!).

This blog is starting to sound rather grim and I really don't intend it to sound like that at all! Since I left teaching in September my life has been a whirlwind of activity and it is BRILLIANT. I do of course sometimes have a bit of a wobble and think ohhhh dear what am I doing/ can I do this?, etc but I think that is only natural. My 'problems' have been because things have been selling and I need to work out how to successfully make more and generally be better organised....

Key point to remember - is to listen to your customers (B2C & B2B) as they can often come up with good ideas. I designed for example, some 'cupcakes', 'teapots' and lets not forget the 'snails' after requests/comments from customers.

Right it is time to get on to the 'Cross-trainer' - I am also eating better and getting fitter since leaving teaching (I have lost over a stone in weight!). Then it is back to the workroom as I have some new ideas for Spring flower designs.

Good Luck for 2007 to all

Ruth
Sumptuosity
www.sheer-sumptuosity.co.uk

a new year a new start

Submitted by laurasimone on Mon, 22/01/2007 - 16:24.

hi ruth
i have just listened to the podcast and found your advice welcoming ,i have been busy with new designs for my range of cheeky charlie clothing and am about ready to hit the shops with my range
i agree that it is a scary thought going to retailers for the firt time and hoping they like what they see friends and relitives tell me that my work is great ,but they would ,wouldnt they ?
i think the idea of offering sale or return sounds a positive step forward as no one loses this way so i will suggest this to them
life is running at a fast pace as it is with our new baby charlie keeping us on our toes

i will also be contacting craft fairs for the summer and see how that gos
its as you say a scary time but hopfully worth it

best wishs for 2007

laura

Laura Simone