I’ve learned starting a small business is a series of steps. Here is my timeline
March 26, 2011 I spot 4 hole button bracelets at a street fair. I’m not interested in the plastic buttons but I like the concept of it
March 29th I get my hair cut by Gigi and go to my favorite vintage store, Cheap Thrills in Phoenix.(these two places were near each other.) I spot old, vintage type buttons that have the shanks on the back at Cheap Thrills. I buy 20$ worth and head home to make first bracelet.I discover the buttons say “Caesar” which is the name of our newly rescued cocker spaniel.
April, I kick around a lot of business names and start collecting buttons.My counselor tells me I need to “put on a business hat” and move forward. Educate myself. She was right.I put a few items in Cheap Thrills. Some sell.I choose my name.I get a new email account.I buy a domaine name.
May 2nd I go to downtown Phx and get my trade name certification.I order pink leopard business cards. I get the blessings of Moms sisters, Debe & Carol,my dad, my siblings & friends. Everyone is so supportive. My hubby is wondering what’s the excitement with buttons.
May 6th I go to a party at Jamie Brunks house. She and Robin get out jars of family buttons. We tip them over, spread out the buttons and they select lots of unique ones. Tanya encourages me to do home parties. they ask me to make 5 bracelets with only their buttons. I have my first custom orders.These were gifts for Mother’s Day. Robin officially bought my first bracelet.I order differnet business cards. I get business credit cards.
May/June A lot of shopping and collecting of buttons.Lots of trials and errors with supplies. My dad tries to find me a company to fabricate my stamp. It’s important to me to personalize all my pieces.I have my first home show.I set up Facebook page.I buy fonts online. I work on my etsy.com site. I photograph every item and then post online.I shop for more buttons & supplies.Dad says the machine is 350$ and is limited to one size stamp. I’m not interested in that.I meet a woman(Denise) who is a paper whiz. she does all kinds of creative things. She helped me with printing layouts and concepts.
The first party was a success. 9 pieces out the door and orders for 13 bracelets.I had thousands of buttons to choose from. Denise, my friend brought over a drawer full heirlooms and we picked out pieces for 5 women in her family & one for herself. Each one unique. Each one lovely.
Late June Small party at Kays home. Chance to meet her friends and family. Her sister is a 15 yr breast cancer survivor and she asks me to make her a bracelet using her breast cancer pins. Kay hs flapper button from the internet and one with her husband’s name Rocco on it. Her daughter Kaylee has her grandpa’s’ military button she wants to proudly wear on a bracelet. The college girls ask if I’ll make earrings and the lil girls want rings. OK, I take the challenge and make those too. I love the home party’s because I have the chance to share warning signs of Ovarian Cancer. It’s a silent killer for a reason.
August I orderd a stamp from Lonnie’s Lapidary in Phoenix.I ordered rings and custom earrings cards & earring posts .I consulted a marketing whiz (Amy) who advised me I need to get out more, get more exposutre. She was right.I signed up on yelp and wordpress. I consulted 3 web designers and selected one.I updated my etsy account. I advertised. I signed on with JAM Boutique in Scottsdale.And the free time was spent making & photographing jewelry.
September I signed a contract at JAM and dropped off 50+ items. More treasure shopping with Jen & Amanda.
This week brings me making new items. Working on my US Trademark. Making more earrings, rings. Dreaming about the possibilities. Always dreaming about the possibilities. -Leah