Bethany : CleoDee's

What made you decide to start your craft?
I made a squid in celebration of the giant squid being seen alive on film.  It just blossomed after that into the squiddies that you see today. 

When did you realize that it had evolved from a hobby to a full-fledged business?
When I made more money doing crafts than at my part-time job and when the part-time job got in the way of furthering my business.

What keeps you inspired?
Needing to keep my fingers (and brain) busy.   I can't seem to stop embroidering, sewing, or printing something.  My inspiration for doing it as my business is not having a typical 9-5er.

Whats the hardest thing you've faced in having a crafty business?
I have 2.  The first is allowing myself to take time off and that's it's ok to sometimes just sit and watch TV or visit with friends without bringing along sewing.   My other challenge is allowing myself to accept the fact that since I have my own business and my husband does freelance we might not always have the money in when it needs to be in or get the sales the week you need them most.

What goals do you have for your business?
To work up a big enough stock so that I'm prepared for the holiday season and am able to do more shows in the year. 

What advice would you give someone starting out in your field?
If you're going to do this then be devoted.  Being devoted doesn't mean you have to inspire to have this be your full-time job but it does mean you have to take the time to focus on your craft, go to shows (or focus on your shop, consignment,wholesale,etc) and get the word out on your business.  You're usually not going to get far if you just sit and wait for things to happen to you.  Also, along with being devoted remember that you should be enjoying yourself!  If you're not then you may want to rethink why you want to do this.  Being miserable isn't going to help your business or your life. 

Whats the best advice you've received?
The best advice I've received that's helped with my business on a technical level is an article about taking good photographs.  This led me to building my own lightbox.  I'm still perfecting my pictures but they already look far more professional and represent my work much better than they did before.