Are you taking advantage of these handmade business trends?

By: Charlene Dunbar

Wish there was a way to know the business outlook for the next 12 months or 5 years? We rounded up seven small business trends that handmade entrepreneurs need to take advantage of in the coming year.

#1 – Alternative payment options will continue to be important

Consider installment payment options for your online store or touchless pay options like ApplePay for in-person selling if you haven’t already.

#2 – Remote work will persist

You may need to adjust your product offerings, “reason to buy” or expand to services (virtual candle-making class anyone?) because the more-time-at-home trend is here to stay.

#3 – Spend on social media will increase

As customers spend more time online, how will you get their attention in a crowded online space? According to Business News Daily, social media ad spend will increase by 15% in 2021, growing the total spend on ads to $105 billion.

#4 – Use of mobile marketing

Is your online store optimized for mobile? Sending text messages or geo-targeting potential clients using Google ads can help keep your handmade brand top of mind for customers who are ready to shop.

#5 – User reviews will continue to matter

User reviews provide “social proof” that gives buyers confidence to buy from you online, sight unseen. Are you putting user reviews/testimonials to work in your online store?

#6 – Empathy is the gold standard

Customers want to buy from people who can relate to all the challenging things we’re experiencing IRL. Displaying empathy in your communication can help build trust with customers.

#7 More consumers will prioritize shopping small

According to Fundbox, 59% of consumers would rather buy from a small business vs. a large corporation. Don’t be shy about sharing your small business journey; customers are rooting for you and want to support your handmade business.

Which business trend resonates with you the most? I need to hop on the mobile marketing train and plan to get an app that can help with that. Drop us a note below and thanking for reading!

Sources:

SBA.gov/Top Business Trends for 2021

Business News Daily/12 Small Business Trends and Predictions for 2021

Wix.com/8 Small Business Trends to know for 2021

Fundbox.com/5 Small Business Trends for 2021

Must Read Blog Post Round up Part 2

In part 2 of this post, two of founders share their top blog posts to read and or revisit. These posts will encourage and inspire you. Let us know which posts were your favorites.

Here are Charlene’s top 4 blog posts:

1. “Shut it Down” – Having the right mindset is a huge difference maker in the success of your business. Read this blog to learn how to recognize internal voices that hurt your mindset and what to do with them.

2.“3 Mistakes I’ve Made as an Entrepreneur” – Read this post to 1) check that you’re not making these mistakes and 2) to know that you’re not alone if you have, lol.

Three Mistakes I’ve Made As an Entrepreneur

3.“6 Craft Tools Every Crafter Needs” – Looking to update your creative skills? Check this list for ideas on fresh tools to add to your stash.

4.”How Kpelle Designs built a successful online business with Instagram “ Need practical advice on how to grow your online business? Read on and find out how Kpelle Designs built their handmade jewelry brand. Need to take action on this? Check out our Instagram Audit Service -Up Your Gram Game.

DIY -Ankara fabric scrap earrings

By: Mina Mantor

There’s nothing I love more than using up every last piece of fabric scrap of my vibrants Ankara prints earrings because I love to see others and myself in the colorful Ankara print.

For this DIY, we will be making a beginner friendly earring made from fabric and simple earring hooks.

Supplies Needed:

•Fabric Scraps – fabric of your choice, but i recommend using a stiffer fabric.
•End Caps
•Earring hooks
•Spray Adhesive (All Purpose)
•Scissors

*You can find all supplies at Hobby Lobby, Joann’s etc. ,

Instructions
1. Cut two triangles from your fabric pieces. This fabric was cut freehand, which is an option for anyone who is not afraid of making a mistake. You can also create a a triangle paper pattern as your guide.

2. Spray Adhesive on the wrong side of the fabric and roll the fabric.

3. Add glue to end caps and insert the rolled fabric. Next,add the earring hooks.

4. Wear your new earrings and flaunt it, knowing you have a one of a kind piece.

How Kpelle Designs built a successful online business with Instagram

by: Charlene Dunbar

We’ve been following Gwanyan, the boss lady and designer behind Kpelle Designs for a few years now and we were thrilled when we had a chance to talk with her about how she organically grew her culturally inspired hand-crafted jewelry business by being savvy with social media. Here are our top three takeaways from our conversation:

#1 – Go to where your audience is – When she started her brand, Gwanyan took high-quality pictures of herself wearing her loc jewelry and posted them on her feed and also tagged popular loc hair community IG pages. Her pictures usually got reshared on the community page for free and those high-potential customers would follow her. She also invested in advertising with similar pages (where her target audience was already hanging out) and gained lots of customers from that exposure.

#2 – Invest in high quality images – Gwanyan worked with other creative friends who took fantastic photos or had styling skills to make sure her products images and brand put their best foot forward (and was more shareable). It’s easy to skimp on this step, but presenting high-quality, lifestyle images of your brand helps you standout from the pack, engages your audience and communicates the value of your brand.

#3 – Share your journey – The fact that Gwanyan actually cut/forms her own jewelry (she’s a proper craftswoman with milling equipment!), is a plant mom and occasionally goes into rant mode are things that have endeared her to her customers and makes then want to shop with her vs. some faceless jewelry company on the internet. Gwanyan consistently used her IG stories to share her handmade entrepreneur journey in a way that built trust and made her customers feel invested in her story and ultimately, her success.

Our talk with Gwanyan of Kpelle Designs was full of gems! Check out the full IG Live interview here and follow her now. Need a second set of eyes to look at your handmade business Instagram page? Want to find out how you can use IG to get more sales for your online business? Sign-up for our customized Instagram audit service, Up My Gram Game.

Image Credits: Kpelle Designs

Our List of Local Black Makers to Support

Support looks a lot like community and it feels a lot like holding up the hands of our sisters and brothers. As makers, sometimes it can feel like you are out there all alone on an island.

So as many are pausing and allowing Black voices to be heard, we want to ensure that our black creatives are heard as well. As we all pause and reflect and fight for social justice, we want to be sure to expand our circles and invite others in.

Check out local makers and support them by:

Make a purchase or two 🙂
Follow them and engage with them by liking, commenting and sharing their content.
Recommending them to friends and loved ones.

A Few Black Local Makers to Support –

Accessories / Jewelry

@najartucollections -Ankara jewelry and accessories

@pepperbush_accessories – Ankara hair bonnets, headwraps, accessories

@lilliegwendesigns – handcrafted handbags and accessories

@ societeurbane – Modern Afro Bohemian Jewelry

@harambeecrafts – Handmade accessories (for men, women, babies)

Art:

@comfiart -art pieces, apparel, decor

@weareomigrace – Beautiful artwork, stickers, and buttons

Body Products:

@buttermeupbyjrena – Handmade whipped body butter, scrubs, & other body products

@tinytubbathteas – therapeutic herbal bath tea

@monroviapearl – Handmade Body Butters

Candles/Home

@noriandmali – Eco-friendly soy candles, hand poured

Health & Fitness

@cashemawo- Health & Fitness programs

Paper Crafts

@scriptedoju -Journals, cards, and paper crafts

@marmadedesigns – Calligraphy, lettering, cards, magnets

5 REASONS WHY TEAMWORK IS IMPORTANT

This well-known phrase “Teamwork makes the dream work” is so true. If you have a team with a great level of trust, strong and respectful relationships between members, you will truly understand how teamwork makes the dream-work.

A team focused environment promotes an atmosphere that fosters friendship and loyalty. The close-knit relationship motivates teammates to work together, be supportive and cooperate with each other. We are all individuals with diverse talents, weaknesses, strengths, communication skills, and habits. However, that’s what makes our teamwork very unique.

As individuals; we all have our limitations. Each person is good at something and not so good at others. However, when you’re a part of a team, it becomes easier to recognize your full potential. And you learn your weakness. You grow better, because you have others who can point out areas you need work on. Teammates hold each other accountable. Here are some reasons why teamwork is important.

5 REASONS TEAMWORK IS IMPORTANT

1. GREAT IDEAS ARE BIRTHED

When you come together as a team, you feed off each other’s knowledge and skills. As a result you are able to generate new and fresh ideas that you may not have considered in isolation.

2. YOU GROW AS AN INDIVIDUAL

You learn new things about yourself, discover skills you never knew existed and you learn from your team members.

3. YOU ARE LIKELY TO TAKE MORE RISKS

Working with others allows you to make mistakes. When you work alone, you hesitate to put yourself at risk. What if your idea falls flat? When you work on a team, you know you have the support of the entire group to fall back on which means you can also take a risk and win big as a team.

4. WORK LOADS CAN BE SHARED

You can work in your area of strength while seizing opportunities to learn from your team members. Sharing your work load also allows you to work on your weaknesses.

5. YOU DEVELOP BETTER COMMUNICATION

Each member brings a different perspective and as a result, you are able to adapt to the way your team members communicate. Working on a team forces us to express our thoughts and feelings, because our input is important to the team.

Tired of guessing how to get more Instagram engagement and drive sales for your creative or handmade business?

Up My ‘Gram Game Instagram Audit Service: $49

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Vendor Testimonials: Coming Soon

Three Things To Know About the Instagram Algorithm

If you are an IG user who has blamed the changes to the algorithm for the decline in your content engagement, you are not alone. It seems as if every time Instagram makes changes to the algorithm, our content and businesses take a hit. Many of us have heard rumors about the algorithm and earlier this year, Instagram spoke up to clarify and help users to understand how things work.

Today, we wanted to take a few minutes to clarify three misconceptions about the IG Algorithm. This information will be helpful as you plan and promote your brand via Instagram.

The first 30 minutes of posting does not determine your ranking.

According to IG, your post visibility is not determined by how many likes or comments your content receives in the first 30 minutes. Despite this, it is wise to keep in mind when your audience is most engaged and post during those times.

2. All comments, regardless of length help count as engagement.

For a while, many people believed that unless comments were longer than 3 words, it did not count as engagement. Instagram states that this is not the case and that all comments (and emojis) count toward engagement. So keep encouraging your followers to engage with your account via words or emojis and keep supporting makers by engaging on their posts beyond double tapping.

3. Photos and Videos are treated equally.

There is still a buzz that videos are favored by photos on the Instagram feed. According to Instagram, your feed is customized based on what you seem to engage with. If you watch a lot of videos, more videos will appear on your feed. But just for some variety, we say it’s worth it to try producing more video content and see how it changes your engagement level.

By Jandi H.

Source: Source: IG’s account – @Creator on Instagram and Later.com

COVID 19 Lessons Learned – Maker’s Edition

My life in COVID-19- Establishing New Rhythms

“Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (Taken from Matthew 11:28-30 Message)

Covid-19 has taught me the power of establishing new rhythms. Before Covid-19, my life was busy, hectic and frantic – and that was just the way it was. Covid-19 has been an inconvenience, full of uncertainty and has made life in a digital space a reality I wasn’t quite prepared for. But more than anything else, it exposed how crazy my life has been and how I had accepted that pace of life as my truth. So now I’m redefining the rhythm of my life.

As a wife, mom and believer, I’m setting new priorities. As a maker, I’m setting new habits. Specifically, I’m making just for the purpose of making – not just to sell but for the joy of creating something beautiful. Covid-19 is teaching me the beauty of making just for the sake of making, the joy of slowing my life down and the power of establishing new rhythms.

By: Ciatta-Mae Stubblefield

Keep Going

No matter what plans you may have made for your business or personal life, it can only be controlled internally. What happens in your external surroundings , where you do business and live, you cannot always control. Despite the abrupt interruption of our business as usual, I am optimistic that when this is all over, we will continue to thrive in our creative businesses as entrepreneurs.

One of my takeaways from this experience as an entrepreneur is to think positively on how I can incorporate what I have learned into my business goals moving forward. Quarantine/COVID-19 has thought me that uncertainty is real, and it has different levels. I am very thankful for the assurance that I have to keep me going, despite the uncertainties.

by Mina Mantor

Don’t be Afraid to Shift

I love a good schedule and plan and without it, I get easily stressed out . I’ve been accused of trying to over plan my vacation activities (lol). Let’s just say my planner is a staple in my day to day operation. COVID 19 taught me that having a plan is awesome, but that even within that, I should not be afraid to pivot or shift as needed. In order to make it through a series of new occurrences, all happening so quickly, everyone had to learn how to adapt and or shift or get left behind. Individuals, schools, businesses, churches, government all had to shift quickly or risk losing even more.

And maybe that is not so bad because in shifting, we grow and push ourselves. In shifting, we gain new perspective and learn new lessons. In shifting, we stretch beyond what we thought our limits were. So moving on, I will continue to have a plan, but I will also be flexible and allow shifts and pivots. Those can also get me to my destination.

How did you handle shifts in business / life? What are you taking with you going forward?

by Jandi H.

How COVID set off alarm bells for my handmade business

The business environment is constantly changing. Everything is fair game; the tastes/needs of customers, competitors, technology, your team, you name it. We always have the “luxury” of deciding when (and if) we’ll respond to those shifts.

COVID has reminded me how hard it is to change. The pandemic was a the-market-has-changed instance that was undeniable. It was not a gray decision but more like a red lipstick scrawl across the bathroom mirror screaming, “Homegirl, that old plan is not gonna cut it.” And if I’m honest, I resisted changing my product offering and marketing message in response to new situation COVID had created. I had fallen in love with my original plan of a travel-centric resort clothing collection and idea having to pivot frustrated and scared me.

Eventually I did shift and my sales skyrocketed. I realized that even when things get back to “normal”, I have to be more comfortable with recognizing shift moments and push through my discomfort to actually change. That choice can determine if I achieve my goals or even survive as a business. Are you comfortable with changing your plan based on what’s happening in the market? What are some things that make it hard to change? —

Six Craft Tools Every Crafter Needs

If there’s one thing I really know, it is my favorite crafting tools. When you are doing various quick DIY projects, you quickly start to learn your go to equipment and must have tools for your crafting. Since I am here to encourage you to do more creative DIYs in your own creative space, I thought to share some of my favorite craft tools.

1.Sewing Machine- I own one and use it to make my tote bags, clutch, head bands, and so much more. It’s worth having for a quick DIY projects. It is my go to baby for simple projects.

2.Jewelry pliers and cutter- These are small, but essential for jewelry making. It also can be used for a lot of other projects.

3.Mod Podge- I used it to attach trim to my fabrics,attach a quick hem in place without sewing, and attach embellishments like jewels to my wooden or fabric earrings. I love it because it dries up clearly. If you haven’t used it, please try it. It can be use on all surfaces, and it’s non-toxic.

4.Paint brushes– (I purchase them in multiple sizes and shapes). Having a set always comes in so handy! Whenever I need to paint an earring, I always have the right one for the job. It is beneficial to have multiple sizes on hand for a intricate design. The best part of it is after a quick wash, they can be reused.

5.Fabric Scissors- I use it for cutting fabric, felt, leather, and vinyl. Make sure to have a pair of sharp scissors in your stash because it will make your cutting job easy. Pro Tip: To keep your fabric scissors sharp, do not use your fabric scissors for cutting paper. Get a different pair of scissors and dedicate it to only paper.

6.Rotary Cutter– is basically an x-acto knife. I use it to cut fabric (especially heavier weight fabrics) and leather materials.When you need a long or straight cut, this is tool is the one for you. (You will need to use a cutting board when using the rotary cutter).

Most of these are smaller items and they are cost effective with the exception of the sewing machine. Buying the sewing machine was a bigger investment and it is so useful to my crafting. It won’t hurt to add a few tools at a time to your DIY stash. Don’t wait, find your favorite tools and start creating.

By Mina J. Mantor