I originally wrote these rants with arts and crafts professionals in mind. This was a period when I was educating these folks on how to run their studios as the small businesses they in fact are. Bear that in mind as you read about craft widgets and retail shows. The principles, however, are the same as with any small business, and apply whether dealing with the manufacture of art or industrial widgets or service businesses selling time and expertise instead of goods. These are practical tools to help any businessperson manage a business better.
Judy has a nice little craft studio making one-of-a-kind recycled pins and beaded baskets. She started her business working part-time in 1989. From modest beginnings she has grown her business to the point where she is now a full time craftsperson. She sells her work at several local retail shows, and this past winter exhibited at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft. This wholesale show was so successful that she’s booked for the balance of this year, and even has orders for 2002 on the books.
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