How To Make A Cork Wreath

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1. […] Nikki’s web video segment for Oprah’s OWN network “You Can SO Make That!” What inspired you to get started? It’s funny how what starts out as one thing leads to something totally different! I have always strived to make as much as I can by hand, whether it be gifts, home decor pieces for my house, my clothing and accessories, etc. I believe making something with my own hands gives it much more meaning. When I first started Nikki, In Stitches I had just had my first baby and was at a point in my life where it seemed everyone around me was also having babies. It made sense for me to focus my business there, so I started making handmade baby apparel and accessories. It was a success. I had my pieces in a few boutiques and orders were coming in for custom items, but the teacher in me (I was a high school math teacher before becoming a full time mom) was feeling a little left out. I kept coming back to how I felt when I made a project by hand, and how I really wanted to help other people feel that same pride in their work. So I changed gears some, focused more on my blog, which provides projects and tutorials in various craft mediums, and decided that inspiring and helping others to join the handmade movement was where I wanted to go. Now, not only can you find tutorials and projects from Nikki, In Stitches, but you can also purchase kits to go along with those tools, so there is no excuse why you can’t make my projects yourself! What is the best thing about running your business? I love the idea that people are sitting down with my kits, watching my videos or reading my tutorials, and literally making my projects along with me. I love helping them make something themselves, and hearing back from them afterward. Oftentimes I get an email or a comment on my blog, thanking me for my help and showing a picture of a finished project. I love that I’ve helped someone make something that they didn’t have the skills to make before. Did you run into any stumbling blocks along the way? Of course I’m faced with all of the traditional obstacles…little to no budget, finding creative and low-cost ways to get my name out there, etc. but as a stay-at-home mom of two little ones, starting a business is difficult! Balancing my time with them, my time devoted to growing my business, filling orders, etc, and then throwing my husband into the mix is very hard, but so fulfilling. I guess you could say mutli-tasking is my best skill!! What motivates you when things get tough? When things get tough, I take a step back and remind myself how lucky I am. I get to stay at home with my two beautiful babies and play with crafts all day. I really can’t complain! Where do you get most of your sales/leads/orders? At first, word of mouth was my really my only source of income. I am so thankful for the friends and family I have, and how supportive they have all been. At this point, my internet sales have grown and become an increasingly larger part of my business. Also, with the holidays coming up, people are starting to look to make gifts for their family members and friends, and I’ve started teaching classes based around my projects. To get in touch with Nikki or to place an order for her kits, email Nikki at [email protected] See a couple of Nikki’s favorite project tutorials here: Cork wreath: http://nikkiinstitches.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/how-to-make-a-cork-wreath/ […]

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