Lets meet Sarah from Sweet Blessings ~
Tell us about your business:
Sweet Blessings has a beautiful range of handmade hair accessories, crocheted hats/beanies, childrens parasols, ribbon wands, pettiskirts, tutus and much more. We have many lovely items perfect for picnics, play dates, parties and photo shoots. Our range is constantly expanding as the business grows. Funky things for boys is next years project!
What inspired you to start your business?
I live in a remote small town at the moment in the Outback, and have two small children. I enjoy making fun and pretty things for kids that bring a smile to their faces. I started out making ribbon wands for parties and headbands for my baby daughter. I had lots of positive comments on the items I made for my kids. Since I have a bit more spare time while living so remotely, I thought it would be the perfect time to combine selling what I enjoy making and still being a stay at home mum.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
A few hours were spent sitting on the kids swings one afternoon brainstorming business name ideas with my husband. I love being a mum and adore my children. Watching our kids running around and laughing in the yard made me reflect on just how sweet children are (most of the time!), and what a blessing it is that God has put them in our lives. Even though kids can drive parents crazy sometimes, they just know how to make you smile! Hence the Sweet Blessings name for my childrens boutique.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Seeing the finished product after it being just an idea in my head, and watching little girls faces light up at the beautiful fancy things or boys running around at parties waving their ribbon wands like a pirate sword while the girls are twirling them like ballerinas! It is nice to see that my products bring joy to little people.
Have you tried something in business that didn’t work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
I am still learning the best ways to increase exposure of my business and build my customer base. I have only been in business a short while, so its a learning curve. I also have had to plan far in advance when ordering materials as our mail can take up to two weeks to arrive from the coast.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Go for it! Its wonderful and hard work all at the same time. And even though you are a home based business, make sure you allocate ˜work time and ˜family time. I usually work when the kids have a nap, and then at night once they are asleep.
What is your favourite item you make?
I love the shabby chic party headbands at the moment. I made one for my daughter to wear to my sisters wedding to match her dress, and had so many comments on it I’ve added them to the summer range. I make them to order in a range of colours “ aqua, yellow, pink, purple ribbon with the black shabby rose and pearl centre. There are also a few pink ones in stock still. It looks stunning on.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
Starting my business and enjoying some great camping and fishing trips while were living in the Outback.
3 things about you (not business related) that people might not know:
I like wakeboarding.
My dream holiday destination would be the Cook Islands and the Greek Islands.
I love ice-cream as a treat at home and would choose duck from a restaurant menu. Yum!
