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cRUCES
CREATIVES

Mesilla Valley Artisan/Crafters Guild

  • 2018-07-18
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Conference Room

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The purpose of the Mesilla Valley Artisan/Crafters Guild is to help individuals who create handcrafted items learn how to turn their hobby into a business with an eventual revenue stream. We will identify strategies, resources, opportunities, and best practices for marketing our work, as a supportive community.  Anyone with a passion for crafting is welcome to join and attend our monthly meetings. Beginning crafters as well as those who actively sell their work at craft shows and farmers’ markets are encouraged to attend.

Our first meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 18th, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cruces Creatives Makerspace, 205 East Lohman Avenue, in Las Cruces.  The event is free.

Donna Schwendinger, founder of Blue Gecko Southwest, will serve as the group leader. Her topic will focus on “How to Transform a Hobby into a Business.” She will suggest ways to effectively achieve this goal through a logical, step-by-step process. Participants will receive handouts and relevant materials so they are empowered with knowledge concerning the necessary steps of starting a small business. Following Donna’s presentation, there will be a question and answer open forum.

Future topics for our monthly meetings include:

  • ·       Branding your product line for instant name recognition;
  • ·       Booth Setup and Visual Presentation for Enhanced Sales;
  • ·       Art Shows & Farmers’ Markets: Deadlines & Guidelines
  • ·       Social Media Marketing Tips for Artisans and Crafters;
  • ·       Your Hobby into a Business: What specific tools are needed?
  • ·       Etsy – How to Plan an Online Sales Strategy
For additional information, contact Donna Schwendinger at bluegeckosw@msn.com or (915) 269-4736.


About the facilitator:

Donna Schwendinger founded Blue Gecko Southwest in 2003 while she was exploring ways to turn her passion for crafting gift items into an actual business.  Her aha moment came when she made miniature spa bags for 25 staff members who worked for her at a medical billing company. Shortly afterwards, several of the women asked to buy more of her specialty soaps. That moment of customer validation proved she had a product that was marketable.

Following the positive response of her employees, Donna ramped up her inventory and started selling at local farmers’ markets and at the PX on the post where her husband was stationed. She soon learned that she needed a greater variety of product lines to offer her repeat customers. She began experimenting with different products, including gourmet doggie biscuits and pupcakes.

Relocating as a military wife gave her an opportunity to sell at farmers’ markets in Virginia, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas.  As a direct result of actively selling at church and school craft shows, Donna was able to hone her marketing skills through hands-on experience and develop a loyal following for Blue Gecko Southwest.

Currently she has her merchandise on display in shops in France and Germany. She also has returning customers requesting her specialty soaps, versatile jackets, or durable tote bags on a regular basis.

After fifteen years of trial and error, Donna has successfully achieved her goal of finding a meaningful way to build her hobby into a flourishing small business for extra income when she retires. That plan is working well, much to her amazement. Her dream is to share her insights and experiences with other crafters so they can find empowerment in owning and operating their own businesses.

Call or Text us
Office: (575) 448 - 1072
Email:
support@crucescreatives.org

Address:
205 E. Lohman Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001

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