Name: Scarlett Weibull
Business Name: The Craft Cobbler
Founded: December 2010
Website URL: www.thecraftcobbler.com
Social Media Links:
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Craft-Cobbler/168643476510679)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/craftcobbler)
Tell Us a Little About YOU!!
For this and the next question - http://thecraftcobbler.com/pages/about.htm - the only thing I don't have on that page is that I happen to be an Iraq war veteran. I served for 3 years, 3 months, 24 days, and roughly 18 hours in the military.
What inspires you?
Music. A pretty piece of fabric. For the first one, well, I've played the piano since I was four - it is my emotional outlet. It restores my soul a bit and helps me plug along. For the second one, I love just looking at a piece of fabric and thinking of all the fun and creative projects I could create!
How do you achieve a work/life balance?
I don't. That's honesty at its best. I don't think I'll ever have that balanced while the kids are little. I stay up late to sew instead of sleeping more because I use my day time hours for my children and for household things.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Work on craft projects - mod podge, styrofoam, upcycling, and various other arts and crafts things for the house
How has becoming a WAHM made a difference in your life?
It has enabled me to stay at home with my three little ones and focus more time on them. I will always treasure these moments and younger years.
BIZ Questions...
Tell us a little about your biz and what makes it unique.
I sew my own purses, wristlets, clutches, dog collars and leashes, lanyards (coming soon), reusable sandwich bags, key fobs, cozies for soda, wine, and flash drives, and more! I think I am unique in that I offer so many different product lines. I would be bored if I only sewed purses, for example. I enjoy sewing so many different items and I think this allows me to reach a wider customer base.
When did you first become a WAHM/open your biz?
December 2010
What has been your biggest challenge as a WAHM?
Finding time
What has been one of your biggest achievements in business?
My craft shows - and sewing for a womens' golf tournament in Italy
Favorite WAHM resources?
The Etsy blogs and forums have been very helpful to me - other than that, really myself. I don't like depending on others and so I really have chosen to focus on that instead of seeking out resources. Maybe if there were other WAHMs that I knew in my area I would connect with them, but I don't.
Where do you see your biz in 5 years? 10 years?
In 5 years, I would like to be operating solely out of my website, not selling on Etsy, and have a solid schedule of craft shows. If I am still in Decatur at this time, I want to be able to get into our local Arts in Central Park, a prestigious juried art show. I would also like to have a solid connection with my local golf clubs and wineries - something I am starting now. I have begun my line of golf ball drawstring bags (because of the tournament I sewed for) and I would like to market these to golf clubs in Central Illinois. I have also started conversation with local wineries regarding the sale of my wine bottle cozies and gift bags. In ten years, if I am still here in this area, I would like to get into the Renegade Art Show in Chicago, something that takes years for some artists to achieve.
What have you found to be the most effective way to promote your biz?
Word of mouth advertising, participation in auctions on other WAHM business sites, and craft shows
Any advice for new WAHM's or those considering starting their own biz?
Dive right in and remember that the "to-do list" for a new business never really gets smaller. Just keep plugging away and you'll get it!
Stop by Scartlett's awesome site The Craft Cobbler and help support the WAHM and pick out some lovely items for your friends and or family! Just in time for Christmas too!
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