1. What is the nature of your business?
I make hand-cut paper art keepsakes, gifts and wall art. I make people smile through taking an idea, turning it into a design and making it pop from the page, using a computer / pencil, paper and a scalpel.
2: Who are you and how did you start your business?
I’m Kerry, 32, have been a youth worker for the last 10years and am ending my 3rd year of my youth work degree (I am doing this for me not for the work ). I currently live with my folks – long story. We have always had crafty things in the house: shelves of paper, boxes of bits ‘n’ bobs, glues, things I don’t even know the name of never mind what I’m supposed to do with them. My Mum used to make cards and my Dad can turn his hand to pretty much anything and recently started painting. I decided late December I was going to make a card for my cousin, cutting out his name I really enjoyed it, started looking around the internet throwing words into google and was fascinated. I started trying different things and amazed myself. I met and was introduced to some amazing people who helped me find resources and supplies and if it wasn’t for the support and encouragement from my folks (not to mention the supplies they had already), the amazing friends I have and have met along the way and the fact I love it and enjoy it I wouldn’t be answering these questions.
3: What is the best thing about selling keepsakes?
I enjoy the fact I am making people smile, I love hearing the joy my creations have brought to someone else. I love that I am giving someone something during that special time / event that they can keep. I love that there are so many possibilities. I also love the fact that I have found an art form that I can do, share and develop.
4. What are your short term plans, any events etc.?
Kerry: I haven’t booked to attend any events yet although people keep telling me I should, it makes me a little nervous at the moment. I hope things will continue to grow and I have some new ideas being developed so I hope to get those out soon. I have to focus on finishing my degree and not sending my parents (particularly my Dad) around the twist with “what do you think?” “what about this?”.
5. What are your long term goals. i.e where do you think you will be in 5 years time?
To be honest I don’t really know I am working on this at the moment. I would really love to be successful, I hope business is booming and is enough to be full time. I hope to have new lines and ideas and to have more space to work in / store things.
Finally, Do you have any valuable information, tips or advice about being successful?
Don’t give up. Don’t worry about what other people are doing. As long as you are true to yourself and honest in your work keep going. Have faith in your own imagination and creativeness, don’t look to other people’s work for it, you have it all around you. Don’t take on too much and don’t let it become a chore, enjoy it.
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