What is the best thing about owning your own business?
Seeing my dreams unfold and make an impact in "real life". Feeling like I'm making a lasting and important difference by doing my part to preserve and celebrate American craftsmanship. Feeling like I am doing my part, although a very small part, to keep jobs in American and help the US economy be healthier. By encouraging people to keep their $s in America, with American product and supporting their neighbors. As our tagline says, "Join Us in Rebuilding the Legacy of American Made!"
You've run a brick and mortar Pop Up along with an E-commerce site. What were the biggest challenges for each and how did you overcome them?
eCommmerce - the biggest challenge has been trying to compete online, in this crowded space, while being self-funded. So I look for ways to grow the eCommerce site that have immediate payoff. In order to compete with the big boys, I will need funding!
Brick and Mortar - this was actually much, much easier than the eCommerce, which was not my assumption going into it. The biggest challenge for our Holiday Pop Up in Union Square was that we had only three weeks from the time we signed the contract on the space to the time the store had to open. But we did it, and it was a success. Now, it is possible later this month that we will have one week to open a store from the time the contract is signed. But that is a challenge I am praying to be able to have! Long term, the challenge for brick and mortar will be to find affordable space in the heart of the city where tourists are likely to be shopping and looking for locally produced craft.
Ok, now for the really important question: What is your favorite beverage and/or beverage & food combination?
My absolutely favorite beverage, especially on a warm weekend like this is a Mojito made with coconut rum! My favorite beverage/food combo would have to be white wine with tuna tartar…
Online:
Makers Market
http://makersmarket.us/
Brick & Mortar:
Location TBD
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