Advice for Mia and other potential store owners

I recently received a very nice note from a beader and crafter who is interested in opening her own shop where she lives. She wanted to ask me for advice. After being open almost eleven years with Ornamentea, and opening and closing Panopolie in the space of five years I probably do have some things to say about the whole craft store business and some of them are even appropriate for our family-friendly blog! So, Mia, this is for you:

Be prepared to work really hard.

Business owners clock long hours for the 

first 12-15 years of their business. 

If it fails, it is your fault 

because you didn’t work hard enough. 

If it succeeds, it will be because 

your staff did a great job and your local community supported you. 

Hire great help and be nice to them. 

Tell them daily 

how much they are doing for you. 

Choose the right location. 

I think a spot close to your house is ideal. 

Remember, you’ll be at the shop a lot and back-and-forth a lot. 

Know your merchandise but don’t 

fall in love with your merchandise. 

Have fun. 

Know what to focus on 

and what just will have to fall off your plate. 

Enjoy being overworked. 

Be friendly with your customers. 

Make your store a comfortable place. 

Embrace the Next Big Thing but 

don’t forget your core business. 

Run ads in local theater programs, high school yearbooks 

and neighborhood directories. 

Think of your store shelves as real estate. 

Put a map to your store in every ad you can. Keep your store as clean as possible. 

Take time off when you can. 

Read craft publications. 

Feel lucky to be doing what you love. 

Make friends with other local store owners and your competitors. 

Say hello to everyone who enters your shop. Sweep your front walk every morning. Remember you are doing this because 

you love creating.

I hope you enjoy this Mia.
To answer the question you didn’t ask but should have; yes, I consult for store start ups.