Spring is in the air

I've done a few shows this spring and there have been some hits and there have been some misses.

First of all, retail shows: I had my first "no sale" show a few weeks ago and, no, I do not what to talk about it. I've done a few other retail shows and they have been fine but in the process of doing these shows I've learned that I have to be more choosy. Don't get me wrong, shows are a lot of fun but they are also a lot of work and take up a lot of my time. As my wholesale business expands, I don't want to spend time competing with my stores in the area and I also don't want to spend valuable time away from my family on the week-end. I'll still do retail shows but I am going to be much, much pickier in the future.

Second, wholesale shows: I went to Albuquerque a few weeks ago to do the Oasis Gift Show there. It was a rather small show but I enjoyed the experience of doing a show out of state and meeting other vendors. The good news about a slow show is I was able to talk a lot to people who have been doing shows for years. I asked them about supply chain, marketing, good shows to consider, reps, forms, growth, and also about how they got into doing what they are currently doing. So great to see people who have turned their passion or talent into thriving businesses. Who have overcome obstacles of all kinds and continue to strive for success. It is inspiring to me and very educational. Networking aside, I set out what I went there to do and I got a few new stores in New Mexico and some great leads on other avenues to pursue. I also came home and booked an order writing show (which is in a week), signed up for The Oasis Gift show in July. I'm also looking at doing one of the big shows this fall (big meaning Vegas, Dallas, N.Y. and Atlanta). Keeping my fingers crossed that I continue to gain new fans and support for my fledgeling product.  I'm a little nervous about my first order writing show but, like everything else, I'm excited to step outside my comfort zone and learn what I need to learn and do what I need to do.

I went to Los Angeles two weeks ago for another fabric shopping trip. With much research (we are talking hours and hours), many phone calls, and a lot of luck, I finally found a fabric supplier that deals in the quantities I need. Halleluiah! I can't even begin to explain what a relief it is to finally have a reliable fabric source! This one piece of the puzzle has been missing for a while and the solution comes at just the right time for my "expansion" plans. You may want me to explain all the in's and out's of securing these sources. Well, as I have found out, that is something that you have to learn for yourself. No one shares their sources because no one wants you to have the same fabric as them. But, if you really want help I would tell you this: learn the industry terminology. Once I got that down, my searches were more successful and doors started opening. Plus, it doesn't hurt to sound like you know what you are talking about when you are running in those circles. :)

I have twenty prints that are in production and I'm hoping to have all of them done by end of May. I'm also hoping to have most of them sold by the end of May (hey, a girl can dream, right?)  With the addition of those who are doing contract sewing for me, I've now outsourced all the production.  What a relief not to have to assemble them myself anymore.  It was killing me.  More help means more scarves which means a more successful business which means...let's just stop at the successful business part for now.

 If Spring means new beginnings then Spring is definitely in the air for Curly Q Original and it's owner (me). I am experiencing new adventures, acquiring new clients, discovering new vendors, learning new things, and, most importantly, getting the hang of balancing it all without losing my mind. Yes, Spring is definitely in the air.