What brand?

Wow.
I never realized my mind could be blown so frequently.

Has anyone ever had to decide on a new logo and business card design? I had no idea that getting serious about my branding would be so hard. For so many years I have just tossed together what I could manage in paint or whatever program I had on the computer at the time. Once, I won a logo design from a Facebook giveaway. This was YEARS ago when I was building my Facebook page. It was surely better than what I'd had before, but pretty primitive so to speak. Then I decided to make labels for the first time and had to have a logo that was something I was proud of. So I whipped one up. NOT the best looking, but I felt like it was pretty decent.

Later on, I changed my shop name to The Purple Stitch. This is a nod to the color that represents the Alzheimer's fight, mixed with what my shop is about....stitching stuff.

And another modification later on:

I've been listening to Christy Wright's Business Boutique podcasts lately. I've preordered the book. I drank the juice. Now implementing those incredible tidbits of advice bit by bit is a little harder than I expected.  I made myself a list of all the things in life I needed to get done.  Then rewrote that list as things were done and crossed off...and of course, more stuff added to it.  I swear that every podcast I listen to, I pick up something else that I need to look into or think about.  If you're a small business boutique, you should seriously look at her website and listen to the podcasts.  Since that's not really what this post is about, lets get back to it.

Now it's time to get really intentional about the logo.  Something classy, but eye catching.  Simple, yet stunning.  I ordered new labels a few weeks ago from MommieMadeIt on Etsy and fell in love with one of her premade designs.

That really got my gears moving on how I could really make an impression with consistent logos in all the places I have my brand.  Looking back on the evolution of the logos kinda makes me feel like I'm looking at my kids growing up.  Cheesy, I know. 

If you have any suggestions for others on branding, or have a great resource, feel free to share that in the comments!

It's gettin' real

I've been making replacement covers for a certain type of booster seat for many years. Probably since about 2012 I'd say. I've sold lots on Etsy and a few at craft fairs. At first I was the only shop that made custom fitted. Now, I see several so it has slowed down a good bit. That's ok, God has His hand on everything even when we don't see it. A sale seemed to come when we needed just a teensie bit more cash to make it to payday.

This summer I put my shop on vacation as we were packing, moving, and settling in to our new home. I hadn't put much effort into trying to boost sales again. A late night decision to start a new online craft sale Facebook group ended up in a conversation with a scrapbook friend about the opportunity to really do more. She informed me that she had a friend that owned a local kids resale shop and had recently told her about the covers I make. I called and set up a time to meet her to see if it was a fit and what she needed. The store owner LOVED them and she placed a starter order of 10 seat sets!!

I can't wait to see what God has in store for my little business and to see how it grows and continues to transform! As of now, not only do I already have a booth space at a local antiques and more shop, I have my creations in 2 local retail stores. I'm also looking into 2 more opportunities. Oh my gosh, I would've NEVER imagined so much possibility a few years ago!

GOD is GOOD!

First 4 of the 10

If you are looking for a group to find the perfect something or showcase your handmade crafts/gifts/etc, please check out the group here, as it will someday be THE best place to find what you're looking for!