Sandra King

I am a fibre crafter operating a studio and craft gallery/shop in Ardrahan, County Galway.  I began my business in February 2019, so due to Covid 19, have been operating about 1 year.  Sales were doing well and I was beginning the growth phase of the business, which I will continue to do in 2021.

I have always produced fibre crafts, starting with crochet and knitting as a child.  Although I have taken workshops, I am basically self taught.  I retired from public work in 2005, moved from the U.S. to Ireland, and continued my craft here.  I could not find the hand spun, hand dyed, traditional and art yarns I desired, so I purchased my own sheep, learned to spin and weave, and wanted to teach others.  I opened a working spinning and weaving studio, combined with a craft shop and gallery, representing 12 other fibre crafters.  I produce my own brand of art yarns, which I use in my one off knitted and woven pieces, mostly shawls and wraps. I also teach spinning, natural dyeing, and through my craft school,  felting, crochet, knitting, some taught by others.

What are your business objectives?

I hope to further develop my products into a recognizable brand, hire 1 – 2 people to help with admin and marketing, and continue to teach and develop the craft school, most of which will be online.

My learnings from the Crafting Business programme:

I have learned so much from the Crafting Business course.  Firstly, it came at a time when I had to close shop, and was trying to determine in what direction to go in order to stay in business.  This seemed like perfect timing, and each session has taught me a business skill.  I feel confident in planning my financial strategy and have the resources to progress.  I have 4 areas of the business that produce income:  brick and mortar shop, online shop and classes, my own products, face to face classes.  I have learned how to analyze each area as to customer base and relationships, income potential, marketing strategy, financial resources for growth.  I also have learned that I need to further my personal product development, creating a brand.  The cash flow analysis exercise has been an eye opener for me.

My top tips that I have learnt on this journey:

1. Be flexible. If a plan does not work, go in another direction.
2. Learn to delegate. Let others do some of the work to free you up to enjoy producing your product and working in your craft.
3. Have a plan and vision for your business. Work up a cash flow analysis and try to stick with the figures.  Don’t be too ambitious, just realistic.
4. Collaborate with others if you can and learn from others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5. Follow your dream. If something doesn’t work out, at least you have tried.

Image credits:

All images were made by and property of Irish Fibre Crafters