Hi, I’d like to introduce myself,

 

My name is Heather Bell

My business is Alpine Luminary ~ www.alpineluminary.com

I create functional and fine art pieces from my craft which is a protocol of creating candle and lamp luminary on glass and Mylar using real wild flower and botanicals with a layering process of adhesive and oriental tissue.

 

2007 is going into my second full year of business supported thru approximately 20 + craft shows, 1 wholesale account and 5 gallery consignment accounts

My goal is to grow the business and see an increase in wholesale accounts to be a sustainable income, so the craft shows would not have to completely carry the burden of supporting the business.

 

1.     Purpose of my business ~ to offer as original piece that has been created with natural elements, that showcases the beauty of flower botanicals as well as offer an opportunity for an individual to look past just seeing a “flower” perhaps open an opportunity to see, more than just the defined flower. Also I offer a function with the design / as a candle or a lamp. An individual can enjoy the product for themselves as well as a gift for others.

 

2.     The  tactics that best compliment my business:    

o       My position ~ my product is defined and One of a kind / I have yet to find anyone else creating much similar to this / and if there were someone working the same protocol the outcome would be entirely different

o       Customer Service ~ my interaction with customers is essential, because the product is so unique, it is important I develop a good report with potential clients so they understand the protocol.

o       Word of mouth ~ much of my sales are in Booth at art shows, and when someone comes into my booth and mentions that they had received one of my products as a gift and now here I am, more often then not they purchase an item for them to pass on as a gift.

o       Networking ~ with other artists to learn other strong prospects or venues

o       Publicity ~ Going into my 2^nd full year of crafting the promoters who’s shows I attend will feature me and my work in their publicity / also I have found having my website that enables customers to see where my next shows will be has paid for itself.

o       Printed Materials ~ before my web site I would send out announcements to past customers that had signed my guest book of show locations and dates, my concern is perhaps cost and having my efforts turned into “Junk Mail” ~ I will be creating more printed material for presentation to grow my “wholesale” business. This will be in the form if brochure, order form etc

o       Closing the Sale ~ With out Closure there is no t support for the business, I would like to see more sales rather then just being browsed by. I do get constant acknowledgment of how “pretty”, and “unique” my work is.

 

3.     the tactics that would not work:

o       newsletters ~ I’m not sure if could make a newsletter work other than locations of sales

o       classified ad ~ the product is so unique and one of a kind, this is my challenge of perhaps a web business ~ I would have to feature the specific item for sale

o       Telephone ~cold calling about my product I don’t think would be a good introduction of my product, wouldn’t want anyone to feel harassed to come out to buy my product.