On Tuesday I was in a right pickle wondering what to take with me when visiting the lovely Sarah who owns the Pepperbox in Cuckfield West Sussex.
I made these items with her shop in mind
She herself finds it difficult to find things to fit in with the precise look. She has bought things in - beautifully made - but she just cannot sell them!
I did also take the Galaxy quilt in as an example of my work and she loved it and wants to showcase it in Spring seeing if I get commissions and also suggested making some bunting in linen for the shop. Will need to look at the costing of both ideas!
Was it worth doing? Absolutely - I need to have a much better idea of what a shop sells to find my niche. Would probably have been helpful to take photos beforehand to keep an idea of the look in my head. It is a bit like stalking people in swaps - just need to do it more often and get an eye for it....
The worst thing is she was really embarrassed but needn't have been as I don't feel rejected - she liked my stuff they just didn't fit in! So all my panic about making new things and I needn't have worried - my things belong in a different shop....my job now is to find it and I will!
I made these items with her shop in mind
But when I got there they just didn't sit right in her shop! She did like the top robin but we couldn't think of anything to put it on......I may try a gift bag later on...
Here is the interior of her shop - the colour scheme is very pared back as you can see
She herself finds it difficult to find things to fit in with the precise look. She has bought things in - beautifully made - but she just cannot sell them!
I did also take the Galaxy quilt in as an example of my work and she loved it and wants to showcase it in Spring seeing if I get commissions and also suggested making some bunting in linen for the shop. Will need to look at the costing of both ideas!
Was it worth doing? Absolutely - I need to have a much better idea of what a shop sells to find my niche. Would probably have been helpful to take photos beforehand to keep an idea of the look in my head. It is a bit like stalking people in swaps - just need to do it more often and get an eye for it....
The worst thing is she was really embarrassed but needn't have been as I don't feel rejected - she liked my stuff they just didn't fit in! So all my panic about making new things and I needn't have worried - my things belong in a different shop....my job now is to find it and I will!
Good luck with the shop hunt, I'm sure one will turn up soon! Love the samples you took - fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun shop, Nicky! I can see a lot of things I'd love to buy. Your creations are wonderful. Love those pink mushrooms! And the birds are sweet, too.
ReplyDeleteSo hard to hit the nail on the head - a beautiful shop but probably for looking and not necessarily buying. 10/10 for tryng.
ReplyDeleteWhile the shop looks beautiful I always find shops like that slightly intimidating. I would probably only window shop. Congratulations for your bravery. I'm loving those little birds too :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you getting yourself out there. You never know if you don't try. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI used to sew for a couple of shops like that in my area. I sort of had a love/hate relationship with it. It was fun creating - but difficult to see my profit eaten by the consignment fee and then if things didn't sell it was disappointing. You will find the right shoppe or maybe you will just have to open your own!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the hunt Nicky and there will be a shop which fits like a glove. You just have to find it. Lovely makes.
ReplyDeleteWell done on the lovely makes - you'll find 'your shop' no doubting that - I am in awe of you giving it a go!
ReplyDeleteTop marks for initiative. I thought your embroidery worked well, after all they were small items. I suppose they should have been white on white to really work there. Personally I love colour and I think you do too, so go find a shop full of colourful, pretty stuff and you could find a match.
ReplyDeletenothing ventured, nothing gained.
ReplyDeleteLovely shop..
I just think you are so amazingly brave to go and approach the shop. Well done you! The shop is a little too monotone for me but sure many would love it.
ReplyDeleteI was with you, was with you, was with you and then BAM saw the interior of her shop was went !!??!!! I LOVE the things you made - adorable. (glad the motivational talking helped from us the peanut gallery) And I think the scheme she has going is very unique and original. But, definitely not the right vibe. No. I am So Glad you aren't bummed and are wise enough to know it was just this shop and not Your Work that needs reworking. And mad props on having her want to feature your quilt later!!! Yes!!! I love your work and cannot wait for you to find a shop to sell in...who knows...then I may have cross the Pond for a shopping trip!
ReplyDeleteWell done for approaching them, I love the robins. It's my husbands name so I always love seeing cute things made with them. Am sure you will find "your shop" in time
ReplyDeleteI really meant to leave a comment earlier - sorry.
ReplyDeleteWell done for trying, and you've been able to take away something positive, so it wasn't a total loss. I think, in the interests of market reasearch of course, you need to visit loads of shops to find your "niche" market!