So, as I was saying I was looking back and see that I started my shop in 2011. When I started, I had a 5 year plan. As I had no finance to plough into start-up costs for a business, I decided that I should build up my business slowly. This has reaped rewards on many levels; starting slowly has meant that I have been able to learn and develop ideas.
In 2011, I opened my first shop Pettycoatjand had two strands:
- original vintage clothes & patterns
- traditionally home made and hand finished one off designs with a vintage twist
Although, I thought this made sound sense and the two halves of the shop complimented each other, it soon became apparent that the home made clothes did not sell well alongside the vintage clothes. While my vintage clothes started to sell, I did not sell any home made clothes. I decided the answer was to open a second shop
- www.etsy.com/shop/petticoatjane - selling traditionally home made and hand finished one off designs with a vintage twist
- www.etsy.com/shop/petticoatjanevintage - selling original vintage clothes and patterns
Virtually as soon as I did this I started to sell my home made clothes with a vintage twist.
My daughter has joined me now and designs and sells under her own label FrannB Designs through www.etsy.com/shop/petticoatjane. She has just left school and is designing a selection of little black dresses for the up and coming party season.
As well as selling the Petticoat Jane range & the FrannB Designs range we have started to make small craft items for sale as little gifts for people. The most recent addition are herbal moth repellent bags.
And I have been planning a new design to add to these:
Your comments and feedback would be greatly appreciated. I am currently trying to improve and update my shop.
