Friday Feature: Fun and Baubles

Our feature this week is Katharyn of "Fun and Baubles". In addition to a new wonderful shop to explore, we also have our first giveaway on this blog! Stay tuned for details at the end of the post.

Tell us about yourself.
I am a single mother of one precious girl. I’m currently studying for a PhD in biology. In addition to jewelry-making, I love singing, dancing, reading, and embroidery. Oddly enough, I find cleaning relaxing. I enjoy being able to make order out of chaos.

Tell us about your shop. What do you sell?
My shop is a reflection of my interests. Vintage jewelry sits beside pieces I’ve made. I know many ladies who don’t have pierced ears, so there is a section of clip earrings just for them. I love poking through second hand stores, so I have a fair collection of vintage items for the home. I’ve recently acquired a large collection of amazing vintage illustrations, which will be going up shortly. I’m also starting to let go of some of my vintage books. I have a section with embroidery kits and other supplies, and a section with items proportioned especially for children

When did you start creating? Why?
My great-grandma taught me to sew before I started Kindergarten, and my interest in embroidery blossomed out of that early beginning. My sister interested me in beading in my teens. It appeals to my love of beauty and craftsmanship. I’ve been shopping vintage ever since I was a teen. It made my money go further, and there were so many more styles available! Plus, the quality of vintage items is usually much better than modern.

How do you balance your business with your family?
I work very hard at not checking my shop while I am with my daughter. I can’t craft with her yet, although she loves looking through my beads. My sources for vintage items are the same places she and I shop for ourselves, and she LOVES shopping, so the main struggle there is not going too often!

What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Mommy with a Small Business?
The most difficult aspect has definitely been time management. I could spend unlimited time on the business, but nothing is worth more than the time I spend with my child. It is also a struggle to remember that I have to sleep so I can be functional! :)

What has been the most rewarding?
This business is like the ultimate game. It combines all the lemonade stands and craft shows I did as a child with the social structures of online gaming and the challenge of figuring out the “rules” of the system under study. The profitability of my shop is the score-card that lets me check my deductions.

Do you have any tips for other moms with a small/home business?
Think carefully about the plusses and minuses before you start. What do you hope to gain from the business? Is it a hobby, or does it need to turn a profit the first year? What volume of sales would you need in order to meet your desired net profit, and are you physically capable of handling that volume? Once you’ve decided you really do want to do this, go for it! Organize things as conveniently as possible in your home. Network. And don’t feel like you have to exclude your children. Chances are, they’ll be curious and interested. Talk to them about what you are doing. Explain your goals and processes, and try to find ways they can be involved, if they want to be.

Do you have a coupon for us?
Absolutely! Find me on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/FunandBaubles 
 Use coupon code “MommiesRock” for 15% off your purchase!

And now for the giveaway!  
Katharyn is offering a $10 gift-card to her store. To enter, leave a comment below and tell her your favorite item from her shop. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator and will receive the card plus instructions through email. The giveaway runs today through May 3rd, at 12:00 p.m.

Good luck and thanks, Katharyn!