The Craft Guru

Tell us a little about yourself and your family

My name is Krystal Kitchens, and I am a WAHM to our blended family of four children. I have worked in the [scrapbooking] industry since 1999 and have enjoyed being a part of its growth and transformation from an obscure hobby to the second largest hobby in America.

When did you decide that you wanted to be in business for yourself?

I did not enjoy my day job in “corporate America.” The work was uninteresting to me, and I felt my creativity was stifled. I realized that scrapbooking was not only my hobby, it was my passion, and I began to search for some way that I could make money from it.

How did you get started with marketing, advertising, making yourself known?

To build my business locally, I began by announcing my new business to all of my family, friends, and associates. I ordered magnets for my van to advertise my business wherever I went. I had business cards made, and began leaving those everywhere I went, along with catalogs and fliers.

As I went about my daily errands, I took advantage of every opportunity to discuss my business with someone new. I took advantage of every opportunity I saw to vendor at small events such as crops, craft fairs, or even maternity fairs. I studied the teachings of direct sales motivational speaker Ilene Meckley, who encourages daily, consistent efforts and sharing with everyone.

What do you like best about your business?

There are two things I really like about my business; the flexibility and the potential. The flexibility that TLC affords me is truly priceless. I get to decide when I’m working and when I’m not. Now, unlike many people, I work my home business full time, but I do it on my own terms and hours. I schedule around my family so that I can keep them as my first priority. I am able to drive the kids to and from school and extracurricular activities and even go on field trips with them. If the school nurse calls, I can be there in 10 minutes. I’m also able to take advantage of small pleasures in life like shopping during morning hours while everyone else is working during the busy Christmas season!

Visit http://www.ScrapDuo.com

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