Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Gill from Oz Handmade a little bit better, so Gill….
Tell us about your business:
OZ Handmade is an online market place!
With each store selling their own variety of lovingly hand crafted items.
Most of our stores are run by work-at-home Mums (WAHMs),
and all of them are located in Australia.
What better way to stimulate the economy than to shop with us?
In January 2012 we branched into allowing our stores to also sell items that compliment œHandmade eg: ribbons and trims, sewing and craft supplies, magazines and patterns. The OZ Shop stocks Mollie Makes and Sew Hip direct from the U.K. You can also sell vintage handmade products.
What inspired you to start your business?
OZ Handmade was already in operation and had been for 2 + years when I took ownership in June 2011. I have been running OZ Handmade for just on a year now and everyday it brings me a great amount of pleasure seeing the amazing handmade products available from fantastic men and woman working from home from all walks of life right here on my doorstep.
It is because of the talents of the WAHM and WAHPs that keeps me inspired.
Is there an interesting anecdote behind your business name?
OZ as in Australia and Handmade because the products that you can purchase at OZ Handmade are Handmade with love.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
The most satisfying part would have to be without a doubt the excitement that the store owners get when they first open a store and have their very first sale. The other part would be hearing from customers about how happy they are to have received their purchases from the OZ Handmade stores
Have you tried something in business that didnt work as planned, or on the flip side “ worked out better than expected?
I am still tweaking what works and what doesnt. In December last year I started a full on ad campaign with express publications and I have been excited by the response from those. So that is something I am going to get doing as I feel advertising is certainly the key to a successful business. The hardest part is finding the best place that suits your business needs when it comes to advertising.
What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling their handcrafted goods?
Do you research about what is available and make sure the market is not already saturated with that product. I also cannot say it enough¦ PHOTOs with your customers being online it is important that your photos are sensational. At the end of the day your photos, sell your product. You are also your own worst critic so if you wouldnt be proud to wear it or be seen with it or put your children in it. Then dont sell it.
What is your favourite item you make?
On a personal level (Frillys Designs) I make Buntings¦ Fabric, Frame and Peg Bunting. I also have a store on OZ Handmade.
Any personal or business highlights in the last year:
Personal highlights would have to be moving house in July last year, becoming a step-grandma to a beautiful little girl in January this year and my daughter becoming School Captain in her last year of primary school.
Business highlights would have to be when I was asked early in June last year if I would consider becoming the new owner of OZ Handmade. I have enjoyed the ride so far and feel blessed that I have such great people around me. My family are my biggest fans!
3 things about you (not business related) that people might not know:
- I am petrified of spiders and I mean petrified.
- I am a meat-a-terrain, I dont eat cooked veggies.
- I live in a rural community (not in the city)
Thank you Gill, it has been a pleasure meeting you, the maker!
