Market update – Craft Invaders & Methven

Today I've been figuring out how to fit all my stock onto one table for next weeks Craft Invaders market. I've got used to having two tables in my outdoor gazebo setup, but I'm grateful to be inside next weekend, so happy to downsize to be warm!

The following weekend I will be out at Methven for the annual Methven Craft Fair at the Memorial Hall (the same building as the info centre). It is on the 4th & 5th August from 10am – 5pm on Saturday, and 9am – 4pm on Sunday.

I will have specials on clearance stock at both markets, but it's first in first served on discontinued items. I will also have eftpos available for the first time. It's something I've been wanting to offer for quite some time, so I finally made the leap and organised it. I will be still accepting cash too, of course!

If you can't get to either of these markets, you might like to pop down to one of my new stockists. Pepperberry at 919 Colombo Street now has a selection of candles, along with Cadeaux at Shop 2, 7 Joll Road in Havelock North, one of the new stockists from the recent Gift Fair.

Winter Gift Fair

Last week was my first foray into trade shows, when I exhibited at the Winter Gift Fair, a trade show for retail buyers. It was a little different to the markets I usually attend. There were a wide range of exhibitors, ranging from large importers to small scale owner operators like myself. There were some other exhibitors there I knew which helped make the whole experience a bit less daunting.

It was a worthwhile experience, a great way to get my name out there. I got orders for some new stockists around the country which I'm currently working away on. So keep an eye out for Rose in Thorns candles in a shop near you! There were also some other shops interested in stocking my candles, so the list of new stockists may keep expanding.

I launched some new products at the fair – soy pillars and small soy floating candles, which I will add to my website and Felt shop in the next week or so. In the meantime, I have some older stock I'd like to clear out, so I'm having a sale to help create some more room for the new products. Everything in my website is discounted by 20% - 50%, and I have discounted most of the teacups in my Felt shop, along with some other items. The sale ends on the 30th June, so don't miss out!

A big thanks to everyone that helped out, friends that offered advice while getting organised, and those that were also exhibitors. Also to those that placed orders, and showed interest in my products. I'll keep you updated on my new stockists as I despatch their orders to them.

On tour to Auckland

This weekend I am heading to Auckland, and will be mixing business and pleasure. On Friday I will be visiting shops who might be interested in stocking my candles, so if you know of any great little shops in your area that might be a good fit, do let me know.

On Sunday I will be at the Devonport Craft Market which I am very much looking forward to. If you live in Auckland, and have been admiring my products online, this will be the perfect opportunity to come and see them for real. It also means you can smell all the gorgeous different scents I have to offer, which is something you can't do online! I am also looking forward to meeting the other stallholders, and admiring their wares as well.

I will also be going to see Saltimbanco while I'm up. I have always wanted to see a Circ de Soleil performance, so I was careful to time my trip up with this years event. I'm very much looking forward to it!

If you come along to the Devonport Craft Market, do come and say hi! If you make a purchase of $20 or more, and mention you read my blog, I will give you a free tealight candle of your choice. Also don't forget to bring along your old candles to be recycled for a 10% discount off your purchase. Bring along an empty Rose in Thorns candle tin for a 20% discount.

Winter Wonderland

A couple of weeks ago, we had a lot of snow, that transformed everything into a winter wonderland. It was beautiful!

The next day, I decided it was the perfect time for an outdoor photo shoot with some of my candles – fire and ice!

An ice candle in it's natural habitat.

Floating candles nestled in the snow.

To continue the snow theme, a selection of my candles are now stocked in Vesta Design in Queenstown. What a great way to relax after a hard day on the slopes!

Focus

Yesterday was quite a topsy turvy day for me. I spent the morning in hospital under sedation, and the afternoon fuelled by adrenaline, after the world came crashing down again. Fortunately I was home from the hospital before the first aftershock struck. In fact I was just sitting down to relax to recuperate from a second gastroscopy (this one was to check the gluten free diet is working, and the results came back as normal, which means it is – yay!) We'd just cleaned up the mess, checked in on facebook and sat down again when the second one hit.

Just like February, the fish tank fell over and smashed again, throwing the fish on the floor again and spilling water all over the carpet again. The poor fish must be quite traumatised by now. Fortunately they both survived, as they were only on floor for a minute or so this time. We also got another liquefaction volcano in the backyard. Still no where near as bad as a lot of other people further east have it though.

All this shaking tests the resolve just a little. I'm sure we've all become much more resilient since September, but each time it gets a little harder to hold it together and stay focussed on the bigger picture.

For me, the bigger picture involves growing my business to a sustainable level that provides a proper income for me. Starting a business is never easy, but to start one in a year punctuated by earthquakes certainly doesn't help make it any easier. The majority of the retailers I supply in Christchurch have been affected, along with other local companies I work with. I don't want to sound too melodramatic though, as some businesses have lost everything, and I haven't lost a thing.

However, this makes me more determined than ever to make my business succeed. As long as I am self-employed, I am keeping a job open for someone else who needs it more. In the longer term, my business may grow to employ other people, and help grow the Christchurch economy when it so badly needs it.

I have a list of things as long as my arm of things to do, which I have been slowly ticking off. There are two important things I need to do to help with the forward momentum, and I feel if I write them here, it might give me more accountability to get them done! Firstly, I need to finish my website, which is at least half done. Secondly, I need to find some more retailers interested in stocking my candles. I have a few in mind I plan to approach, but if you know of any shops in your area that might suit, or you have a shop yourself and would be interested in stocking them, then let me know.

I do plan to still have my Tea Party on Sunday. It may begin with an earthquake briefing, but other than that I'm determined not to let tectonic plates get in my way! If you'd like the distraction of shopping, high tea, and great company, then come along, and feel free to bring a friend. You can RSVP here by 5pm tomorrow, and receive all the details by email on Thursday, and check in on the facebook event here.

Last night I kept thinking of that parody song 'I'm on a boat', and thinking that's what it was like with the house swaying so often. Which reminds me of how if someone is feeling seasick, you always tell them to watch the horizon. Which I what I intend to keep doing.

2010 – What a ride!

The past year has been rather event-filled, to say the least! At the beginning of the year, I was hoping that 2010 would be an improvement on 2009. I'm not so sure that it was an improvement, but it has definitely been action packed. Things have had quite a shake up, both figuratively and literally.

Firstly, I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in February. This wasn't so bad, as it provided answers to why I kept getting sick last year, and I had known for a couple of months that a positive diagnosis was highly likely. I have got into the swing of things now, and am loving the fact there are so many gluten free options available in Christchurch. I have added some great recipes to my repertoire, including anzac biscuits and bread. There is also a scone recipe still to come.

Two weeks later I was made redundant from my graphic design job. This wasn't much fun, as I had got quite attached the regular income it provided. I still miss it a lot. Within the following few weeks, I realised finding another (similar) job was going to be very difficult, as the economy had given the entire industry quite a knock. I had thought about going out on my own, and after talking to a life coach about it, decided to dive in head first.

This was quite scary, and it has had it's ups and downs. I got some regular work from Felt, doing support and administration work, as well as the odd graphic design job, and I sold a few candles. I had my first Tea Party, and attended a few markets, including A Craft Affair, and the inaugural Auckland Art and Craft Fair. It was nice to meet some of the other sellers who I felt I already knew from having regularly read their blogs.

Then, early on Saturday the 4th of September, us Cantabrians were rudely awoken by a 7.1 earthquake. I was beginning to wonder what else was going to be thrown at me this year, I had thought losing my job was enough drama for one year! We had lots and lots of aftershocks, and I almost started to get used to them. They have eased off a lot in the last few weeks now, and it feels like things are getting back to normal. We were very fortunate to suffer very little damage, when only blocks away, there was somevery severe damage. Some of these houses still have portaloos now.

In October I travelled to Palmerston North, and then on to Wellington for my debut at Craft 2.0. I had another Tea Party in November, and then some great markets in December, including the Craft Collective's A Craft Christmas Market, and a fun road trip to Hokitika with Srey to the Kiwi Christmas Market. I think I might be due for a holiday now! I will be heading to Nelson on the 23rd December, so my shop will be in holiday mode. As I will be attending the Nelson Market on the 1st January, I will have some stock with me, so may be able to fill some orders.

I would like to thank everyone for all the support and encouragement I have received this year. From the shoppers and retailers who have bought candles, businesses who have offered me work, to the market organisers, attendees and other stallholders, the blog/facebook/twitter readers/followers, all those who have shared lovely encouraging comments, and to my husband, family and friends for all their support.

Next year I hope to build on what I have achieved this year, and grow my business into a sustainable source of income for myself. I would like to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Sumner: The perfect summer spot

After the gorgeous hot sunny day we've had today, there's no doubt in my mind that summer is here. All good kiwi summers involve some time at the beach, and Christchurch is no exception. Sumner is a popular spot, and I popped over for a visit today to drop off some more teacup candles to my newest stockist, Flock.

Flock is a new design store in Sumner, featuring local design and found objects. It's your source of beautiful NZ design with a focus on quality, innovation and sustainability. It's well worth a visit on your next trip to the beach! It can be found at: shop 2 / 43 Nayland Road in Sumner.

New Stockist at Waikuku

For the first time, rose among thorns candles are available in a retail store. My mini teardrop candles are now being stocked by Sanderson China and Pottery, at The Mill, 1573 Main North Road, Waikuku. There is a cafe next door, and it's only half an hour north of Christchurch. While you're there, pop in to see the Wee Room Gallery, where my friend Clare exhibits her paintings.