Why should you buy handmade and support a small business?

Have you ever thought about why you should buy handmade and support a small business?  As a handmade jewelry designer and owner/designer of a small business, I have to think of things like that.  Whenever I see an article or title on this subject, I immediately read it.  I want to know what others think.

This is what I think and these are only my ramblings.  I may discuss other opinions later.  

1.  Artist have a passion inside them that needs to get out. We have to create. Because of our creative nature, many times we evolve into what we begin our small business into.  That is another post for another day.  But when we settle on our 'thing', we put our heart and soul into it.  This is the artistic reason.

2.  An artist with a small business needs to support their passion.  I typically only impulse shop when it comes to jewelry supplies.  Unless we are wealthy, which most artist aren't, we have to sell our designs to keep creating.  When there have been times I haven't been able to create, I feel it inside my soul. That need to get it out.  It's hard to explain.  This is the ugly truth.

3.  Sometimes our small business helps make ends meet.  It helps pay bills, allow us to eat out, go on vacation, etc.  It provides for the extras, and sometimes the necessities.  This is the other ugly truth.

4.  We aren't a big box store or a 3rd world country make items cheaply or shabbily.  An artist takes pride in their designs.  Because we create handmade, our designs are a reflection of ourselves.  We don't want to be embarrassed by poor workmanship or cheap materials.  We are the face of our business. This is the heart reason.

I am through rambling for now.  I would love to know what you think of my thoughts and what your thoughts are on the subject also.

#handmade #small business #jewelry #passion #artist

Redoing my blog and email list

It has been over 3 1/2 years since I have posted on a blog.  Today, a friend helped me 'reboot' and we figured out how to convert my old blog onto this new one I created.  I haven't figured out but a smidgen but, stand by and follow me and you will see it evolve.

On that note, I am also trying to evolve in my handmade jewelry biz.  I am either constantly updating listings, my photo's, designing new items, or studying how to be a better entrepreneur.  Revamping and updating the blog as well as creating an email list are two BIG items in my plan.

If you want to be a VIP with designs by susan, please join my email list .  I will send you first looks, special discounts, and, yes, giveaways.  When you sign up, I will also send you a special coupon code for 20% off your next purchase in my Etsy shop.

Look for me more often and, give me a holla!