The Business of Wood
Making one of each thing to take a few photos is easy enough; making many so that you're well prepped for a festival is a lot more work!
Yup, I'm now signed up for my first event, the De Anza Flea Market, on March 4 (8a-4p), in space T5, just to the right as you enter Gate 3. Getting ready has been a lot more involved than making more pieces:
I've ordered my business cards and a branding iron
I've registered with the state (taxes), county (FBN) and the city (Business License)
I've signed up with a bank account and gotten myself business insurance
I am prepped to accept Apple Pay, Venmo, chipped credit cards, and regular ol' credit cards
I designed marketing tear sheets and got me a fish bowl for the requisite email sign-up raffle
Then there's the physical logistics, which I've really enjoyed since it means building stuff and buying stuff!
Two of the three shelves I've built which are short enough to fit in my car or under a folding table, attractive enough to attach the wall-mounted products on or place on top, and functional enough to hold a dozen or so racks of product
Canopy, tables, and table clothes
Shelves to both transport & display
Power supply! I imagine folks will want to see the lights working before they buy, so I picked up a big battery & a solar panel, which ties in nicely as a conversation starter with my solar business!
And of course, there's the product design and creation. Since I first launched, I've nearly tripled the number of products, with three new lamps and a single-bottle "emergency use" wine rack added today, and hopefully by end of week, an entryway shelf, key rack, and light! Stay tuned.
Building all these pieces has stretched the limits of storage in my workshop - there was a point not too long ago when the entire space was covered in pieces in different stages of completion, bringing my ability to do new things (or even just to move around) to a grinding halt.
OMG! I can't do anything in the shop - the pieces have buried my table saw, and while they're being finished with tung oil, I can't use any of the other tools either since they throw off so much dust. Bakers racks - and plastic covers - have been invaluable to allow me to work on pieces at different stages.
So I found the local restaurant supply store, and picked me up five full-size bakers racks. Problem solved!
It's been busy, but it's also been invigorating. I've really been enjoying the last month, working through both design issues, figuring out which "toys" I need and which I can do without, and putting it all together. To everyone who has come along on this journey so far, whether via a purchase, design feedback, a positive word, or just reading my blog, I truly thank you!
And for those in the San Francisco Bay Area, keep your fingers crossed for a dry March 4 - and hope to see you there!