Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Wilden.
Hi Nancy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a retired schoolteacher. I began crafting and painting furniture and participated in all of the markets. Then I found August and Ivy as a place where I could sell my products. I loved the people who owned the business that I obtained employment with them. I worked my way up to manager. Unfortunately, we had to close our doors last year. I was floundering trying to find things to keep me occupied when I proposed my business plan to my husband and he said “YES!”
The business plan is to showcase local artisans with booth rentals of $50 to $200 per month for 12 months, they keep 100% of their sales and I pay the taxes. We have been in operation for 4 months and to date we have 43 vendors with only 14 spaces left. We get new vendors every day. I also offer classes from beginner Mahjong to Watercolor and everything in between. We’ve got a class for everything creative!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The challenges are monetary. We are getting by, but we are still operating in the red. We hope to be in the black by next month. Another challenge has been location. We are tucked away from the busy road sort of caddy-corner behind a well-established Ladies Boutique.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are like a local version of Painted Tree. We are close to downtown Katy. We have a wide variety of artisans who create beautiful items. They range from handmade jewelry to welded crosses, glassworks to wine and whiskey barrel works, handmade soaps and candles to apron and dishtowels., and many, many more.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am happiest when I obtain another vendor because they see the same vision I see. Also, the customers. I love people. I love helping them find that unique gift for someone or maybe for themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theartisancraftboutiquellc.com
- Instagram: theartisancraftboutiquellc
- Facebook: theartisancraftboutiquellc
