So, I just wanted to say
Saturday, 10 November 2012
Thank you, thank you!
There's been a steady flow of activity over at HbyH HQ over the last few months. Whilst to me it might seem like forever since I launched HandbagsbyHelen, and I feel like I've spent more time on the internet trying to promote than actually making stuff, but it does actually feel like the effort is starting to pay off.
It's probably eighteen months since I opened my Folksy shop and started my blog. My website was launched during the summer, and this week I reached an amazing 500 likes on my Facebook page (at one point it was 501 - but then I think my fabric choices must have shocked someone and it went back to 500!).
I still have a spare room full of bags for sale, but the demand for custom orders is keeping me busy. Don't get me wrong - i'm a looooong way from packing in the day job (but I love the day job too much to do that anyway!), but I have enough orders to keep my sewing needs satisfied and enable me to achieve my ultimate goal.......to be able to buy yet more fabric!
So, I just wanted to say
...to all my customers - past, present and (hopefully!) future, to anyone who follows my blog or on Facebook and, of course, thank you to Wendy and all the folk who regularly take part in Handmade Monday.
So, I just wanted to say
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Oh you..... all those lovely fabrics and all those lovely gonnabe bags. I feel inspired, I know I can't quit the day job either, but it is good to know the 5 - 9 can be fabrically profitable as well as fun :)
ReplyDeleteOooo, i like that. I'd never thought of it as the 5-9 shift before.
DeleteI love the fabrics you use for your handbags, and congratulations on the beautiful blogger award!
ReplyDeleteWendy x
Aww, thank you Wendy
DeleteCongratulation on your success. I think your handbags are lovely, the heart one is really pretty.
ReplyDeleteAli x
PS Your fabrics are always fab.
Thanks Ali. To be honest, choosing fabric is the fun bit!
DeleteAll your bags are so lovely, I'm not surprised they are popular. Great to be able to finance your hobby - I'm lucky enough to be able to do the same and get huge pleasure out of buying supplies. You can't have too big a stash, can you?! Have a great week, Alison x
ReplyDeleteYou're so right Alison. My stash takes constant effort...lol!
DeleteHow lovely to read a post like this. A huge congratulations. It is certainly all really well deserved - your bags are gorgeous. I just don't know how you can get rid of any of them :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right. I do find it hard to let some of them go, but then I tell myself no sales = no fabric. And I still haven't settled on a final bag which I have to keep....just in case I like the next one more!
DeleteI'm so pleased for you that your hard work is starting to achieve the desired results. Somebody buys a handbag and you buy more material....win, win!
ReplyDeleteI dream of packing in the day job...!! To create all day every day would be amazing!! Helen I always love your bags so keep up the good work (for the sake of fabric stockists everywhere ;) )
ReplyDeleteHave a good week
S x
I must remember to pitch it to my husband Ike that....my obsession helps keep small businesses going. Do you think he'll buy it...!!??
DeleteWell done Helen - it is so nice to hear/read about someone who is making a success of their handmade business. Lots of hard work I know, but certainly worth it for the beautiful bags you make. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteWell done on your success. It is a long slog, but all that online promoting does pay off if you are persistent (and having a good product helps immensely too!). Oh, and you are more than welcome for Handmade Monday - I really enjoy it all x
ReplyDeleteIt would definitely be fair to say withouth handmade money I think a lot of us would hav blogs which felt a bit like talking to ourselves!
DeleteI love the red spotty fabric!!
ReplyDeleteA new follower!
Louise
http://sparkledesignsedinburgh.blogspot.co.uk/
Hello Louise. Been a bit slow catching up this week, but will go check out your blog shortly
DeleteYou make lovely bags and I'm not surprised you are get more and more orders. Well done.
ReplyDeleteJan x
Well done. It goes to show that all the hardwork pays off and the endless promotion too! I love Handmade Monday and it's a pleasure to connect with so many other lovely supportive people. xx
ReplyDeletewow! what a lot you have achieved! well done you, i wish you every success over the next eighteen months :)
ReplyDeletep.s. popped by to like your fb page - can't believe i hadn't already! x
Thank you. Much appreciated. I think I already like your page, but I'll keep an eye out for it and check (bloody I pad seems a bit fickle about what it lets or doesn't let me see on FB!)
DeleteWell done Helen ! x You deserve success , your bags are lovely & you've obviously put a lot of work into your blog & shop also ...off now to bring back up your numbers on Facebook!! S x x x
ReplyDeleteThanks for helping my Facebook 500! I don't normally notice a few ups and downs, but when you hit 500 it becomes really obvious when you gain or lose. I think I'm out of the danger zone now on 503. Thanks for your help!
DeleteAwww :) Always great to hear when things work out for someone, hope you can pack in the day job soon!!
ReplyDeleteWell done Helen, just goes to show hard work does pay off and your bags are always special
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Helen - you've worked hard and it shows! Have a good week, Jo x
ReplyDeleteIt's the range and variety of your bags that's so lovely - how do you get all those ideas? I love the Union Flag in pink and baby blue! Must go and add to your facebook numbers! Sue
ReplyDeleteAhhh well done - it's a lovely feeling to be able love what you do and you sound lucky enough to have two jobs you love! Your bags do look gorgeous and I love the heart shaped one in your last pic :-) Simmi x
ReplyDelete