The idea..
It all began in early 2018 whilst I was browsing Facebook, an ad popped up for a memory blanket that was created out of outgrown baby clothes. Being a mother I immediately thought this was a fabulous way to store those first precious outfits. Surely I can't be the only one that saves and puts every tiny piece of clothing away in the attic, too precious to throw out.
Immediately I had an idea that I could also produce and sell these memory blankets. However I had never sewn before and didn't own a sewing machine. Was it really such a great idea? Luckily my mum is a talented seamstress and taught me some basic stitching. She also very kindly let me have my Nana's old sewing machine. Mum if you're reading this I have automatically presumed I can keep it now.
Giving it a go..
My first sewing project was a patchwork dog bed created from old cushions and curtains. Our dog loved it so much they started to pull the stuffing out, making a huge mess, not ideal! So I tossed it in the shed unsure what to do with it, little did I know it would become a nest for a family of mice. After that I knew exactly what to do with it, straight in the bin! Really wish I had a picture of this! But I don't.
Anyways back to the prospect in hand. The next stage was to dig out some clothes to have a practice. Kindly I received a bag full of old clothes from my sister in law, in an attempt to see if I actually create one. It's ok saying you're going to do something but it's another thing actually producing a good quality item that's worth selling and that I would be happy to receive myself. After a few stressful nights (over a few weeks) with lots of googling and you tube videos; it was complete! Amazing, I surprised myself, my first attempt turned out pretty damn good. Here it is!
That's when I thought I can do this. Knowing it will be time consuming but being a determined person I was willing to give it a go. So set up a Facebook page, uploaded some photos, alongside advertising my products on my local selling pages. I also held a competition for a free blanket asking people to share and like my page. This competition post I promoted so it would reach a larger audience. It really did work and I would totally recommend to anyone starting a small business. Little did I know it wasn't long until I received my first order! I even included a little cushion as freebie. I just felt like I had to say thank you for being my first customer (even though they didn't know this).
I did it!
I was truly overwhelmed with how much they loved it, they sent me multiple pictures of their little one with the blanket. It was truly special knowing they could keep all their precious baby clothes safe and in a way that could be enjoyed. Over the year I am luckily enough that I have sold a few blankets in a variety of sizes. I have also expanded into selling other products such as cushions, comforts and bunting. The bunting has been a huge hit, and a an item I love to make. I will be doing an individual blog post upon this later on. On my Instagram page I also have a tutorial how to make your own bunting.
The balance between family, work and my small business can be difficult, so I time my posts when I'm ready to take on a new project. One big tip I have is not to be afraid of failure there is no such thing. My posts may not get many likes, and usually even then it's only my mum! However, every time I upload a picture I receive an email or two inquiry about my products.
Find me at...
On instagram @ The_mummy_business
My Facebook business page is called magicalmemoirsbyalice if you would like to take a look. Or just click here.. Magical Memoirs Business Page or follow me on Instagram at MagicalMemoirsByAlice
Let me know if anyone would be interested in a blog post that includes my tips of the trade.
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