An undergraduate student with 2-3 years of crochet experience runs a small business called Saniicrochet. We have always been driven by a passion for creating beautiful, handmade crochet items that are both attractive and functional. Recently, the brand seized the opportunity to participate in the Arter’s Market, organized by the Rebel Art Movement (RAM) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). This bi-annual event provides students from various disciplines a platform to showcase and sell their handmade creations to the public.
The Arter’s Market is more than just a sales venue; it’s a vibrant gathering that connects students who share a passion for creativity and entrepreneurship. As Saniicrochet prepared for this exciting event, the brand recognized it as the perfect launchpad to introduce its unique crochet creations to a wider audience.
Why the Arter’s Market Was the Perfect Launchpad for Saniicrochet
The Arter’s Market is renowned for showcasing student-made crafts and art. It draws attention from the TCNJ community and beyond. Organized by RAM, a campus-wide art club that emphasizes public art and fosters a strong artistic presence on campus, the market is an ideal platform for Saniicrochet to make its debut.
Participating in the Arter’s Market allowed Saniicrochet to test the waters of entrepreneurship and reach out to potential customers . Those who appreciate handmade, custommized pieces. With a collection of products including keychains, gift boxes, and stuffed animals, the brand aimed to captivate the hearts of fellow students.
Preparing for the Market: Launching Saniicrochet
As the market approached, Saniicrochet took several steps to prepare for its first significant event:
- Choosing What to Sell: With an eye on the college student demographic, Saniicrochet focused on creating a range of crochet items that would appeal to peers. The selection included stylish keychains, cute stuffed animals, and colorful gift boxes. These were sure to stand out and attract attention to leave good impressions.
- Setting Fair Prices: Saniicrochet understood that pricing handmade products can be challenging, especially for a budget-conscious student audience. Careful consideration went into determining fair prices that reflected the quality of materials and the time invested in each piece.
- Building the Brand: Presenting a professional image was crucial for Saniicrochet, even as a small student-run crochet business. The brand created a colorful designed board and an in-person demonstration of crocheting for viewers to draw attraction. This was to ensure that our brand left a lasting impression on customers.
The Day of the Arter’s Market: Saniicrochet Comes to Life
On the day of the Arter’s Market, Saniicrochet was filled with excitement as the campus transformed into a bustling marketplace. Booths showcasing a variety of handmade goods surrounded them, creating an energetic atmosphere for creativity and entrepreneurship. Here are some key takeaways from Saniicrochet’s first market experience:
- Connecting with Customers: The opportunity to interact with students and faculty who appreciated Saniicrochet’s work was incredibly rewarding. Many visitors inquired to the brand’s handmade quality and in-person crocheting experience, leading to engaging conversations about the functionality and creativity behind each item. Furthermore, these personal connections not only boosted sales but also reinforced the value of the brand’s offerings.
- Sharing the Story: Throughout the day, Saniicrochet’s team became more comfortable introducing the brand and sharing its story with potential customers. The narrative of a small business run by a college student. She is dedicated to crafting high-quality crochet items, resonated with many attendees. This connection added depth to the shopping experience and helped foster loyalty among customers.
- Networking with Fellow Creators: One of the unexpected highlights of the Arter’s Market was the chance to connect with other student entrepreneurs. Saniicrochet exchanged tips and experiences with peers. We learned about balancing creative pursuits with academic life and strategies for effectively marketing handmade products. This networking opportunity underscored the importance of community within the arts.
- Building a Customer Base: By the end of the day, Saniicrochet had sold more items than initially anticipated. Several students expressing interest in custom orders . The brand handed out business cards and encouraged attendees to follow its social media channels. There, they could find updates on new products and special offers that are shared. The enthusiastic interest in crochet items indicated that Saniicrochet was on the right track to growing its customer base.
Reflecting on the Market Experience: Saniicrochet’s Next Steps
Participating in the Arter’s Market was a pivotal moment for Saniicrochet, marking the beginning of an exciting journey into entrepreneurship. The supportive environment, networking opportunities, and positive feedback from customers validated the brand’s mission of offering handmade, functional crochet pieces.
Tips for Students Starting a Crochet Business
These tips are for other college students considering starting their own crochet or handmade business. Henceforth, Saniicrochet proudly offers the following tips based on its experience:
- Start Small and Build Up: Focus on creating a few key products that highlight your skills and are manageable in smaller quantities.
- Price Fairly, but Value Your Time: Avoid underselling your handmade items, ensure your prices reflect both material costs and your time.
- Leverage Campus Events: Take advantage of campus markets like the Arter’s Market to gain exposure and test your products in a supportive environment.
- Create a Strong Brand: Invest in developing a cohesive brand image with a logo, social media presence, and fun personal experiences to make your business feel inviting from the outset.
Conclusion: Join the Handmade Movement with Saniicrochet
Saniicrochet is excited to explore the endless possibilities that come with being a small business owner and college student. The Arter’s Market served as a fantastic launchpad for the brand. Saniicrochet looks forward to connecting with more customers and sharing its crochet creations.
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