Q: Oftentimes, each artisan has a different strategy and objective for their business. What are the next steps for you and your business?
A: My shop began as a bit of a hobby business. I come from a video production/marketing background, and that's always been my career. I never imagined I'd take my shop much further than a few items on Etsy, but once I joined the Etsy NY Team, started doing markets and expanded my line, I realized I'd opened a Pandora's box of opportunity I didn't think possible! I've learned so, so much and it's become a huge and important part of my life. Apart from being another income source, it's allowed me to hone in on many of my skills and apply them to expanding my business in several ways.
Social media is a huge part of my strategy and how I connect with customers to learn what they like and don't like, if my prices are fair, etc. I value their opinions so much! I am on all platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube), and find it to be a non-negotiable when it comes to marketing in this day and age. All shops should be on social media, blogging, etc. It's definitely vital to keeping up yourself relevant and up to date with the community.
Next steps for Slope Girl Knits?
This past year I've started a local teaching business for adults and children to learn how to knit (email me at info@slopegirlknits.com if interested!), opened on Etsy Wholesale with a limited collection, and have had my products in stock at some local Brooklyn storefronts.
In 2016, I plan to launch a children's clothing line and a Spanish-language version of the shop. I grew up bilingual, and it's important to me to be able to connect with that community!
As I continue to move forward, I like to say I take things one day at a time with my business. It's mine, and I feel confident in my product and comfortable in making the decisions I need to uphold my mission of handmade and high quality customer service. I'm a person who likes to think big things through, so I consider every option to expand very carefully. Will the quality of my product still meet my standards? How will my customers feel? Do I have enough time to realistically take this on? These are all questions I ask myself when opportunities to expand come up, and if it makes sense and keeps to my values then I move forward. You never know what will happen in life, and right now I'm open to all possibilities, ideas and discussions!
Q: Can you tell us some of the partners you have made? Retail stores where we can find your product?
A: I love partnerships! Working with others is an amazing way to grow your business and learn about new opportunities.
This year I taught Kids' Knitting 101 at Holly's Heart by Hand in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and sold in person at Woods Grove (Cobble Hill, Brooklyn) via Roadshows. I've also connected with several bloggers to create custom order giveaways (this was my favorite) and continue to enjoy those opportunities.
Where you can find me next!
Q: As many artisans look to grow and further develop their businesses, do you have some advice that you can share with fellow artisans?
A: My biggest advice if you're thinking about opening a shop is....just do it! I read the Etsy Seller Handbook for a couple months before I opened and then I dove in. I learned a lot on the way and it's been so amazing to see the support from my friends, family and even strangers. I am so grateful for their energy and excitement!
Patience is another key. Nothing happens overnight. If you want success, you have to be willing to put in the time and energy (and sometimes money) to get great pictures, a sellable product and a community to purchase your items. If you believe in what you make with total confidence, you can't be stopped! Just give yourself (and everyone else) some patience to come on board.
Never stop learning and growing either--take classes, ask for feedback and advice, join a team of entrepreneurs.
Also, always give back. Don't be afraid to offer someone advice, a compliment, a like or follow or some mentorship because you think it might detract from your success. I really believe that what you give is (more often than not) what you get, and the times when I have been able to give back have always been so rewarding. I am immensely grateful to all of my Etsy NY Team members for their openness, opinions and opportunity and am positive that I would not be where I am with my shop without them. :)
You can shop Slope Girl Knits on Etsy (Retail + Wholesale). Keep in touch by following SGK on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest) and signing up for blog and newsletter updates.
Did you know it's #GivingTuesday? All week long a portion of sales made on Slope Girl Knits will go to iMentor, an amazing organization which connects NYC high school students with local professionals to provide one on one mentorship and college prep support. Being a mentor for the last year has changed my life in so many ways, and I am grateful to iMentor for allowing me the opportunity to make a difference in a young adult's life. Every time you make a purchase this week at SGK, you'll be helping to make another mentorship relationship (and amazing difference) in a deserving student's life.
Custom request, teaching and press inquiries can be emailed to Emily at info@slopegirlknits.com
Special thanks to Emily for sharing with us. You can find her products showcased on her Etsy shop at www.slopegirlknits.etsy.com. And, details of her special product GIVEAWAY are below, as well as directions on how to enter!
Emily is generously giving away her signature The Candleknit Scarf. (Valued at $30!) Shine bright with this limited edition, one of a kind hand knit scarf--the very last one that will be made...ever! Designed with the holidays in mind, its festive colors will bring cheer to any outfit. Wrap around twice for style, or three times for extra comfort. Handmade to order exclusively by Slope Girl Knits in Brooklyn, NY, in a smoke/pet free environment. Don't miss out on this exclusive knit prize!
