I started producing art prints under the name The Art Room when my first daughter was born six years ago and a few years after that I branched into pillowcases and cushions. I did a 'Mr/Mrs' design that was really popular - it still is - and that's when it became really busy. I had a second daughter in 2012 and thought working from home was the perfect option, so I resigned from my day job in graphic design and went to work for myself.
What channels did you start selling your products through, and how has that evolved over time?
I started selling on Felt.co.nz and I also set up my own website, as well as selling a bit on Etsy. Then through my website and Facebook page, I had retail stockists approach me. I have about 30 now, including some online stores here and in Australia, where I'd like to move into more in the future.
Why were you keen to start a business in this handmade space in particular?
I love buying local, handmade items and anything made in New Zealand so I try as much as I can to make something I would want to buy myself. I think people appreciate that they could bump into the person who designed and made their product on the street. If I branch out eventually into larger scale fabric printing I hope to still keep it local.
I also really enjoy hands-on printing in a quiet studio; it's so satisfying seeing the first screenprint as you lift up the screen. I love knowing I've created something from scratch with an illustration and producing it all the way through to the final screenprint - and the best thing of all is people want to buy them. Nice feedback is what keeps me going.
What's been the main challenge for you as a business owner?
My main challenge has been the administration side of making and selling. I'm a complete novice when it comes to bookkeeping, GST, tax and those kinds of things and it was really stressful thinking I might not be doing it right. However, I'm really lucky that my neighbour and now good friend is an amazing accountant who takes care of all that side of the business for me. It's a huge relief and I can just carry on designing and she tells me when my tax is due and how much.
What's next for your business, and ultimately what would you like to see it become?
I'd like to step it up next year and create a full range of bedding and matching prints. My studio is great but not quite big enough for the large scale printing I've got in mind, so ultimately I'd like a big, bright studio where I can print long runs of fabric, collaborate with other artists, host workshops and have a store at one end with a coffee machine. It's a big dream but it's not impossible and I think if I work hard enough luck will make it happen.
What's one piece of advice you'd have for another maker who wants to build a sustainable business based on their handmade creations?
The best thing for me is that although for most of the time I work alone in my studio, I've built up a great network of amazing, talented friends who have similar businesses and we get together on a regular basis to help each other out. I've found it's so important to connect with like-minded makers and talk about issues big and small and get advice on everything from the best courier to working out wholesale price lists. It's one thing I wouldn't be without - and a good accountant.
