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The June magazine is live and it’s 98 pages long this month! 😮 It’s been an interesting few weeks preparing the magazine because our featured story is about how the Archer sisters have built a thriving business around 8 years of craft fairs and markets. Since events around the world were canceled, the timing of this magazine issue felt strange, but all our doubts went away once we read Lindsey and Kristen’s story! They shared the wealth of knowledge they’ve gained from over 50 events and the level of detail blew us away. Here’s just some of what you’ll see inside the magazine:

• Planning the booth space with digital layouts
• Planning inventory quantities and product layouts
• Choosing the types of displays
• Maximizing space to capture attention
• Using DIY displays
• Showing off your branding (they even use a neon sign!)
• Turning shoppers into social media followers
• Free promotional materials to give out
• The importance of pricing
• Showing shoppers your process for making

“Our first booth looked like our house threw up on the street. We borrowed a blue tent from our mother’s friend and attached weird latticework to each corner because… Pinterest. Our art constantly fell down from the crooked shelves that held it. There was no visual consistency and no brand identity. But we put ourselves out there and trying that first event gave us the confidence to make our booth even better for the next one.”

– Lindsey and Kristen Archer from ARCHd

Our second featured seller, Kristen, was given an ultimatum from her boss and told that she had to choose between working for him or continuing her hobby making bath and body products. She was incredibly brave in choosing her hobby, especially since she wasn’t ready to turn it into a full-time business yet. You simply must read her inspiring story!

“And that’s when everything changed; he gave me the ultimatum. I was to choose either the company or Lagom Body Co. and I had to let him know in 24 hours. That month and the months following were some of the most challenging in my life. I questioned myself. I questioned my decision.”

Kristen Runvik from Lagom Body Co.

Here’s a preview of the goodies inside the July magazine:

June Question of the Month

Last month we asked sellers what positive things they've gained from the lockdown. Read all of the unexpected things handmade sellers have gained or learned during these uncertain times.

We've got our vending down to a science.

The Archer sisters are sharing what they've learned from 8 years of vending craft fairs and markets. Learn about their planning process, what promotional materials work for them, how much inventory to bring, how to display items, how they show off their creative process to shoppers, and much more!

Six Inspiring Examples of Artisan Business Branding

Need some inspiration for your branding? Join us in looking at six stunningly designed handmade businesses!

My boss gave me an ultimatum.

Kristen's life changed dramatically when her boss told her she could no longer work for his company if she continued her hobby. And she was only given 24 hours to decide. Read her inspiring story!

The Overlap of Science and Art

Laura Chrest explores the interesting similarities of science and art, identifying the core of innovation.

Four Clever Ways to Advertise Your Products

Here are four fun ways to adapt the advertising tactics of major companies to your handmade business.

Sleep grew my business.

Arianna Huffington didn't reach the success she wanted or become a "power entrepreneur" until after she started taking care of herself. And it took a crisis to get her attention.

The Newsstand

Get updated on the latest industry news, shopping trends, social media changes, and more!