| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SandraM |
Posted - Jul 10 2012 : 06:48:54 AM
Just curious.
I see a lot of etsy users.
I have occasionally sold raw wool online, and we occasinally sell breeding stock but not much more than that.
My husband has been buying wool processing equipment to start up a fiber business. It is something he has wanted to do since we started raising sheep years ago.
It looks like it is finally happening.
Curious to hear what others are doing...
Sandra
www.mittenstatesheepandwool.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| JudyT |
Posted - May 25 2013 : 06:36:41 AM
My husband and I own our own business, it's a drafting business for structural steel design, and I did the bookkeeping. Our son jumped on board with us about 6-7 years ago which had allowed us to finally live our dream and move to the country. My husband still works but I passed my duties over to another. Since moving to our farm we make maple syrup and sell it to a business in town which specializes in selling local products along with their cheese and butter.
Judy~Farmgirl Sister #599
I've lived in an urban area most my life, but now I'm living in a rural area up on a ridge in the Ocooch Mountains in Southwest Wisconsin, sharing my life at...http://dailyyarnsnmore.com |
| EllaRow |
Posted - May 23 2013 : 2:49:10 PM
Goodness which one to start with...
Rowland Computers Plus- My husband and I co-own this. He fixes, repairs, disinfects, and builds computers for people. I finally got my software together to start websites for people under the same business but we're at the point we have to save up some money to buy some extra computers as a website server (the computers do nothing but hold files for people's websites so they don't have to pay the online fees, these can reeeally add up). I'm starting out with basic websites until I feel more secure about online shopping carts and interactive stuff. Only ones I've made thats online at the moment is RhodesGardenCenter.com which is my mother's 3rd generation greenhouse business (which I will take over when she retires) and my husband's friend who owns BerndtGuideService.com. Hes a fishing guide for this area. We haven't gotten our name out there as much as we'd like but we're getting there.
Caveman Woodworking and Crafts- My husband and I co-own this one as well. We started the business last year but this is our first year displaying and selling product. He makes lots of wood related items like birdhouses, feeders, toy cars, window boxes, and more. He also makes wooden sculptures but nothing too big yet. I paint rocks to look like frogs, ladybugs, bumblebees, snakes, turtles, penguins, and more. Our only venue at the moment is my mother's shop at her greenhouse biz which is conveniently next door. I'm hoping to start Farmer's markets and Flea markets once I get enough product. We're hoping to get on Etsy and Amazon.com once he has some more products built, but we have yet to do that. We're working on getting a website up for this one too. (handy when you're a website programmer  )
Other then that my mother has told me I am her only hope of retirement when she's ready. The greenhouse biz is right next door so it would open up a few opportunities, but for now we're trying not to overwhelm ourselves while we're planting our gardens too.
Soaking in wisdom as the showers fall |
| SandraM |
Posted - Apr 29 2013 : 10:07:56 AM
I am glad you posted Loretta!
I know what you mean, so many amazing ladies :)
We are closer than we were last year with our wool adventure! Just keep moving forward!
Sandra
www.mittenstatesheepandwool.com |
| MissBarnes |
Posted - Apr 29 2013 : 09:08:45 AM
I have just signed up as a Farmgirl Sister #5079 and am so excited. I was feeling a little isolated in community and decided to reach out a little. Soooo glad I did!! I was about in tears reading all of the posts from sisters just doing what they love. I run the family business, which is not interesting at all, but have so many other things going on. At the moment I am redoing a vintage canned ham camper to pull around and use for bake sales and fundraisers. A lot of the extra work I do is for charity but looking to make a little pofit in the future!! Best of luck to you all, you are so inspiring!! |
| rubyleesmom |
Posted - Feb 17 2013 : 12:39:03 AM
My hubby and I have a new little tractor business (bushhogging etc) but havent done much with it yet. We also make quilts which we have been trying to sell on ebay but have had no luck so far. I keep debating about etsy but im still undecided. You all's businesses sound awesome! Go farmgirls! :-) |
| SandraM |
Posted - Feb 13 2013 : 1:23:14 PM
Thanks for sharing alll of your businesses. A lot of variety and talent.
We are getting closer to being able to process wool. We are very excited!
Sandra
www.mittenstatesheepandwool.com |
| Breanna |
Posted - Feb 13 2013 : 1:18:15 PM
I own my own business - not an etsy business, but I teach horse lessons. What a lot of entrepreneurs there are on here! :D
Farmgirl Bre
http://breanna-lifespoem.blogspot.com/
"By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me- a prayer to the God of my life." Ps. 42:8 |
| BamaSuzy |
Posted - Feb 13 2013 : 12:05:03 PM
I have a small general store here on my farm :) and I sell "farm fresh eggs from happy chickens," all kinds of my homemade goat milk soaps, quilted baby and lap quilts, quilted baby bibs, aprons, all sorts of jellies I make (like honeysuckle and tomato jellies), dried herbs and herbal teas, and anything else I make! We also sell some heirloom plants in the spring from my son and daughter-in-law's greenhouse. AND I also sell some Amish products...( www.suzysfarm.com ..although I no longer write for daily or weekly newspapers (I was an investigative newspaper reporter/photographer for about 35 years) I do write one or two articles each month (including a monthly column call Simple Times) for our state's farm magazine....so I guess that's a little business on the side! :)the magazine's web site is www.alafarmnews.com
You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt! |
| LeighErica |
Posted - Feb 12 2013 : 05:28:52 AM
I started my own little business of selling used books online. Honestly, it took off really fast and I did alot of sales last fall through Christmas, but since then almost nothing. Not giving up though, want to ride it out a bit and see where it goes. Hoping it picks back up and this is just a lull in shopping from Christmas. Erica:)
Farm Girl #2731 |
| GoddessintheGroove |
Posted - Feb 11 2013 : 9:22:17 PM
Hi :)
I have had GoddessintheGroove.com for about 14 years now. I sell on Etsy, at shows, and via my website.
I am actually in the process of revamping, and making my business "real", as my tax man likes to say. I am expanding into doing workshops, both for "making" things like ferments, bread, jewelry, as well as art/coaching types of women's workshops.
My dream is to have a place where I could store & sell my vintage treasures. I am thinking about purchasing an old delivery truck and converting it into "gypsy wagon" :).
As you can see, I am all over the place. Seriously, I was in retail & customer service, direct sales & marketing, for years. I can put on a suit and sell ice to an eskimo, but have chosen to do this.
I recently hunkered down,and am now following more of a plan. It helps me focus as I revamp and get more organized. This Gypsy needs a steady income for all these steady bills :). Getting a plan is the one thing I can only recommend now that I am doing it. There are tons of courses & info out there, you have to find what fits for you.
Good luck!
Heike
FarmGirl Sister #2245
"A journey back to the roots..."
http://www.herbmagik.com
"Women with opinions, pendants, & KitchenWitches...all in one."
http://www.goddessinthegroove.com
Find me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/theGoddessintheGroove |
| Antb |
Posted - Jan 29 2013 : 7:14:28 PM
I have a couple shops on Etsy. I do have a lot of fun with them, and they help to pay the bills.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SecondChanceCeramics
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AntB
|
| naturemaiden |
Posted - Jan 21 2013 : 03:44:54 AM
Hi ladies.....
I make soap, candles, and lots of other goodies. i love checking out all the businesses you all have, they are wonderful!
business has been real slow. i wish i could find the magic answer to really make my business take off. i know the economy doesnt help, but there has to be answer. when i go to fairs/events i do well, every time.
my friend says i need to 'get out there' and sell my product..meaning to local businesses and such. the problem is that i am in introvert. i'm no salesperson. i know i must get over that. living in a small town, there are gift shop for the tourists of course, but not an incredible amount of places to put my products.
besides i have tried going to businesses to push my product.i've tried every free way to get the name out, when i was able i tried 'paid' advertising too. i even just re-opened my etsy shop, just for the sake of having another 'avenue' to put it out there. i think etsy may be too competitive though....i mean there are so many soapmakers on there.
i cant afford to advertise. i feel stuck in a rut. what is it going to take?
how do you all advertise your businesses?
Connie
http://www.naturemaiden.com/ - Soap & Candle
http://modern-day-laura.blogspot.com/ -Filled with everything I love!
http://www.thriftyfarmgirl.com/ -Vintage Sewing Machines, Sewing machine parts and more.
|
| beccaroo |
Posted - Jan 20 2013 : 09:41:07 AM
I have a Etsy shop and a website. There is much on them right now since I haven't had time to catch up yet. I make handmade candles and bath products. My business is called Oshun De Art. It's wonderful since I get to stay home with my baby, and my son when he gets out of school. It's slow going right now. I was hoping to have more business by now, but I keep on trying. Right now I am trying to find a shop to put my product in. Just waiting for the window to open. I hope everything is working out great for everyone. Sounds like there is a lot of busy women around here.
http://oshundeart.etsy.com
http://oshundeart-com.webs.com/
beccaroo
#497 |
| peachy |
Posted - Jan 15 2013 : 2:09:46 PM
I have a shop, Farmhouse Chic Prim Antique in my small little town. Farmhouse Chic, primitives, antiques, local authors, artisits all on consignment and gifts, baked goods, coffee & handmade soaps:) (also on facebook) and farmhousechicshop on etsy. I started out with a small market in my front yard where I still sell farm fresh eggs!! I also have a cleaning business (just a few) that I've kept during the years and do flowers, decorating/set up for weddings. Working on the new mail order catalog now for Farmhouse Chic!!
Melissa
Farmgirl Sister #360
http://farmhousechicshop.etsy.com
Farmhouse Chic Prim Antique on facebook!
Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain! |
| BarnHeart |
Posted - Jan 14 2013 : 05:59:16 AM
I have a home-based craft business called HeartFelt. I make needle felted items, unpaper towels, and am going to add dolls in the future. I sell on FB and recently opened a website: www.heartfeltwool.com. :)
I love wool! Visit my website at www.heartfeltwool.com to see my creations! |
| kentuckywoman |
Posted - Jan 09 2013 : 6:31:51 PM
I've got an Etsy shop where I sell vintage and antique finds, hand spun and dyed yarns and other handmade items. I started it fairly recently but I'm pretty excited about it all!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpunAlpineFlowers
Have you guys had a lot of success on Etsy? What worked best for you? |
| mscountrygirl |
Posted - Jan 09 2013 : 07:32:17 AM
I really enjoyed reading everyone's posts and the products they make. I am getting ready to open my own private practice as a mental health therapist in the spring to be at home more with my family. currently I work in community mental health and am homeschooling 3 of my 6 children. Kristin I love the idea of a goat share! What kind of goats do you have? I want to get dairy pygmies but can't find them.
It all comes back to the ground!
|
| imascholar2 |
Posted - Jan 06 2013 : 7:17:58 PM
I have just applied for my first Merit Badge: Entrepreneurship. When I became a member of Mary Jane Farms I thought this was the one merit badge I would NEVER get. However, in August I decided to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Currently I am teaching papercrafting classes in my home twice a week, digital scrapbooking classes once a month and on the side I am teaching iPad/iPhone classes. I now have one Stampin' Up! demonstrator under me and can't wait to have more. I LOVE teaching people how to stamp and also how to teach others. I also have a blog, www.agivingart.blogspot.com, where I share my love for papercrafts.
Remember to ENJOY the journey!!! |
| pinokeeo |
Posted - Jan 06 2013 : 7:13:40 PM
I've been a toymaker for 18 years. I mostly sell at shows, but I opened an artfire store. Only sold a couple of things on there so far, but I'm optimistic.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I cannot master those things that I have not tried.
check out my artfire: http://PiNOKEEOs.artfire.com |
| bboopster |
Posted - Jan 06 2013 : 6:47:35 PM
I opened a small Local, Natural, Organic, Specialty food market
June 2, 2011, It has been a wild journey. I have learned over the past year and a half that you need to look at the big picture, every quarter adds up, and some-days it just is overwhelming. We haven't turned a profit yet but it is fun and I have met many new people. I do have to make a few changes and look in to new product lines. We are staring to do classes again too. Owning your own business is a lot of work for little money in the start but it is very satisfying. I would like to start an online business that I could add to my market. I also sell L'BRI skin care and color and essential oils through my market too. I love aromatherapy......and Skin Care......
http://www.settlersparkmarket.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SettlersParkMarket
http://www.settlerskincare.lbri.com
http://www.bboopster.blogspot.com
Nana to 5
3 Blue Star Mother and Proud of it!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| bluebellequilts |
Posted - Jan 05 2013 : 1:50:40 PM
I started a small sewing business last year. It began with the idea to teach sewing classes for kids at area quilt shops and in after-school programs. Two area quilt shops agreed to partner with me for the sewing classes. I actually taught several classes at one of the shops. Word has gotten out and there's interest, but my day job keeps getting in the way. The day job wasn't an issue last spring, but I got a new boss in the fall and with that came a lot of changes. So, teaching had to be put on hold for a while.
I made a t-shirt quilt for a friend, which launched another side to the business. This IS something I can do in tandem with my day job.
Also tried my hand at a local craft fair to support a friend's pet rescue organization. Sold enough to cover my booth rental, gas and lunch, but what I learned and the contacts I made that day have been invaluable. There's definitely money to be made if you can match your price/product to the particular event.
My dilemma is whether or not to take the leap of faith required to quit my day job, so I can pursue my teaching and crafting on a full-time basis. I know I'd be a lot happier.
|
| Hoosiermom |
Posted - Dec 20 2012 : 01:47:43 AM
we own Barnyard Greenhouse,my husband & I are in business with my parents. It started as a hobby to grow our own plants for your truck patch, but we took the plunge & 16yrs & employess later we have grown more than we ever planned. We are only seasonal, but it keeps us so busy since my hubby & I have other full time jobs too. Thank goodness for retired parents.
Beth |
| AnnieD |
Posted - Dec 20 2012 : 01:20:17 AM
Hello Farm Girls and Sisters!
This is my first posting! My mama is on this site.. but I won't say which FarmGirl she is for now. We will leave it a mystery for the moment ;) She has been telling me to get on here for years. Finally, I am here.
I have my own business teaching American Sign Language www.signwithmebaby.org
And I also just recently started a not for profit www.facebook.com/deaflitproject
or twitter @deaflitproject
I also have a blog named www.areyoustillbreathing.blogspot.com
Really neat to see all of you ladies working on so many unique businesses and projects!
xox
Annie D
|
| LittleVintageTrailer |
Posted - Dec 12 2012 : 3:30:23 PM
Wow, I really have enjoyed reading all these posts and seeing what a diverse mix of small businesses you all have. I think having your own business that you love to do is one of the best things in the world! Especially if you can make a good living at it or at least supplement your family's income. I personally love working from home and the freedom it allows me. Of course I couldn't do it all myself so I have a Administrative Assistant and dedicated programmer on staff. Even then I probably work more hours than I should but working from home allows me to work odd hours and take breaks when needed. Another bonus is being able to be here when my children get home from school.
Anyway, I have several online businesses. I guess I would say my main one is Pattern Mart, which is a site that is made up of designers who sell their craft patterns there. I originally started out as a designer of craft patterns myself and 9 years ago I launched Pattern Mart. Aside from other online businesses I have, I also have an Etsy shop where I offer my own artwork. Lately I've been intrigued with possibly selling kindle books via Amazon. I have a friend that just launched a book and I'm impressed with her results in such a short time as she's an unknown author.
Kelle
FarmGirl Sister #4447
www.LittleVintageTrailer.com |
| crittergranny |
Posted - Nov 22 2012 : 7:07:09 PM
My hubby has a water well business. We don't drill, we sell pumps, pipe and fix wells and windmills. We also have a ranch, and we raise barrel horses, compete at barrel racing, stand 3 studs, do trail rides, give riding lessons, break and train horses, do consignment sales. My 3 grown daughters and I do the horse business. I mostly do trail rides, and riding lessons. And of course feed everybody. Our remote location is a challenge but it's what we do, so we try to do our best. I would like to get some time for art and start doing horse portraits.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
