Armed with a love of color, collecting and creating, I began making jewelry almost ten years ago. For a few years I continued my craft, participating in small craft fairs with my mother in my home state of North Carolina. This was more of a casual event, lots of fun but not a bonafide business. After about three years my family moved, during which time my jewelry supplies were boxed and somewhat forgotten.
Another move found my family in the small village of Lucketts, VA, a lovely spot with a strong spirit of community, a dedication to volunteering and a thriving local country fair. In 2009, with an eye toward participating in the local Lucketts Fair, I decided it was time to revive my craft but I wanted to do something that was fresh for me. I delved into the world of wire-wrapping and chainmaille and completely fell in love. Working with metal became a virtual obsession, one that inspired me and was admired by others. What had once been a hobby had now became a full-fledged business. That fall I officially registered my business and have continually worked to build it stronger since that time.
In January 2011, I joined the world of Etsy. I'd set up my business name, CraftedbyWendiMink, in October of 2009 but didn't find the time to commit to setting up the shop until New Year's weekend in 2010-2011. Building my business and specifically the Etsy shop have been lessons in organization, photography and salesmanship.
I continued to be a part of the Lucketts Fair, participated in other small craft shows and home shows and in October 2011, ventured back to North Carolina to be a part of a three-day show, Gifts From the Heart. This event only furthered my desire to continue my business.
As luck would have it, in November of 2011, I was asked to participate in a Fall Festival benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. While there I was visited by the owners of EarthWorks Gallery & Gifts; Penni Walker and Dewey MacMahan admired my creations and invited me to their store to discuss a consignment arrangement in their store. Thus began a very fruitful relationship. I've attached a copy of my introduction to EarthWorks' customers, a glowing article of which I am very proud.
My most recent business development occurred just this week when I launched my official website wendimink.com. With only three days under my belt, the site is still under construction but feels like a huge success as developing a website seemed an insurmountable task.
The timing of this development couldn't be more perfect as it occurred just a week before the 40th Annual Lucketts Fair, the very community-driven event that inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone and build something that is truly my passion.
Thank you for reading my story; hopefully it's been of interest and helped you to know me.
Another move found my family in the small village of Lucketts, VA, a lovely spot with a strong spirit of community, a dedication to volunteering and a thriving local country fair. In 2009, with an eye toward participating in the local Lucketts Fair, I decided it was time to revive my craft but I wanted to do something that was fresh for me. I delved into the world of wire-wrapping and chainmaille and completely fell in love. Working with metal became a virtual obsession, one that inspired me and was admired by others. What had once been a hobby had now became a full-fledged business. That fall I officially registered my business and have continually worked to build it stronger since that time.
In January 2011, I joined the world of Etsy. I'd set up my business name, CraftedbyWendiMink, in October of 2009 but didn't find the time to commit to setting up the shop until New Year's weekend in 2010-2011. Building my business and specifically the Etsy shop have been lessons in organization, photography and salesmanship.
I continued to be a part of the Lucketts Fair, participated in other small craft shows and home shows and in October 2011, ventured back to North Carolina to be a part of a three-day show, Gifts From the Heart. This event only furthered my desire to continue my business.
As luck would have it, in November of 2011, I was asked to participate in a Fall Festival benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. While there I was visited by the owners of EarthWorks Gallery & Gifts; Penni Walker and Dewey MacMahan admired my creations and invited me to their store to discuss a consignment arrangement in their store. Thus began a very fruitful relationship. I've attached a copy of my introduction to EarthWorks' customers, a glowing article of which I am very proud.
My most recent business development occurred just this week when I launched my official website wendimink.com. With only three days under my belt, the site is still under construction but feels like a huge success as developing a website seemed an insurmountable task.
The timing of this development couldn't be more perfect as it occurred just a week before the 40th Annual Lucketts Fair, the very community-driven event that inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone and build something that is truly my passion.
Thank you for reading my story; hopefully it's been of interest and helped you to know me.
RSS Feed
