Shop Talk :: Audrey’s Cat

This week we’re talking to Dawn from Folksy shop Audrey’s Cat

Could you describe your shop?

It’s a visual feast of funky retro and vintage fabric treats! My lovely things are definitely more to the bold and bright end of the spectrum although I’ve a few things that fit the Shabby chic look too. Due to their vintage nature I only have a limited amount of any particular fabric and so my shop is constantly changing. However luckily I have a large range of fabrics so I have quite a few custom make listings as a way of showcasing them and it’s great to find that perfect material for a customer!

Who does your Folksy shop appeal to?

My shop appeals strongly to those with an interest in vintage fashion and 20th Century design and people who want something a little bit different, so they stand out from the crowd. I have quite a few loyal repeat number of customers who have been back to me several times for a range of things.

Is this your day job?

As a busy , DIY’ing , allotment’eering Mum of primary school kids this is my only current ‘paid’ job. But way back I was a Science Graduate and IS Business Analyst .

Have you been into craft and the handmade lifestyle for long?

My Mum is a talented embroiderer and was always making something so I guess that where I get it from! I first started making my own clothes when I was 16 simply because I couldn’t find what I wanted to buy off the peg and I had a fabulous fabric shop nearby.I’ve also loved vintage fashion since my teens and so a vintage fabric addiction was inevitable ! whilst I’ve always made my own cushions, curtains and gifts , only in the last year or so have I been selling them online.
I also love drawing and painting and I have another shop on folksy ( AudreysArt) where I’ve been dabbling with ACEOS .

Where do you promote your shop?

I am a Twitter addict! (@audreyscat ) I enjoy it anyway and so it works well for me as a promotions tool. I’m less engaged with Facebook but I do post on there too. I Blog, use Flickr and CraftJuice too. I’m a frequent visitor to the forums and have been part of the wonderful daily listing’s ‘gang’ for a few months.

Do you have plans to expand your business in the future?

At the moment I’m happy with the level of creating and promoting I do to manage my Folksy shop and how that fits with family life. Folksy is suiting me just fine….!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about opening up a shop here on Folksy?

Firstly you have to get to grip with the fact that creation is only part of the process in online selling. Promotion – from the way your item is photographed and described, to the direct advertising of your wares – is critical.
Secondly find the style of promoting that you enjoy so that your enthusiasm for your craft shines through in whatever medium suits you best. The same promotions tools do not suit everyone, so give them all a try.
Always remember you are doing this because you enjoy it! ( And there nothing more satisfying that making something and doing it well – now is there?!)

We’d love to hear your comments!

Get in touch if you have an idea for an article you’d like to see on the Folksy Blog – hilary@folksy.co.uk