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Art & Craft, DIY ideas and Tutorials – Craftbuds
Art & Craft, DIY ideas and Tutorials – Craftbuds
  • All Craft
  • Needlecraft
    • Crochet
    • Knitting
    • Quilting
    • Sewing
    • Embroidery
  • Jewelry Making
  • Paper Craft
  • Product Reviews
  • Business

Craft Retail: Running a Business to Have More Family Time

  • Lindsay
  • May 27, 2011
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We’ll announce the Giveaway Day winners later tonight! Until then, check out this great crafty business advice from Marla of Memory Miser.

Marla Gibson
In 2005, Marla Gibson decided to get out of her career as a special ed teacher and start her own craft retail business. Today, she runs Memory Miser, a store selling Provo Craft (Cricut) products and the AccuQuilt line. I got the chance to ask Marla a bit about her journey from full-time employee to business owner, and you’ll love what she has to say!

1) When and how did you get started with your Memory Miser business?

I  started when my youngest was a year old, in December of 2005. My husband had started a new job that required long hours and a lot of time away from home. I was teaching special education and had so many after school meetings. My babies were at daycare way too many hours. I told my mom that I wanted to stay home and needed to come up with a plan. She said, “Sell that machine you like so much.” Within 2 weeks, I had become a Provo Craft retailer, sold through my first order on eBay, and had the website running. We grew quickly thanks to some very kind customers who spread the word. Until this past spring, we didn’t advertise, so it has always been based on customers referrals. I am proud of that.

2) What does a typical day look like for you?

My day starts with getting the girls ready for school, taking them, and then helping out there for an hour or two some days. Other days, I drop them off and go straight to work. My days are usually taken up with team meetings, email/phone calls, eBay/website promotions and book keeping. I usually work until 1pm, then go home for lunch and start “mom” duties. I then pick my girls up from school and hang out with them and whatever friends happen to come over. Once they are occupied, I pick up where I left off with work from home, cook dinner, and throw in more laundry. After we eat, I run to whatever practice they have. (I’m currently coaching Elise’s softball team and teaching Abigail to pitch, so its a little crazy right now.) We usually have about 30 minutes of quiet family time before they go to bed, then its time with hubby (often with my laptop, too.) Some days are a little nutty and I always work several hours on the weekend, but its really great to have the flexibility to work in chunks. I never miss an honor’s assembly or event at their school!

Memory Miser logo

3) What are the biggest challenges with owning and managing your business?

The stress! There is such a low profit margin on the majority of what we sell, every dollar has to be watched carefully which takes a lot of time. If I slack off, I always see it in the bottom line. The other big stressor occurs when something goes wrong. It doesn’t matter what plans or commitments I had, I’m the one who has to fix it.

4) What do you love most about your business?

Each day is different. I enjoy being in the office as much as in the warehouse. I actually had to unload a freight truck full of pallets this winter with a forklift- twice! I was scared to death, but it was also fun to learn. I’m doubtful that this will be a skill I’ll have cause to use again, but who knows! I love seeing all the new products and getting to play with them. I love when I get to answer the phones and talk to our customers. Each day is like hanging out with friends. There is so much joking and laughing throughout the building… I just think I am very lucky.

5) Do you have tips for others who are interested in getting into craft retail?

Don’t get overwhelmed. Take it in chunks and keep plowing through your to-do list. That line on your grade school report card, “Uses time wisely,” will never be more applicable than when you own your business.

Giveaway!

Memory Miser is generously giving away a Cricut Cartridge to one lucky reader! One winner will receive the Cricut Give a Hoot cartridge (one of Lindsay’s favorites), pictured below.

Cricut Give a Hoot cartridge

Giveaway now closed. The winner of the Give a Hoot cartridge is Niki!

To enter:

1) Follow Craft Buds (this blog) and leave a comment, or tell us if you already follow. (one entry)

2) Subscribe to the Memory Miser mailing list, and leave a comment here saying you did! (one entry)

3) Facebook or Tweet about this giveaway, and leave another comment. (one entry each) You may copy and paste the tweet below:

#Win a #Cricut Cartridge! #Giveaway now at @CraftBuds thanks to @MemoryMiser and @provocraft! https://tinyurl.com/3kkvgm6

Three chances to win! Giveaway open in the U.S. and Canada, and one winner will be chosen via Random.org on Wednesday, June 1 at 8pm (EST).

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Related Topics
  • cartridges
  • craft retail
  • cricut
  • discount
  • ebay
  • handmade business
  • memory miser
  • online store
  • provo craft
  • retailer
  • scrapbook supplies
Lindsay

Hi, I’m Lindsay Conner, an author, modern quilter, editor, and founder of the Lindsay Sews blog. I’m a Baby Lock ambassador and Stash Books author who loves writing modern sewing and quilt patterns for beginners and weekend sewists! I live in Indianapolis, Indiana with my husband, son, and two loveable cats, Murph and Chloe. I’ve been crafting for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I saved my dollar bills for trips with my mom to Jo-Ann Fabrics, where I’d find new floss for friendship bracelets or mini cross-stitch kits. Because my mom has always shared my love for crafting, she bought me my first sewing machine, a Hello Kitty Janome.

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59 comments
  1. Heather Lynne says:
    May 27, 2011 at 8:13 am

    I follow Craft Buds 🙂

    Reply
  2. Pjjunker says:
    May 27, 2011 at 8:29 am

    I’d love to stay at home after 29 years of teaching. But my retirement guy says I’m too young!

    Reply
  3. Colleen says:
    May 27, 2011 at 8:30 am

    I follow craft buds with my reader. thanks.

    Reply
  4. Emilie says:
    May 27, 2011 at 9:00 am

    I already follow!

    Reply
  5. Amy says:
    May 27, 2011 at 10:03 am

    Thanks for the tips….I would love to stay at home and do what I truly LOVE!! How blessed you are. I’m a follower!

    Reply
  6. Ashley says:
    May 27, 2011 at 10:35 am

    I follow! Great giveaway!

    Reply
  7. Sarah Campa says:
    May 27, 2011 at 11:04 am

    I follow you on Facebook!

    Reply
  8. Sarah Campa says:
    May 27, 2011 at 11:04 am

    I tweeted 🙂 tweet tweet!

    Reply
  9. Stephanie Granite says:
    May 27, 2011 at 11:04 am

    I already follow craft buds!

    Reply
  10. Stephanie Granite says:
    May 27, 2011 at 11:05 am

    and I already get the Memory Miser newsletter! Memory Miser is the BEST place to go to get cricut cartridges

    Reply
  11. Stephanie Granite says:
    May 27, 2011 at 11:05 am

    And I tweeted about the giveaway @SewingbySteph

    Reply
  12. Sarah Campa says:
    May 27, 2011 at 11:05 am

    I subscribed to the Memory Miser mailing list! I’m getting a cricut for my bday next week and would love some cartridges! Fingers are crossed!

    Reply
  13. Diane says:
    May 27, 2011 at 11:45 am

    I am a follower of Craft Buds:)

    Reply
  14. Diane says:
    May 27, 2011 at 11:47 am

    I tweeted about this giveaway…
    https://twitter.com/#!/hovis1971/status/74139439420555264

    Reply
  15. Diane says:
    May 27, 2011 at 11:49 am

    I subscribed to Memory Miser’s mailing list.

    Reply
  16. Aspen says:
    May 27, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    I am a follower of Craft Buds. 🙂

    Reply
  17. Megan says:
    May 27, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    Wow. That cartridge is super cute! It fits my friend’s nursery theme to a t! I follow you in google reader. Thanks!

    Reply
  18. Kelly Massman says:
    May 27, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    OMGoodness! This is a cartridge I have on my “wish list”. I’m following Craft Buds! Thanks for a chance to win!

    Reply
  19. Kelly Massman says:
    May 27, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    I subscribed to the Memory Miser mailing list!

    thanks also for a chance to win!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

    Reply
  20. Kelly Massman says:
    May 27, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    Kelly Massman
    ‎#Win a #Cricut Cartridge! #Giveaway now at @CraftBuds thanks to @MemoryMiser and @provocraft! https://tinyurl.com/3kkvgm6
    on my FB page! 🙂
    I’d be thrilled to win this!!!!
    thanks also for a chance to win!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

    Reply
  21. Keri Schorah says:
    May 27, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    I subscribed to Memory Miser’s mailing list! Gosh I love reading blogs…you learn so much! I alternate quilting with paper crafts and I only have 2 cartridges…so this giveaway has me really excited! Thanks for the chance and letting us know about Memory Miser! KERIHAG at YAHOO dot COM

    Reply
  22. Tami McDaniel says:
    May 27, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    Just became a new follower tfs Tami
    tambo1010atcomcastdotnet

    Tambo’s Creations

    Reply
  23. Tami McDaniel says:
    May 27, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Just subscribed to the mailing list. tfs Tami
    tambo1010atcomcastdotnet

    Tambo’s Creations

    Reply
  24. Keri Schorah says:
    May 27, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Already a happy follower!!!

    Reply
  25. Tami McDaniel says:
    May 27, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Just tweeted:
    @tinkertambo Tami McDaniel
    #Win a #Cricut Cartridge! #Giveaway now at @CraftBuds thanks to @MemoryMiser and @provocraft! https://tinyurl.com/3kkvgm6
    1 minute ago via web Favorite Reply Delete
    tfs Tami
    tambo1010atcomcastdotnet

    Tambo’s Creations

    Reply
  26. Jamie says:
    May 27, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    I am a Craft Buds follower! I have really had my eye on this cartridge. Would love to win!

    Reply
  27. Anna says:
    May 27, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    Already a follower 🙂 I love your blog.

    Reply
  28. Erika Seever says:
    May 27, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    I follow Craft Buds 🙂 Awesome giveaway!!

    Reply
  29. Erika Seever says:
    May 27, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    I subscribe to Memory Misers emails 🙂

    Reply
  30. Andrea says:
    May 27, 2011 at 4:47 pm

    I am a FB follower! Thanks for the chan e to win & great article. Andrea

    Reply
  31. Andrea says:
    May 27, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    I subscribe to Memory Misers email newsletter! Andrea

    Reply
  32. Amy W. says:
    May 27, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    I follow Craft buds, thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  33. Amy W. says:
    May 27, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    Subscribed to Memory Misers. It would be a hoot to win Give a Hoot. Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  34. Aman says:
    May 27, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    I like your fb page!

    Reply
  35. Aman says:
    May 27, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    I am a new follower of Craft Buds! Great giveaway

    Reply
  36. Aman says:
    May 27, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    I subscribe to Memory Miser’s emails too!

    Reply
  37. Amy W. says:
    May 27, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    Posted on facebook!
    thanks!

    Reply
  38. SandyP says:
    May 27, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    I signed up for your emails. :O)

    Reply
  39. SandyP says:
    May 27, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    I’m following your blog. :O)

    Reply
  40. SandyP says:
    May 27, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    I “Liked” you on Facebook too.

    Reply
  41. Michelle says:
    May 27, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    I’m a follower!

    Reply
  42. niki says:
    May 28, 2011 at 2:58 am

    I’m following on Facebook! 😉

    Reply
  43. niki says:
    May 28, 2011 at 3:01 am

    I subscribed to the Memory Miser mailing list!

    Reply
  44. niki says:
    May 28, 2011 at 3:07 am

    I shared on Facebook!
    https://www.facebook.com/nikigarrisonwoods

    Reply
  45. Holly says:
    May 28, 2011 at 7:40 am

    I’m a follower of Craft Buds and Memory Miser. They have some great deals on cricut cartridges. Thanks for sharing her story.

    Reply
  46. Alison says:
    May 28, 2011 at 11:14 am

    I follow. Thanks for the giveaway!
    aliben7 (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  47. Mary on Lake Pulaski says:
    May 29, 2011 at 8:52 pm

    I follow Craft Buds!

    Reply
  48. Mary on Lake Pulaski says:
    May 29, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    Give a Hoot is a great design!

    Reply
  49. Dollie says:
    May 29, 2011 at 9:52 pm

    Thanks for giving an insight into running a craft business.
    I’m a follower! Thanks for the giveaway.
    Dollie

    Reply
  50. Cathy says:
    May 29, 2011 at 10:59 pm

    Hi. I joined your mailing list. Hope to win the cartridge — have a 7 year old granddaughter that loves doing crafts with Grandma. And good luck on your business. I worked out of my home for 18 years. Gives time and stability to a family.

    Reply
  51. Heather says:
    May 29, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    Love the page, new follower!

    [email protected]

    Reply
  52. Lindsey says:
    May 30, 2011 at 3:03 am

    I follow on facebook!

    Reply
  53. Lindsey says:
    May 30, 2011 at 3:04 am

    I subscribed to the Memory Miser list.

    Reply
  54. Krista @ While He Was Napping says:
    May 30, 2011 at 4:21 am

    Follow Craft Buds

    [email protected][dot]com

    Reply
  55. Lila says:
    May 30, 2011 at 7:08 am

    I’m a new follower.

    Reply
  56. Lila says:
    May 30, 2011 at 7:09 am

    I’m subscribed to the mailing list. What a great giveaway! Thanks.

    Reply
  57. Nicole says:
    May 30, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    I am a new follower to this site. However, I have bought from Memory Miser in the past, and have had nothing but great experiences 🙂

    Reply
  58. Deb says:
    May 31, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    I subscribe to Craft Buds!

    Reply
  59. Jenelle says:
    June 1, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    I follow craft buds 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

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