How could you not love Etsy? So many fabulous, creative, handmade items in one place. Like a craft fair without the lines and bad parking.
I ordered a garden flag last winter and immediately looked up the artist on Facebook once the product arrived. I wanted to give her a big, online "like" and a thank you for the prompt delivery. I was pleased as punch to learn from her profile that my super cute new flag was also born of the imagination and creativity of a military spouse.
Jennifer Gonzales has been a Marine Corps wife for eight years. She and her husband, who has served for 14 years, were high school sweethearts.
Jennifer said she had a lifelong love of sewing and wanted to try out embroidery. So, on her fifth wedding anniversary when her husband was out in the field, she found a great deal on an embroidery machine and couldn't pass it up. And like a lot of us, her husband bought her the perfect gift, even if he didn't know it right away. Wink, wink!
The machine would soon prove to pay for itself. Jennifer got right to work embroidering "everything she could." Soon, she was selling keychains attached to a pocket that could hold a license, debit card and other small cards.
Jen's Sew Cute Creations was born.
We spent a few minutes with Jennifer getting to know her and her business. Here is what she has to say about being a small business owner and a military spouse:
What additional businesses challenges do you face because of the requirements that come with military life?
"Scheduling is hard for me sometimes because I like to work when the kids are in bed or if my husband takes them to do something. Sometimes he has to work late, has duty or is in the field and it may be a last minute schedule change for him so I have to figure out how to adjust."
What is the best thing about being a military spouse business owner?
"I think the networking with other spouses is great! Being a military spouse you seem to have an unspoken bond with other military spouses and we all like to help each other out by buying from each other and spreading the word about businesses we have used."
What is the number one piece of advice you would give to military spouses who are considering opening their own small business?
"If you like to do something, then just go for it! Start off small and advertise, advertise, advertise! Don't be discouraged if you're not selling right away, but also know your limits and when to stop taking orders so you're not overwhelmed with this new adventure!"
Find Jen's Sew Cute Creations on Etsy at:
or on Facebook at:
https://m.facebook.com/pages/Pocket-Keychains-and-more/127080724104814
