I want to bag sales across the country
Dear Biz
I trained as a fashion designer and worked in the textiles industry for years. But it became all money focused with not enough art and so I left.
I then had various businesses, including designing and selling silk underwear, and got married and spent a bit of time bringing up my children.
I’m now based in Newcastle and have gone back to my textile designing roots. My business is called The French House and I make bespoke bags, purses and other items from locally sourced pure wool, lined with up-cycled vintage Kantha quilts from India.
I also sell scarves, jewellery and soaps that complement my collection. I sell at three places – No 42 in Bishop Auckland alongside other local artists, Westgate Arts in Newcastle, and Tynemouth Station market at the weekends. I’m on Facebook where I promote my work.
I’d really like to find some other outlets in different parts of the country to help spread the word and reach more customers. Diana French, by email
Biz replies
There are lots of tourist attractions in the North East where they have shops selling work created by local artists. Start with some of them and branch out a bit further locally first. Do a bit of research and find out what type of items they already stock so you can see if your work will be a good fit.
Find out who the buyers are and make an appointment to go and see them with some of your pieces.
Locals like to support local businesses, while visitors like to buy something made locally as a memento to remind them of their trip. And if your items are stocked alongside other handmade goods you won’t be competing against mass-produced products, which will probably be cheaper.
We suggest that once you’ve cracked a wider market in the local area then you can look for opportunities in gift shops and arts and craft galleries further afield.