The Boutique Biz

      So... I haven't written a post since Christmas. 😬  I have been busy though!   After years of being the craft fair mommy and traveling all about setting up, tearing down, packing and unpacking my wares at craft fairs, farmers markets and festivals I decided (actually "decided" may be the wrong word- the opportunity presented itself and I thought, "Heh why not?") to open a brick and mortar store front- Raspberry Hill Boutique.  I can sell my goods, provide a venue for my fellow craft fair momma friends to sell their wares, have a workshop space where we can teach fabulously fun craft classes and enjoy going to work every day!  It's my happy place!!

The adventure began with just a key.

We took possession of the building.  We cleaned, we painted, we moved in new tables and started setting up our displays. 

We had an adorable first customer! 

After having a soft opening we threw our Grand Opening party.  We put together gift bags filled with coupons, candy, and free products for the first 25 shoppers and they were gone in 3 minutes!  I absolutely loved seeing a line form out front on the sidewalk before we opened the doors.  We had put so much work into preparing for the day and it was a smashing success! 

I have an amazing group of local artisans, crafters and vendors in the boutique with me that are willing to help me out.  They have painted, cleaned, assembled tables and so much more.  I am very fortunate to have them by my side during this amazing journey.   My vendors create hand poured soy candles, natural stone jewelry, painted furniture, decor, crocheted doll cloths, and other crocheted items.  They offer custom sewing, alterations, embroidery, screen printing, vinyl and sublimation.  We have hand crafted greeting cards, hand carved and painted gourds, purses, art and so many gifts!  I love that I can help support all of these wonderful small local businesses and work together beside them to help us all succeed.   

Our next project after opening was to "spruce up" our classroom.  I ordered chairs and used folding tables for my guests to craft at for the first few months. 

 The classroom also needed painted so after a few months of classes I was able to do so.  The room was FULL of stuff and we were crunched for time due to an upcoming class so we had to climb over and under plastic draped furniture but we got it done in just 3 days!  Then I was just recently was able to upgrade to bar height workbenches and bar stools (that haven't arrived yet).  Love!  

I thoroughly enjoy teaching craft classes as well as attending them.  I hold them regularly and would love to see you there!  You can see our full schedule of classes and purchase your tickets on our website www.raspberryhillboutique.com.  You can also rent the DIY Market room to hold your own class or meeting.  Also- I do private parties!  Birthdays, custom wedding decor and gifts, baby shower decor and gifts plus more.  Plus- if you book a private party and 6 friends attend then your craft is FREE!  

Raspberry Hill Boutique has so much to offer and I enjoy it so very much!  Thank you all for your support and I hope to see you soon!!