I “met” Jeannie so so speak at a Facebook party. Let me explain what a Facebook party is. A Facebook party is a virtual meet and greet for business owners and entrepreneurs. It is virtual networking event. Anyone with a Facebook Fan page can host a party, I’ve never done one but it seems pretty simple enough. Most Facebook parties I’ve been to have been on a Friday. They are easy to find, just do a Google search for “Facebook party”.

Now back to Jeannie, so I met her at a Facebook party, checked out her fan page and was amazed! Jeannie creates baby shower gifts, yes CREATES.

I felt that her creations we unique and AWESOME! So I decided to email her and ask her for an interview. I was thrilled that she agreed to it and I am beyond honored to have her visit Plain Talk. Enjoy!

Meet Jeannie.

My name is Jean, most just call me Jeannie, and I am a stay-at-home mother of 5. Two of my children are grown and on their own and the three remaining keep things pretty busy with school activities and friends. I have a menagerie of pets, two dogs, 2 cockatiels, fish, and a rabbit that is so friendly we have to keep the cage door open or he gets very upset. lol

I love to craft and have been doing it as a hobby since I was very young. My mother was a crafter and this is being passed on to my youngest as she has a love of crafting as well and helps me out often.

 How did you get started with your business?

I got started when I found out that NINE of my friends and family were having babies last year. With so many showers to go to I just didn’t know what to give. I found some cute diaper cakes and looked around on Pinterest for ideas… I didn’t want to give just a package of diapers or just an outfit. So I combined what I had seen and my crafty ambition to make super cute gifts. Everyone loved them and since there really aren’t many local places to get this type of gift I started my business.

How long have you been creating baby shower gifts? 

I have been making them for almost 2 years now. I have made gifts for many years but not quite like these.

Why did you choose to focus on baby items?

I love babies and there is a need for this in my area. Affordable practical gifts that people can be proud to give and don’t clean out their wallets doing so.

What was the most difficult obstacle you had to overcome in your business and how did you overcome it?

I would have to say the most difficult obstacle is getting my name out there and having people know that I have gifts available. Many, many times I am at a craft fair and people will say… “Oh, I wish I had seen these sooner, I just went to a shower. I wish I had known about you before.”

I am working on this by putting up flyers, handing out cards, and using Facebook and Twitter to spread the word.

How do you stay positive?

My husband is my support element. On days I am down and feel like “what is the point” he gives me a pep talk and lets me know that other businesses start out small but with perseverance they became big.

What is a typical day like for you?

I start the day with posting items or pictures on internet, make a list of items I would like to make, check for materials and then make what I can with what I have on hand. Of course this is all after dogs, birds, fish are fed and children are gone to school. Weekends are my own, I usually shop for materials I will need for upcoming projects.

How long does it typically take you to make one item?

Diaper items take between 15 minutes (babies) to an hour (4 wheeler) as long as the diapers are agreeable. lol

The sewn items take a bit longer as there is pressing, cutting, and pinning as well as turning and more pressing. This can take all day if there are many that I am doing.

As a momtrepreneur what do you wish you had more of?

More structured time, it is easy to have that extra cup of tea and say… I will get to that in a minute.

What advice would you give to readers who want to start a business but may be putting it off out of fear?

Try working in the retail field first. Be a cashier. If you can handle people that way then running a business will be easier. There is A LOT of face to face with potential customers. If you are comfortable with speaking to strangers it is better. You also meet some not so friendly people as well.

Bonus question: What is the hardest part of running your business?

Going to shows and hear “I can make that”, “I can get that cheaper”, and the worst is making no sales at all even after you put your heart into each item.

About the products:

 

 

 

The four wheeler– Comes with 56 size 1 diapers, 2 receiving blankets, dishwasher basket, bottle, pair of baby socks, bib or bib and burpcloth set, and stuffed toy. Colors vary and custom orders are welcomed. Prices start at $55.

 

 

 

 

 

Cuddlewrap – this is a great way to reduce the bulk in the car seat. It sits in car seat and you place baby in the leg area, cover their belly, buckle them in and if they fall asleep or it is cold you just fold over the sides like a blanket.  Prices start at $10 and go up $5 per size. Licensed patterns start at $15. Available in 0-3m, 3-6m, and 6+m. This is a pattern I purchased.

I LOVE her stuff and maybe you will too, here’s how you can contact her:

Website: www.jeanniebeans.com and my pages have contact forms for custom orders or any questions.

My email is je**********@zo**.com.

Please like me on Facebook www.fb.com/jeanniebeanbabyshowergifts and follow me on twitter @JeannieBean14

Thanks again.

Great to have you on Jeannie! Let’s spread the word about Jeannie and her creations!

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