We were lucky to catch up with Donna Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Donna, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
The first factor that makes profitability for my small business challenging is that the market is saturated with my products. When I first started the business, it was the opposite. When Covid came to town working from home or being unemployed sparked a fire under so many to start finding crafts they could make, master and sell. A popular app millions of people watched enabled them an opportunity to sell their products.
The second factor is that large retail chains sell these same products I make while charging 50-75% less than what I need to charge in order to make a profit..
The third factor is that to really sell your products online or in shops, you have to be a photographer, videographer, artist, interior decorator, dancer, comedian and an actor to make videos, ads and posts on many different platforms of social media.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a 61 years old wife and mother to 3, grandmother to 1. I was an elementary music teacher until I finished my school year when covid hit in 2020 and didn’t return because my 91 year old father had to move in with my husband and I so that I could take care of him. I received a “cricut” machine that cuts vinyl soon after that started. I began making glasses, cups, stickers and anything vinyl could adhere to for family and friends as gifts. With much support and many compliments later, I was nudged to start selling these items. When I started getting orders from customers and storeowners, I decided to make it an official business, createdforjoy, LLC. The name was easy for me. I felt since I was a small girl that I was created to bring others joy through laughter, singing, sharing a smile to all that crossed my path. Giving joy brought me joy. Creating joy is my ministry, my mission, and my goal.
I make products by applying vinyl, DTF’s, UV DTF’s, and sublimation to personalize and design Libbey glasses, cups, tumblers, acrylic bookmarks, hats, shirts, koozies, pens and phone cases. I also make wristlets, keychains, lanyards, and badge reels using silicone beads. I personalize other blanks for any occasion, napkins, mirrors, windows, etc.
It makes me not only proud to have my products in boutiques, restaurants, museums and are being used to help others promote their small businesses but when I hear a customer at a vendor market making positive comments on my products. Repeat customers confirm to me that what I make is quality, unique, and gift-worthy, I don’t get the weekends off, I don’t get paid vacation, I am still paying off my debt from start-up costs, I clock in early and clock out, well, I really don’t clock out until I fall asleep for the night. But, when I wake up in the morning I can’t wait to start all over again. I love what I do and want to succeed,
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I built my reputation by starting with my small town. Selling in businesses that are local had a lot of foot traffic. Because I was a teacher I am able to make products that are teacher gifts and teacher accessories, I actually sell in the school I used to teach where all of the parents, students and teachers know me. Word of mouth has helped to spread the word. I try to have a quick turn-around. My packaging is pretty and I personalize it according to what that person orders. I deliver most local orders and offer porch pick-up.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has been participating in various vendor markets weekly and monthly in different t areas of my state. Each market has a new set of clients that haven’t seen my products or are clients that bought from me previously and come back for more. The one-on-one interaction with customers is my favorite part. They remember me. I remember them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.createdforjoyshop,com
- Instagram: .http://Instagram.com/dcbjohnson
- Facebook: http://Facebook.com/createdforjoyshop
- Other: http://Pinterest.com/donnabj1963
https//www.tiktok.createdforjoyshop.com
Image Credits
The Guilded Pear and Brew House
The Dragonfly Boutique