We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hannah Faurot. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hannah below.
Hi Hannah, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I started Han Made Goods four years ago. I was a new teacher straight out of college, living in a new town, looking for a creative outlet and a way to find community for myself. From the beginning, the mission of Han Made Goods was to create a space for all women to belong. I wanted to use my page to create community amongst other women. Yes, I sold hair accessories, but it has always been about more than that.
As my business has grown, shifted, and changed, I have used my space to continue to create community. During the pandemic, I organized and hosted virtual community Bible studies and hangouts for the women that are part of my community. I have hosted community challenges for people to join virtually. These challenges encourage women to get out into their community and create and strengthen relationships.
This mission is something that is SO important to me. I know the feeling of being lonely and looking for community, and I want to help other women find and create their own sense of belonging.
Hannah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Hannah Faurot and I am the owner and creative behind Han Made Goods. I create and sell handmade accessories and custom apparel. I started sewing when I was in third grade. I was part of an organization called 4H. I chose to take sewing as one of my projects because all of the women in my family (mom, grandma, and great-grandma) also sewed. My great-aunt taught me how to sew and would help me create my 4H project every year.
Throughout my life, I have watched the women in my family continue on the legacy of sewing and creating. I wanted to take part in this legacy. After I graduated college and was teaching, I needed a creative outlet. I started Han Made Goods to be that outlet. I started by making and selling scrunchies and headbands. Over the past four years, It has morphed into much more than that!
Last year, I purchased an embroidery machine and branched out into custom apparel. I now create embroidered shirts and sweatshirts, as well as do custom embroidery for others.
My business is a continuation of the legacy of creativity in my family. When customers purchase from me, they are not only purchasing a high-quality item, they are helping me continue this legacy and getting to take part in it themselves.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
From the beginning of this business, creating a community has been the mission behind Han Made Goods. It is so important to me to foster relationships with my customers, letting them get to know me, as well as prioritizing getting to know them.
I primarily keep in touch with customers through my Instagram page. I follow lots of my repeat customers, and it is so special getting to see glimpses of their lives. I comment on their posts, respond to their stories, and send them messages when something makes me think of them. I ask for my customers opinions, show them glimpses of my life outside of my business, and prioritize these connections.
I have heard over and over that the main reason people are loyal to my brand is because of these relationships and connections, which is why it is so important for me to continue prioritizing these things.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Throughout the life of my business, I have pivoted multiple times. The biggest pivot came about six months ago. My primary product for the past four years has been hair accessories. I make handmade scrunchies and headbands, and purchase wholesale clips to sell alongside my handmade products.
In the past year, the sales of these hair accessories has decreased. I knew a pivot was coming and could feel a shift, but wasn’t quite sure what my next step would be. After talking to trusted friends and mentors, I decided to purchase an embroidery machine. This would allow me to expand my offerings and start selling custom apparel. I started with a single needle, very basic machine. It felt like a stretch to even spend the money on this small machine, but within a few months, I had already outgrown this machine!
Less than a month ago, I upgraded to a 7 needle machine that allows me to create more items at a quicker pace, and at a higher quality. This pivot really has allowed me to grow and expand my business. 
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Image Credits
Rachel Pauline Photography