Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heidi Tarrillion. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Heidi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

At a very young age, I observed my father work long hours building his medical supply business out of our tiny duplex that eventually grew into something pretty spectacular. My father spent a lot of time in the field…because this was in the 70’s, before the internet… securing accounts with restaurants, hotels, and corporate offices. I was only four years old, but my father’s determination and drive were prominent. I wanted to be just like him.

With this in mind, I had the desire to build a business doing what I enjoy most, creating. I enjoy making vintage handcrafted items and entertained many project ideas. I also really enjoy coordinating special events, but I needed to remain focused and knew that there would be potential to expand my business. Once our sons were out of grade-school, the time was right and I began to lay the groundwork for my homebased business. I was aware that there is a lot of talent out there, so I needed to stand out and come up with a name that you couldn’t forget, something that would make you smile.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

With our youngest in high school and our oldest in college, I launched The Ditzy Gypsy, LLC in June, 2021, with a vision to create vintage inspired one-of-a kind handcrafted woodwork, seasonal decor, bracelets, with the option to create custom orders. I also offered a service to paint and distress display boxes, shelving and picture frames.

Since my business would be home-based, I knew I needed an online presence as well as a platform to display my creations professionally. Without having a marketing budget, I set up a business page on Facebook and Instagram and invited everyone I knew. I quickly researched website options and found what worked best for my business plan. With little technological insight, Shopify provided a step-by-step user-friendly platform. I am still learning how to navigate my website, as there is much to learn, but it was up and running in no time at all. I launched my website with a limited inventory of embellished picture frames, handcrafted woodwork, Christmas ornaments and decor, as well as handstitched leather bracelets.

Shortly after I launched The Ditzy Gypsy, I was flooded with ideas and aspirations to create things that really didn’t know much about or where to start. I spent many hours watching instructional videos and asking a lot of questions as well as gathering random supplies. I have learned so much in a short amount of time and have had many highs and lows with successful projects, and some, not as successful. I soon embraced that the good and the bad are all part of the process and this is how we learn and expand. I wouldn’t change anything.

As the fall season approached, I signed up for my first vendor event. I was so proud of myself and called my husband to report about my bold move. He was proud of me and then asked, “Do you think you’ll have enough inventory?” Wow, I hadn’t thought about that and acted on a whim. I likely didn’t have enough items to cover a 6-foot table, so I knew I needed to come up with something to draw attention to my booth. I have always admired wreaths but didn’t know the first thing about making them. My first wreath was made on a small wire frame embellished with bandanas. I was surprised with the feedback and received orders! I soon began receiving custom requests for various wreath styles. I didn’t know how I was going to pull that off, so I spent a lot of time studying pictures and instructional videos. As my vendor event approached, I loaded my cart at the supply store with what I thought would work in a wreath. I didn’t have much direction on themes or anything. The day before the event, wreath forms, ribbon and mesh blanketed my living room. I had a goal to make at least five wreaths. I remember thinking, “wow, now what”? What if no one buys my wreaths or anything else at my booth?”

Each one of those wreaths had a new home and I slowly began to receive orders for more. My business soon evolved to custom wreaths for all seasons and occasions, including collegiate and high school themes. I am grateful for the confidence my customers have in me and for the opportunity to create something unique and beautiful for their home. My goal is to provide a quality item that no one else will have and to make each person feel that they have something made just for them. I hand-deliver locally to your doorstep without any extra cost. Each wreath comes with a hand-written thank you note on a handmade notecard. It is my way to say thank you for choosing me to make your wreath.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

If you are a home-based business, you rely on word of mouth, in-person events with the opportunity to network and as well as social media.

When I launched my business, I invited everyone I knew to follow and like my Facebook and Instagram business page and encouraged my friends and family to share my page as well. Unfortunately, the algorithm isn’t consistent and will fluctuate. While social media is a convenient way to build your business, you need to have a more personalized approach, and do something that will make you stand out. I have participated in a few vendor events, and each one has offered a different experience. I soon realized that it wasn’t just about selling my items that would make the event a success, it was about the impression and connections that I made. Always smile and engage with the crowd. I have expanded my customer base beyond friends and family by participating in events and also by receiving referrals from existing customers.

Most importantly, I want to make each customer feel special, so I not only carefully make each item, but I take time to carefully package each order, include a handwritten note from me, and if the customer is local, I deliver it right to your door. If it’s a wreath, I will hang it on your door if a hook is in place! I want to provide a shopping experience that is unforgettable and special.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I had to realize that while I enjoy making beautiful things, I needed to have a better understanding about the technological side, such as creating and navigating my website.

There have been many times when I wanted to give up and forget about having a website. I don’t give up easily, so I have pushed through. I am still learning as I go and understand that with time, I will get there. The technological aspect of my business is equally as important as my creations. Each item on my website provides a detailed description of materials used as well as measurements and other information. Displaying items for pictures and adding to my website takes time, but the end result is well worth the effort, and it offers a professional presentation.

No matter the format of your business, you will encounter challenges. The key is to remind yourself that the challenges are completely normal and it’s just part of the process. Embrace the happy moments as well as the moments when you feel defeated. The best lessons stem from the times where you feel discouraged.

Contact Info:

• Website: ditzygypsy.com
• Instagram: https://m.Instgram.com/craftyandcarefree/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/craftyandcarefree/