We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Erlandson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Laura thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

One of my favourite moments was this past summer, I was selling a shirt that just had “You’re*” on it. Most people understood the meaning of it, some people though had NO idea. A lovely woman and her husband came up and saw the shirt, she burst out laughing saying “I love this! I have to buy it.” Her husband looked at her, then me and said “I don’t get it.”
She looked back at him and just said “then YOU’RE the problem!” Her and I had a great laugh about it while her husband stood there still confused.
I love being able to bring humour to people’s lives through my clothing and other items I offer.

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 had been struggling to find a purpose outside of being a mom after my son was born. One day my mom messaged me saying I should get a silhouette machine and start making some funny shirts and wine glasses. So down the research rabbit hole I went!
After a few days of researching I ordered a cutting machine, some accessories and a new computer! I got right to work coming up with ideas and making things! A month later I did my first Christmas market. It was such a fun experience and taught me a lot.
5 years later and here I am, I’ve upgraded my machines, added new printers, and grown my product line.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Honestly, social media is my least favourite part of owning a small business. It is so crucial but also so much work. Some days I feel like I spend more time online posting than I do actually making items, but these are the times we live in. I try to post as much as I can, but having two small kids at home makes it hard. I finally told my self that I just have to do it when I have time and do the best I can. I kept up with that and slowly my audience has been growing! The last few months I have noticed a big change in my views and followers!
If I could give any advice then it would be to just keep at it! If you miss a day, a week or even a month, it’s not the end of the world! Just do it when you can.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

For the last 5 years I have only been selling through messages on Instagram and Facebook and it was working. Now with my kids in school more I have time to put towards my business, and I have just started a website! The website has been active for two weeks and I have almost tripled my weekly orders!

Contact Info:

• Website: trinitytrinkets.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/trinitytrinketsyyc
• Facebook: Facebook.com/trinitytrinketsyyc

Image Credits
Bretton Grassie (MAMA Shirt photo)