1 00:00:04,470 --> 00:00:05,010 Hi there. 2 00:00:05,310 --> 00:00:06,060 It's Sue. 3 00:00:06,120 --> 00:00:08,670 And thanks for joining me for tips and talk day. 4 00:00:09,330 --> 00:00:13,290 These are bite-sized topics that I pull from community questions and 5 00:00:13,290 --> 00:00:16,800 things that I'm observing in the world of handmade small business. 6 00:00:17,310 --> 00:00:18,900 If you'd like to submit a topic, 7 00:00:19,230 --> 00:00:22,110 DME over on Instagram at gift biz, 8 00:00:22,110 --> 00:00:27,960 unwrapped January is a big deal here at gift biz unwrapped, 9 00:00:28,350 --> 00:00:31,080 because this is the month of national bakers, 10 00:00:31,080 --> 00:00:32,520 crafters makers day. 11 00:00:33,540 --> 00:00:38,100 I created this nationally recognized day last year to uplift and 12 00:00:38,100 --> 00:00:43,440 highlight handmade creators worldwide last week on tips and talk, 13 00:00:43,890 --> 00:00:47,160 I talked about the development of this year's theme and the 14 00:00:47,160 --> 00:00:51,030 steps I took with the committee and a professional designer for 15 00:00:51,030 --> 00:00:52,230 our logo development. 16 00:00:52,830 --> 00:00:56,250 Today. I want to take a step back and explain why 17 00:00:56,250 --> 00:01:00,210 I created the day in the first place and its significance 18 00:01:01,200 --> 00:01:02,910 for more than 15 years now, 19 00:01:03,060 --> 00:01:06,120 I've been involved in the world of handmade products on the 20 00:01:06,120 --> 00:01:06,960 business side. 21 00:01:07,710 --> 00:01:08,970 But even before that, 22 00:01:09,180 --> 00:01:13,530 I've always been involved in handmaid as a hobby from sewing 23 00:01:13,530 --> 00:01:15,150 my own clothes as a little girl, 24 00:01:15,690 --> 00:01:20,040 even clothes for my Barbies to knitting and embroidering with my 25 00:01:20,040 --> 00:01:23,160 mom and then even quilting in my thirties. 26 00:01:24,030 --> 00:01:25,800 Then, as you may know, 27 00:01:26,250 --> 00:01:27,510 after I left corporate, 28 00:01:27,570 --> 00:01:29,640 I started a gift basket business, 29 00:01:29,820 --> 00:01:32,220 which led to the ribbon print company. 30 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:37,710 And now also gift biz unwrapped at each and every juncture 31 00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:42,240 I've experienced the art of making and observed others within the 32 00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:43,620 handmaid industry too. 33 00:01:44,430 --> 00:01:47,460 Here's what I've seen as a hobby. 34 00:01:48,000 --> 00:01:52,410 Creating handmade items has a meditative and therapeutic overlay. 35 00:01:53,160 --> 00:01:53,670 I know, 36 00:01:53,670 --> 00:01:57,120 you know what I mean when you're involved in creation and 37 00:01:57,120 --> 00:01:59,190 can just let your mind flow. 38 00:01:59,640 --> 00:02:02,730 These are point in creation time that you can let go 39 00:02:02,820 --> 00:02:06,480 and reflect or daydream even while keeping on task with your 40 00:02:06,480 --> 00:02:11,070 project. There's also pride attached to learning a new skill that 41 00:02:11,070 --> 00:02:15,540 brings your painting glass bead making or leather in Boston to 42 00:02:15,540 --> 00:02:16,620 a whole new level. 43 00:02:17,460 --> 00:02:20,070 Not to mention the compliment you get from your friends. 44 00:02:20,070 --> 00:02:22,200 When you share one of your creations, 45 00:02:22,860 --> 00:02:24,450 it's soul enriching. 46 00:02:24,810 --> 00:02:27,570 And this is one of the things I love the most 47 00:02:27,630 --> 00:02:28,710 about handmade. 48 00:02:29,850 --> 00:02:32,880 And we can also add in here the social element, 49 00:02:33,540 --> 00:02:36,630 maybe you have regularly scheduled time set aside. 50 00:02:36,720 --> 00:02:40,320 So you can gather together with your quilting friends and work 51 00:02:40,320 --> 00:02:42,150 on your individual projects, 52 00:02:42,690 --> 00:02:46,620 or you take a pottery or ceramic class just for fun. 53 00:02:47,310 --> 00:02:50,400 It's a great way to make new friends and add so 54 00:02:50,400 --> 00:02:52,140 much to the quality of your life. 55 00:02:52,140 --> 00:02:56,130 Overall being in the presence of others and sharing a common 56 00:02:56,130 --> 00:03:02,920 experience is uplifting after class coffee dates and even lasting friendships 57 00:03:02,920 --> 00:03:04,900 can form from these activities. 58 00:03:05,650 --> 00:03:10,240 And then a portion of handmade creators decide to monetize their 59 00:03:10,240 --> 00:03:14,830 craft by starting a small business for supplemental income or to 60 00:03:14,830 --> 00:03:16,330 replace a nine to five job. 61 00:03:17,170 --> 00:03:19,990 One of the reasons I chose January as the month for 62 00:03:19,990 --> 00:03:24,670 our national day is because it's this group of handmade creators 63 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:26,740 who are the ones right now, 64 00:03:26,770 --> 00:03:29,020 recovering from the holiday rush. 65 00:03:29,710 --> 00:03:32,770 I've been through this myself at basket time and witness it 66 00:03:32,770 --> 00:03:34,780 every year from within our community. 67 00:03:34,840 --> 00:03:36,670 And also with my coaching clients, 68 00:03:37,210 --> 00:03:42,130 the personal sacrifice made by handmade small business owners to get 69 00:03:42,130 --> 00:03:43,420 sales, first of all, 70 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:46,780 and then make and ship out orders in time for gift 71 00:03:46,780 --> 00:03:49,990 giving the sacrifice is significant. 72 00:03:50,800 --> 00:03:53,920 I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I know 73 00:03:53,920 --> 00:03:57,970 people who put up their Christmas trees right after Halloween, 74 00:03:58,180 --> 00:04:00,970 or it's not going to happen and they don't wrap their 75 00:04:00,970 --> 00:04:04,750 gifts either because they simply run out of time some years, 76 00:04:05,290 --> 00:04:06,610 maybe this is even you. 77 00:04:07,390 --> 00:04:10,930 National bakers crafters maker's day is to thank you for your 78 00:04:10,930 --> 00:04:14,800 efforts and support you during this time of rejuvenation. 79 00:04:15,790 --> 00:04:19,990 These are the valuable things that handmade brings to us today. 80 00:04:20,890 --> 00:04:25,330 Now let's think back even a little further handmade was a 81 00:04:25,330 --> 00:04:26,860 necessity. When we, 82 00:04:26,950 --> 00:04:29,620 as a human race started to socialize. 83 00:04:30,430 --> 00:04:32,950 Let's not go back as far as cave men, 84 00:04:33,370 --> 00:04:36,070 but what about when our ancestors colonized, 85 00:04:36,610 --> 00:04:40,540 they depended on each other's skills and specialties for survival. 86 00:04:41,110 --> 00:04:43,090 New settlements had a blacksmith, 87 00:04:43,330 --> 00:04:46,420 woodworker and cobbler for the necessities. 88 00:04:47,200 --> 00:04:48,610 There was also a baker, 89 00:04:48,970 --> 00:04:50,560 a milliner Hatter, 90 00:04:50,950 --> 00:04:52,390 even a toy maker, 91 00:04:52,990 --> 00:04:56,890 and all these products upgraded the quality of their lives. 92 00:04:57,610 --> 00:05:00,760 This act of dependence on each other's specialties, 93 00:05:01,150 --> 00:05:04,360 evolved into the small business structures that we have today. 94 00:05:04,870 --> 00:05:06,940 Kind of incredible to think about that. 95 00:05:07,000 --> 00:05:07,510 Isn't it. 96 00:05:08,470 --> 00:05:12,400 And you as a handmade product maker are part of all 97 00:05:12,400 --> 00:05:13,030 of this. 98 00:05:13,780 --> 00:05:18,910 That is why I created national bakers crafters maker's day to 99 00:05:18,910 --> 00:05:22,570 celebrate the history of making and to highlight you, 100 00:05:23,980 --> 00:05:26,860 making handmade products comes from the soul. 101 00:05:27,430 --> 00:05:29,980 It's an investment of time and energy. 102 00:05:30,640 --> 00:05:33,670 The results of what you make are one of a kind 103 00:05:33,820 --> 00:05:38,440 and enrich our lives by surrounding us with beauty and individuality, 104 00:05:39,040 --> 00:05:43,450 they provide happiness for both the creator that you and your 105 00:05:43,450 --> 00:05:44,620 products, recipient. 106 00:05:45,340 --> 00:05:49,210 Happiness is something our world needs and continually seeks, 107 00:05:49,420 --> 00:05:51,400 which is what led to our theme this year, 108 00:05:51,760 --> 00:05:54,190 handmade heals the world. 109 00:05:55,300 --> 00:05:57,830 So what do I have in store for this month? 110 00:05:58,340 --> 00:06:00,140 Well, it's already begun, 111 00:06:00,320 --> 00:06:02,630 but if this is the first time you're hearing about it, 112 00:06:02,900 --> 00:06:04,910 you are not late to the game. 113 00:06:05,390 --> 00:06:10,160 National bakers crafters maker's day is formally recognized in the national 114 00:06:10,160 --> 00:06:14,750 archives as being celebrated on January 21st. 115 00:06:14,750 --> 00:06:18,350 But we're doing some fun things right now to see the 116 00:06:18,350 --> 00:06:22,730 full rundown head over to handmade heals the world.com 117 00:06:23,480 --> 00:06:25,430 the link in case you don't catch it here, 118 00:06:25,460 --> 00:06:26,900 we'll be in the show notes too. 119 00:06:26,900 --> 00:06:27,680 Of course, 120 00:06:28,220 --> 00:06:32,570 I will be talking specifically about what's happening on January 21st 121 00:06:32,570 --> 00:06:35,150 in the next tips and talk episode. 122 00:06:35,150 --> 00:06:36,380 But right now, 123 00:06:36,380 --> 00:06:40,550 here are a few things you can do first off, 124 00:06:40,550 --> 00:06:42,440 download my free gift to you. 125 00:06:42,440 --> 00:06:45,770 It's an affirmation poster that you can print and have displayed 126 00:06:45,770 --> 00:06:47,030 where you can see it every day, 127 00:06:47,750 --> 00:06:51,170 or add it as a background to your phone for daily 128 00:06:51,170 --> 00:06:53,360 reminders of how special you are. 129 00:06:53,840 --> 00:06:56,960 You can also share a handmade memory with us and read 130 00:06:56,960 --> 00:06:58,490 about memories from others. 131 00:06:58,880 --> 00:07:02,570 It's a total feel good experience as you go through other's 132 00:07:02,570 --> 00:07:05,930 memories and reflect on the special moments that they conjure up 133 00:07:05,930 --> 00:07:06,590 for you, 134 00:07:07,160 --> 00:07:09,440 that you can see also at the same link, 135 00:07:09,680 --> 00:07:12,170 handmade, heals the world.com. 136 00:07:12,590 --> 00:07:15,530 You can view other's memories and you can submit your own 137 00:07:15,560 --> 00:07:16,280 right there. 138 00:07:17,240 --> 00:07:21,800 There's also a section for adding your special giving activities that 139 00:07:21,800 --> 00:07:23,990 have been prompted by handmade products, 140 00:07:24,140 --> 00:07:25,880 whether you have a business or not. 141 00:07:26,360 --> 00:07:27,620 Now, that may not make sense. 142 00:07:27,620 --> 00:07:30,830 So let me explain a little bit better in the last 143 00:07:30,830 --> 00:07:31,670 six months, 144 00:07:31,730 --> 00:07:35,150 have you donated things that you've made to a local shelter 145 00:07:35,780 --> 00:07:38,930 or do you raise money for a certain cause that's dear 146 00:07:38,930 --> 00:07:39,740 to your heart, 147 00:07:40,340 --> 00:07:42,620 maybe you ran a workshop as a fundraiser, 148 00:07:42,860 --> 00:07:47,030 or you've designated a certain products proceeds to go to a 149 00:07:47,030 --> 00:07:52,700 specific cause let's share that activity with people that gets more 150 00:07:52,700 --> 00:07:55,220 attention to your cause or charity too, 151 00:07:56,030 --> 00:07:59,090 again, over@handmadehealstheworld.com. 152 00:07:59,180 --> 00:08:01,700 You'll see right under 0.2, 153 00:08:01,940 --> 00:08:04,340 how you can submit your information here. 154 00:08:04,850 --> 00:08:06,980 We call it dollars donated. 155 00:08:06,980 --> 00:08:11,180 If there's a financial overlay or gifts of kindness. 156 00:08:11,210 --> 00:08:14,210 If you've done some type of a charity project and brought 157 00:08:14,210 --> 00:08:15,740 it to an orphanage, 158 00:08:15,950 --> 00:08:18,890 a senior center or another local charity, 159 00:08:19,640 --> 00:08:22,910 it just takes a couple of seconds to submit your information. 160 00:08:23,120 --> 00:08:23,810 And again, 161 00:08:23,990 --> 00:08:27,050 we want to publicize the good that you put out into 162 00:08:27,050 --> 00:08:27,680 the world. 163 00:08:28,520 --> 00:08:30,620 As someone with a passion for handmade. 164 00:08:31,040 --> 00:08:34,190 I want you to stand proud behind your creations, 165 00:08:34,700 --> 00:08:37,220 whether for a hobby or as a business, 166 00:08:37,460 --> 00:08:42,260 what you bring to our lives is so incredibly special and 167 00:08:42,260 --> 00:08:43,760 it's worth celebrating. 168 00:08:45,770 --> 00:08:46,670 That's a wrap. 169 00:08:47,060 --> 00:08:48,920 I'm a get to the point kind of girl. 170 00:08:49,070 --> 00:08:51,830 And this is what you can expect from these quick midweek 171 00:08:51,830 --> 00:08:56,910 sessions. Now it's your turn go out and fulfill that dream 172 00:08:56,910 --> 00:08:57,690 of yours. 173 00:08:57,990 --> 00:09:00,150 Share your handmade products with us. 174 00:09:00,420 --> 00:09:01,350 We want them, 175 00:09:01,530 --> 00:09:04,440 and they bring us both so much happiness.