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For the past few months, I have been using a service called Wholesale in a Boxto boost my wholesale business. Etan and Emily, founders of Wholesale in a Box, reached out to me to ask if I would be interested in using their services. After a grueling call (where I asked Etan very tough questions about how this service really could help me), I decided to try it out (after all, they provide a refund if you aren't satisfied). 

The way it works is this: you set up a profile telling them what kind of stores you'd like to be in, stylistically and geographically. They send you 20 stores every month that you can review to see if you like them and want to reach out to their owners. They set up a calendar for you so that every day you have a small goal to achieve be it reaching out to new stores, catching up with old ones, or following up with potential new buyers. 

I think one of assets of Wholesale in a Box is that it has kept me on top of my wholesale accounts and helped me to grow that side of the business. Before, I would reach out to stores when I found one I liked on Instagram, or when I felt I had time. This service forces me to make the time (even just 20 minutes a day). 

The one thing I have been grappling with (which is a good problem to have) is how to expand my business and hire on another member of the team. It seems like a lot of small businesses have this problem of having temporary or seasonal work, not knowing when to let go (or how to!), and what to focus on as a sole member of a business. I am hoping by the end of the year I will have sorted this all out so that I can take on more wholesale accounts, shorten my turn-around time, and potentially hire someone on to help me either in the studio or on the business side of things. 

There are so many things I love about Renegade Craft Fair:

1. The amazing, attentive, and supportive staff that puts on Renegade throughout the country,
2. The customers who come to meet the makers, ask questions, and purchase one of a kind items for themselves or for gifts, and
3. The incredibly talented group of makers that continuously show up and create a welcoming environment for new artists and a community for veteran Renegade artists.

I started my business in 2014 and did my very first Renege Craft Fair for Holiday 2014. It was an incredible experience, and I met so many people who have helped me along the way. This last weekend, I passed my knowledge on to newer small businesses and was surprised at how much Renegade has become a community for me. 

There are so many incredibly talented people at these shows, and I wanted to highlight a few of my favorites for the spring 2016 show. In order from left to right, top to bottom:

1. Elektra Steel // Hand Welded Objects // Bay Area
2. Beast & Babe // Handmade Dog Leashes // Los Angeles
3. Make It Good // Women's Apparel // Portland
4. Leah Staley // Jewelry // Bay Area
5. Ginger Caftan // Women's Apparel // Bay Area
6. Allie Kushnir // Oil Portraits & Abstract Watercolors // Chicago
7. Osei Duro // Women's Apparel // Los Angeles & Accra
8. Salt & Pipper // Mixed Media & Pottery // Modesto
9. 3rd Season Designs // Women's Apparel & Home Goods // Los Angeles

Renegade will be back in the summer, and I unfortunately will not be participating. However, I will hopefully participate in the Holiday 2016 show and see all my new and old friends there.