Part 3. Entrepreneurship

It was February last year, about this time when I spent a good part of my day with a bunch of ladies in Marion ND. You can read about it here. Entrepreneurship was the topic. As I still have not officially become one of these, I am excited to say that I do have a market for my 'green' recycled feed bags that are made into totes. They come in Large, medium and small.

Besides selling them to many friends, I have 3 stores in the F/M area that are selling them, a hardware store, a green boutique, and a health food store. And what I love is that I haven't even had to go out and market them, I use my bags for everyday shopping and then I get inquired about them. It's pretty exciting even though some days these bags are not the most exciting sewing projects that's on the table! But I keep sewing and keep drumming up ideas of how to make them a little bit different. Currently I have changed the handles and we are going to see how they sell.

So, Yea! Part three of my now going on year two of this exciting adventure.

Now, it's back to sewing!

Part 2: Entrepreneurship

The 'Rest of the story'...

Jim gave me the idea of making a large reusable shopping bag out of our chicken feed bags. Which I did and started to use and low and behold, this bag became a hit. Which leads me to this story of how I got to sewing more bags then I actually have on hand. I ran into the right couple at church who also has chickens and thought, 'this bag was pretty cool'. They also happen to own a general store & I gave them the idea of selling them. They agreed and now I'm sewing up a storm. Plus I get outside orders and I'm running out of feed bags. Yikes! Besides my friend T who's stable she boards at, throws away many feed bags a month, & friend E who is the store owner, I am searching for hobby farm owners who might have a feed bag with a great picture to give away as well or a very pretty sunflower bag from Fleet Farm also makes a huge hit with the bird lover as well. And lucky me, most of my hobby farm findings are 'from where I come from', meaning I get to travel back home to get them. But still, people who have ordered are getting what they want & I make a little extra cash. And my back order list gets a little smaller. Never in my life have I had a 'back order list' to complete. It is rather cool on my end of the deal! Waa-Hoo!!

My thoughts (and the help of some friends) of why all the rage of these bags, in no particular order are:

1) They are a plastic woven material, similar to the blue/brown tarps one uses to cover split wood, a trailer, or a boat. The material is quite sturdy.

2) They are totally 100% recycled from a feed bag. The body, handles & pocket all cut from the bag, the thread is the only outside source.

3) They have a great picture to show off.

4) They hold a lot of stuff; groceries, toys, weekend bag, a wet bag for the beach, or the personal everything bag (in my case).

5) A plus (in my mind), they are pretty dang original!!! Which is my specialty. I love having the 'one and only' even though, my chicken bag will be out in the hands of another lady or gent soon since there is one on the store shelf.

So, that's the story and I'm lovin' it.

PS. I even posted my bag idea on a craftsters challenge of making a 'reusable, recycled shopping bag'. Labeled, "Cheep, Cheep, Cheep Bag." Not sure I'll win, but people are commenting and like the idea, some are going to start using their own feed bags. Now isn't that spreading the love of being environmental friendly.

Part 1: Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the act of being an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur: a term applied to the type of personality who is willing to take upon herself or himself a new venture or enterprise and accepts full responsibility for the outcome.

(Definitions from Wikipedia)

I recently went to a small women's day event, featuring Entrepreneurship out in central ND with my two SIL & my MIL. My SIL lives in this small community and invited us. It was a great day, with good speakers & area women with their small business, they offered their products & some shared how they got started. The state of ND has what is called a 'Horizons Community' grant. It's for communities through out ND who apply through the Extension Service, get money and put on a program that will help or encourage to strengthen their communities. When I was invited, I was all for this since SIL and I talk some about plans of starting up some small business and I think there is a lot to do to become an entrepreneur. By no means will I most likely become one. I watch my aunt T do this and that's all I need.

The first presenter spoke on starting your own small business and all the extra components that go along. She gave out a lot of information along with web sources that I've looked over as it's all very interesting. Even though right now, I will not be starting my own small business, it helps me to think about the bigger picture.

For instance, I was shocked as I looked into selling my eggs and veggies at the farmers market in WF this upcoming summer. The fee is $135.00 for 4 months and I need my own liability insurance, I'm thinking 'crazy and boot that idea out the back door'. But it was an eye opener since I thought it was a bit more simpler then this. My new plan, wear a head band that says 'Fresh Eggs, $2.00' at church and that's all I'll need. What do you think? Will it pass for a good act of entrepreneurship?

The second presenter was a small business owner who started her own 'Home Organizing business' and she now supports her family & also owns a small coffee shop. It's exciting to hear about people who are successful, because I know and seen many from my small town who have started and closed since it was not a 'hit' and they would be better off doing something else.

So, I am not venturing into becoming an entrepreneur by any means on a large scale but I could say on a very small scale it is happening. By using my sewing skills & the product being 100% recycled! Yea for doing something I love, saving the environment, and making a little bit of cash on the side.

Stay tuned for the "rest of the story".