Stop the wobble...

You may have seen recently that we have been asking for blog contributions, and my good friend and creative woman Sarah J Perry has sent me this one. It's a bit flattering and in no way was she told to say any of this!! Sarah has done an incredible job over the last couple of years, her outstanding talent accompanied with her inventive vision is such a perfect combination. So it is with a bit of cringing that I am publishing it, but thank you so much Sarah, you're wonderful!

Image credit: Sarah Perry     Jelly Mould: Vinegar & Brown Paper

"Helen Bottrill is a walking, talking Jelling Agent.

The Creative Women monthly meetings run by Helen of The Creative Business Network is the jelling agent that takes a plan on to being a fully fledged, successful business.

Through the meetings, I've had access to professional speakers in subjects as diverse as marketing, presenting your product for sale, photography, display etc etc.

Apart from the speaker each time, the contacts that I have made with the amazing ladies that go to the get togethers is invaluable. Networking means that I meet people with the same concerns as mine and others that have overcome them. 

I need an insurance company!  One shout out on the groups Facebook page and I get all the advice I need, likewise with packing, overseas trade, difficult customers. Someone, somewhere will have been there and will be very happy to share their experiences.

There is one thing that you can be sure of is a warm welcome, a cup of tea or coffee and cake. 

I struggled with social media, basically I was scared of it. The fact that Helen has accrued a massive amount of knowledge and has carried out very in-depth research into reaching the right audience was a god send. In just a few sessions she can point you in the right direction, get you set up and give ongoing support.

So, with all my new found knowledge I applied to The Contemporary Craft Festival at Bovey Tracey and much to my amazement was accepted. And so the day dawned, the car was packed and the display material assembled.

It wasn't until I was about to get my pictures out to put on the wall that I had a wobble! When I say wobble, I flatly refused to get my work out of the box. 

When John (nearest and dearest) managed to talk me round, I tentatively started to display my work. From that  moment on I didn't stop talking to people and selling my work. 

If you have a seed of an idea but don't know what to do or how to do it, come along, drink tea, talk to us all and let Helen take you under her wing."