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Meet Sher of ShersWares.com
In Sher’s words….
Having been fortunate enough to retire early, I still needed to keep busy so I started my own business, which had always been a dream. Being a home body at heart, eCommerce was a perfect fit, so that was the beginning of Sher’s Wares; a business a name that’s flexible so if one product doesn’t work , I can try something different, without changing the business name. I tend to change things up from time to time and decided having a “plan” wouldn’t hurt.

Being attracted to anything that sparkles, making crystal jewelry was perfect for me. Specializing is children’s jewelry allows me the pleasure of working with families as they plan for births, dedications, birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions.

I’ve been in business about a year and a half now and it hasn’t been easy, but it’s been a wonderful experience. I’m finding what customers really want and am able to provide for them. This business is not just a ‘click on what you want and pay me. I speak personally to each customer and am flexible enough to meet their needs. Customer service is my first priority.

Staying motivated isn’t much of a problem, but when I get a little down, I start a new project, research ways to improve my business, join forums, maybe write an article. To keep from getting bored, having more than one project going at a time works for me; but it’s important to keep priorities straight.

The WAHM community has been invaluable. It’s very uplifting, their sites are beautiful and they have always made me feel welcome. I owe much of my success to them.

Future plans include starting another website and blog. I currently have a blog with tips on marketing your website for free. There’s so much valuable information out there we don’t need to spend a fortune to promote our online business; we just need to sift through it and glean what’s important to us. So, I do the sifting and share the information on my blogs, hoping to help others.

Sherry Wells
www.sherswares.com

Meet Katie Newman
Business: KatieNewmanGiftsandHome.com
What Inspired you to Begin what you do? I was inspired to begin my online boutique business because of my LOVE of shopping not only for myself but for that perfect gift for someone else or that one unique item for my home that made me smile everytime I looked at it. Once my own home became full of treasures I still wasn’t done so I knew I had to shop for others (rough job but somebody’s gotta do it right?) I sold on ebay for a good while and still do occasionally but I really wanted to branch out and create a site that was unique and would feature products you don’t find just anywhere. I am constantly on the hunt for new items to add. Not only do I love to shop but I love to decorate and I always got a lot of compliments on my own home and people would ask for my advice which also motivated me to start this venture. Most of all, I love my two children 5 years old and 11 years old and have loved every (ok most) minutes with them but always felt a need to do something in business as well and this allows that while still putting family number one!
How Many Years or Months have you been Online? I have been online with this shop only about 6 months but have sold on ebay for 6 years and at craft shows and home boutiques for 3 years.
What makes what your offers Unique? What makes my offers unique is that I offer different kinds of products for all decorating styles and gifts for all types of occassions and people. I thought of specializing in only one type of product but I love so many different types of treasures and people and everyone has their own style so I wanted to offer a large selection and affordable prices geared towards the stay at home mom. I also offer lots of percentage discounts as well. As a matter of fact if you are reading this you can have a 25% discount on any purchase in my shop by entering code 1313 at checkout.
How do you stay Motivated? I stay motivated because I love it! It is an escape into my own little world and that of my web friends that I have made. It actually relaxes me to work on my site and I get so excited when someone buys something!
What Projects/Plans would you like to Accomplish over the next Two Years? As for projects and plans I would like to accomplish over the next few years; I would like for my site to become one that customers return to again and again because they like my personal customer service and my products. I would like to expand it to include many more products and would like to be seen in national decorating magazines.