Get your pens and notebooks out, because this episode is packed full of great small business advice. No matter what industry you are in, Covid-19 has affected us all and changed the normal way in which we operate. This is especially true for the maker and artist community AND the craft beer industry. In order to keep running, business owners need to use creative tactics, support and learn from each other, and give back to their communities.

Lydia of Craft Candles has been doing all of these things. When customers could not get in front of her products at handmade markets and brewery taprooms, she needed to think creatively. Lydia connected with brewery owners and learned how they were successfully dealing with these big state-wide and national changes. Through it all she continued to be a part of large donations and support efforts for local front line workers and those in need. Most importantly, Lydia "changed [her] losses into lessons", which is something she uses as a teacher with her students and (obviously) herself.

You can see Lydia's awesome candles on Instagram and Facebook. Pick your favorite fragrance (and BEER CAN) and purchase your own at https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftCANdlesShop.

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Feel the energy of Willow Moon Candles in this week's episode of Business: Handmade. We talk to April about being reiki certified and how she adds energy and healing into her soy candles. The art of candle making gives April peace and calm, just as it does for her customers who enjoy them. She also clues us in to her support system and how working with co-ops and small retail stores helps boost her brand and expand her clientele.

Please visit Willow Moon Candles online at https://www.willowmooncandle.com/ and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast app.

Email your stories, ideas, thoughts, or anything you want to [email protected] and we will find a way to include it on the podcast. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us!

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Have you submitted your 2019 small business taxes yet? The deadline has been extended to July 15th. You could apply for an additional three-month extension for your taxes to be due by October 15th. It may be beneficial to look into federal relief, such as The Cares Act. This was signed to address coronavirus-induced economic fallout, which many small businesses have been impacted with in 2020. We think it is wise to consult with the tax professional, especially this year, to ensure your taxes are completed correctly and you have taken advantage of financial assistance that is available to you.

Article: https://www.barrons.com/articles/4-steps-small-businesses-can-take-to-lower-their-2020-tax-bill-51592910002

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If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast app.

Email your stories, ideas, thoughts, or anything you want to [email protected] and we will find a way to include it on the podcast. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us!

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It was a dark and stormy night... and on this particular night we talked to Lisa Brown of It's Pouring. She started her business in 2018 and is based around Philadelphia, PA. Handmade markets are a big part of Lisa's growth strategy, as she makes connections with local fluid art-lovers. She tells us about the ways she gets her small business name out there online and at shows. She also dedicates time each day to business planning, because she knows her full-time job and other commitments take time and energy.

You can watch Lisa's amazing timelapse videos and see her incredible art at https://www.itspouringart.com/ and on Facebook and Instagram.

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If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast app.

Email your stories, ideas, thoughts, or anything you want to [email protected] and we will find a way to include it on the podcast. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us!

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We are super excited to share this new podcast with you that features Kristen of Lovey Dovey Designs! Kristen is a professional makeup artist turned textile artist. She creates painted jackets, shoes, and other accessories. We chat about turning her passion into her business, how she planned for her business, and the things she's learned along the way. We also talk about many of the exciting things that are coming soon!

You can find Lovey Dovey Designs at https://www.loveydoveydesigns.com/ and on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Lovey Dovey Designs is one of the many incredible makers listed on the new ShopOurMakers.com directory. Find your next handmade gift today!

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If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast app.

Email your stories, ideas, thoughts, or anything you want to [email protected] and we will find a way to include it on the podcast. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us!

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It's the long awaited episode with Scott Hartrick of AlumaFlowers! Scott is the mastermind behind your new favorite aluminum flowers, all crafted and powder coated by hand. Shoppers can choose from an endless number of styles and colors - but how did AlumaFlowers scale to be the large operation that it is today? Targeted digital ads and online marketing has set this small business apart and has allowed amazing growth and business opportunities to follow.

Please shop by visiting https://www.alumaflowers.com/ and say hi to Tracy, the new social media manager on Facebook and Instagram.

Scott recommends that you check out Logical Position and their digital marketing service. They offer a risk-free online marketing consultation.

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If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast app.

Email your stories, ideas, thoughts, or anything you want to [email protected] and we will find a way to include it on the podcast. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us!

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Thank you for listening to Episode 23! Whether you are writing a newsletter, blog, or social media post, you should try and identify the persona of your ideal customer, understand the goal of your message, and create a clear call to action. We also chat about tips for targeting your marketing message, re-targeting customers, and getting to know your voice.

If you are looking for a community of small business makers to bounce ideas around, ask questions, and collaborate with, please join our Facebook Group: New Jersey Arts, Crafts, & Vintage Connection

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If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast app.

Email your stories, ideas, thoughts, or anything you want to [email protected] and we will find a way to include it on the podcast. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us!

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Everyone's favorite all-natural marrow bone dog treat maker is on the podcast this week! Howard talks to us about how he makes every market day reach it's maximum potential. From being prepared, to displaying products, to engaging customers and everything in between, you're bound to learn a thing or two. If you're making the commitment to sell at an in-person event, you better put your best foot forward and the face of your business on at all times.

Support Howard and his small business at https://www.wholesomeheart.com/ and on Facebook and Instagram.

Wholesomeheart is one of the many incredible makers listed on the new ShopOurMakers.com directory. Find your next handmade gift today!

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If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast app.

Email your stories, ideas, thoughts, or anything you want to [email protected] and we will find a way to include it on the podcast. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us!

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www.marketspacevendorevents.com/podcast

Sonya Maizell of Nine Birds Studio emailed us a fantastic story and we had to get her on the podcast to retell it live! This is for every maker or small business owner who doubts their accomplishments or feels like they are a "fraud" or not a "true artist". Give yourself a pat on the back for the long way you've come and the amazing work you've achieved. We also chat about connecting as vendors at markets and Sonya's new collection, Heavenly Bodies, inspired by the celestial interconnectedness of all things. 

Sonya also mentions her talented photographer Taylor, of Taylor Jade Photography, who takes amazing photos of her jewelry. Sonya looks up to artist Ricky Boscarino and cherishes the pieces she's purchased from him.

Make sure to visit Nine Birds Studio online at https://nine-birds.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

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In this episode, we take the podcast outside under the string lights and next to the bonfire. Kim and Kevin talk about dealing with disappointment in many different aspects of their maker-promoter lives. How do you deal with the current pandemic when it comes to cancelled events, revenue loss, and supply shortages? Is there a way to spin some of this negative news and energy into a learning experience? We have all needed to pivot in the past few months - but what does that mean for our small businesses' success?

We mention looking into the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). There are resources out there that we highly encourage you to look into.

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If you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, please subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast app.

Email your stories, ideas, thoughts, or anything you want to [email protected] and we will find a way to include it on the podcast. If you would like to be a guest on the podcast, please email us!

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www.marketspacevendorevents.com/podcast