I have to say that my introduction to Stampin’ Up! was somewhat unusual.
I have always been interested in card making and scrap booking. When I was younger I set up an area in my walk-in closet to do crafts where I would have my siblings who I am older than by 7 to almost 11 years, sit around as I would share with them how to make cards for Mother’s and Father's Day , Valentines and other fun little kid projects. This was my earliest start in the crafting world. When I was 16 I went to the local craft store for scrapbook supplies when all we had was a JoAnn’s with not many scrap booking options. I made my purchases and started on my way to where I am today.
Since currently our family photos are unorganized and mostly digital I have given up on the scrapbooks until I can organize them, making cards for the most part. I was spending money like crazy on my hobby and needed to cut costs and slow down on my purchasing. I had at different times looked into different direct sale companies without ever actually following through. In March of 2011 I did a lot of research into the top scrap booking/card making companies and found Stampin’ Up! to have the best options overall for their demonstrators and I liked what I saw on their online catalog. At the time I had very little experience with stamping, having previously purchased stamps but found the quality was never like I wanted on the clear stamps. Not having room in my craft space for wood mounts I was rarely using them or even the clear mount stamp I had purchased.
I joined Stampin’ Up! before seeing or using any of Stampin’ Up’s products. I had read many reviews and visited many blogs during my research and chose Stampin’ Up! as my overall top choice. I joined Stampin Up! for the discount I would receive as a demonstrator, to save money. I did a search for demonstrators in my area and chose one at random to contact about signing up.
I decided in January of this year that I would like to turn my hobby Stampin’ Up demonstrator business into an actual business. Last year I had a few crafters interested and placing orders, I even have a former Stampin’ Up demonstrator as a customer. I am enjoying the changes I am making in my business. I plan on introducing new programs, classes and other fun implementations as I continue to grow. My primary goals for the 2012-2013 Catalog year are: Recruiting, I would like to have three recruits this year. I also am planning to attend the 2013 Stampin’ Up Convention, I have a savings plan in place and hope to find a lodging close to the convention center also hoping to get over to the Family History Library preferably within walking distance.
