Name of your website?Rusty Pins and Old Lace
Your name?
Paula Oakes
Your Location (city, etc)
Lamont
Please give us a short summary of your website?
We are a complete home decor store full to the brim with handmade Primitives, candles, period lighting, one of a kind dolls and so much more.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 7 years ago. I was bedridden for almost a year while Dr's where working on which medications would work best for me. During this time I decided that if I could ever use my hands again, I'd make my dream come true and start my own business. After many different meds...my Dr's finally found a combination that works for me. I've kept my promise to myself, and have been in business now for 4 years.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
Rusty Pins and Old Lace was launched in the summer of 2004
How did you decide on a name for your website?
I wanted a name that would carry us though the years and the growth changes I knew we'd go through. It pretty much sums up who we are. It's also a name that people don't forget.
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
I'm always looking for those items that no other website has. I make all of our handmade dolls and seasonal...while hubby does all the wood work. I spend a lot of time looking for that perfect something that I know my customers would enjoy. Be it candles or period lighting....I'm always on the search. My store carries only high quality goods that I use in my own home. If I don't like it...I don't sell it.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
I've developed a wonderful primitive line of 'Barn Baby' Dolls. My goal is to have one in every home. I'd also like to continue to grow my business with new customers and new products. I hope I'm able to continue sewing my hand mades for many more years. I have so many ideas running through this head...I hope I can continue to share them across the world.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
I'm not very good about doing the 9-5 thing. I'm always working on something. It's always been a challenge for me to keep good records of time, money and sales. When something pops into my head, I have to make it. I've never calculated my work hours money wise. I've just always done what feels right. My success to me is based on the wonderful emails I receive from customers. If I make them smile, then I've done my job. If smiles where money...I'd be a very rich gal.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I'd make it a bit more professional looking. I think it's pretty user friendly. But I'd really like it to really stand out. Really make my customers WANT to click on the links to see more.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Oh yes! I have plenty of friends and family that do help out when we get swamped. And if I got really big..I'd hire someone to do those books! I hate the paperwork part. It's the crafting that I'm good at.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
This year has hit us really hard with prices going up. Most people are spending that extra money on gas and food...not pleasure things.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Being able to make those ideas in my head transform to fabric or wood. AND...hitting those blocks where nothing comes to mind. That's when I wonder if I'll ever be able to craft again. I take a bit of time off...and then those 'ol juices seem to start running again.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
My customers word of mouth.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
I was silly and naive enough to think that business would boom the second I placed it on the web. But it was that naiveness that made me continue as well.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I'll continue the site till I'm no longer able to create! Hopefully God will allow that for many more years.
What is the one thing your most thankful for?
That God has allowed me to share my art with many people from around the world. It's the joyful emails and letters that I receive that keep me going. I do my art for my customers.
And for my family whom have always supported me and kept me going when I wanted to give up. They've always believed in me. I'm one lucky girl. ;o)
What is your website address?
Rusty Pins and Old Lace
