The show is growing each month... We have a good time in Bossier City...  Kathyrn Costello

 

Would you like to be added to our Crafter News newsletter?

If so, email us at hjburge@aol.com

By Donecia Pea
doneciapea@gannett.com

Re-entering the work force after being a stay-at-home mom for three years, Jennifer Carlino needed exposure for her embroidery business.

"I wanted to do something extra. I already have a store in Jena, but I wanted to do something to earn extra money," said Carlino, co-owner of Embroider It.

She's now reaping the benefits as a regular participant at the DPHB Gifts and Crafts show held monthly in Bossier City and West Monroe.

For a little more than a year, DPHB Gifts and Crafts Shop Til You Drop show, named for organizers Deanna Phillips and Heidi Burge, has provided a showcase for many vendors like Carlino.

The pair first worked together as owners of a floral shop, Strawbeary Cottage, for eight years when they decided to try a new venture.

"We needed one here in Bossier City because we had the floral business and we knew other exhibitors in this area that needed to show their work. So that's what we decided to do," Burge said.

When they started their show in March 2005, they had at least 71 vendors. Now it's grown to 108 booths covering more than 17,000 square feet. The crowds have grown as well.

"We're averaging about 1,500 people that come in on Saturday and Sunday. Last November, we had 3,000 people to come through. That was our greatest number," Phillips said.

Exhibitors sell everything from monogramming, baby gifts and floral arrangements to hot sauce, wood-carved items, pewter pieces, paintings and more.

"It's basically a place for small businesses trying to start out," Burge said. "They can get their business cards out, give out fliers. It's a good chance to meet people and let them know where they are "» It helps with advertising and promoting their business, especially for those who can't have a storefront yet."

For Carlino, the response has been so overwhelming that she's working on a Web site for her store.

"I get so much exposure and people ask me if I'm coming back and a lot of people ask for a Web site so that they can shop online," Carlino said. "So I'm getting my new clothing designs done and I'll be putting them on my Web site "» I know this is exposure I wouldn't have gotten otherwise."

Phillips and Burge said the key to their success is being attentive.

"You have to listen to the exhibitors and take their advice on what they need and what they're expecting," Burge said.

It also takes a lot of work.

"It's hours and hours of finding the vendors, going to different shows, traveling, trying to add new people because customers always want someone new, going into area businesses asking for their participation," Burge said. "Then there are the three weeks before the show where you're doing mail-outs, e-mails, radio and TV spots to promote the event. There's a lot of time and work involved," Phillips said.

For craftspeople and vendors looking for a chance to display and sell their products, Phillips offers the following advice: "Go out there and find something unique and handcrafted," she said.

Burge added: "It's important to look around and go to different displays, go to other shows and see how they're doing and then sign up for a show."

Printer-friendly version