"How Do I?" Honey Pie Accessories

Welcome back ladies (and gentlemen) for this weeks "How Do I?" series.... 

Go here to check out my other "How Do I?" posts. I've covered everything from my cleaning schedule, buying groceries, making time for family while still taking care of myself, and this week, i'm going to talk to y'all about how I manage a work at home business while still holding down a full time job, a husband, two little girls, and being pregnant with our third... tired yet?

I started HPA when Gretchen was just 6 months old. She's now 5 1/2 so it's been 5 years y'all!!! When I first started I ran HPA through my personal facebook page, and then through a website, this blog, and finally a business facebook page. 

I started with just hair bows and tutu's, and blinged shirts... I then convinced my mom to make and sell pillowcase dresses for me, and then I branched out with applique shirts, wipe cases, paci clips, and now i've ventured into skirts and dresses- and I'm still not sure i'm done! 

My business has had it's ups and downs, and rather than thinking of it as a full time venture, it's more of a part time hobby. It's how I make "me-time" and it gives me the ability to be crafty, while making my own girls something or creating for your little honey pie's! 

There were months in the first few years where I was so busy, that it was really taking a toll on my marriage, and I knew my husband missed spending time with me. It's then that I decided that HPA had to be more of a part time for fun gig than a real life second job. After all, we had a daughter we also had to take care of! My husbands job is pretty demanding as well, so it's important that we make time for each other when we can!

I read all the time about crafters that have messy houses, or stay up until the wee hours of the morning, and I just decided that I cannot run like that. I need to function on a full nights sleep and I need to know that my house is picked up. I think I had to accept a happy medium, and decide what was best for me and my family... since then, I think we can say that we've been truly happy with what HPA has brought to our family.

So, here's how I get things done.....

• I work on crafting while MC is down for her nap on Sunday afternoons. This gives me 2-3 hours of work time.
• I work when the girls are in the bed, but only for an hour sometimes two.
• Once I manage to get items finished, I take pictures of them, and then upload them throughout the day via my iphone.... whatever did we do without smart phones y'all?
• If i'm not taking the time to make products, then i'm taking the time to write my blog posts, upload and edit pictures, and market my products via my blog, pinterest, or facebook page.
• I state that my turn around time is 2-3 weeks. In all reality, I can get a project complete in 1-2 hours depending on it's size and how complicated, but I need time to work at my real full time job during the day as well as managing my family and household. Now that i'm off for the summer, my turnaround time is down to two weeks. 
• I ask first that my customers understand that this is a part time gig for me. I'd love to turn it into a full time business, but right now, that's not what I feel that God has in store for me. 
• If i'm not crafting in the evenings, then I make sure to spend time with DJ while we catch up on our favorite tv shows... however, my mind cannot just sit and watch t.v. So, i'm typically on the computer posting and catching up with whatever needs to be done.
• I use to run to the post office to mail my orders, but I realized that it was taking so much time and often times I couldn't get to the post office before it closed, or I'd need to run on my lunch break. Then, I decided to purchase a postal scale and ship through paypal and I'm in love! I should've started this method years sooner and I regret that I didn't! Now, I can package my orders, write the weight, and then print out my shipping labels, and throw the packages in the mailbox before I leave for work. 
• Offering pre-orders and product testers has really helped to ensure that I don't waste time making products that people aren't going to buy! I offer discounts on products in exchange for pictures of their honey pie in the shirt, skirt, dress, etc. and then I can gauge how many people are interested. It helps me get orders, and also ensures that my own daughters aren't wearing my own creations 24/7. Although, they do wear a lot!
• I also started a ready to ship album, where everything is posted that i've pre-made. I still welcome custom orders, but my business was based solely on custom orders in the beginning that it made pricing and completing products more difficult. Now, I feel like I can offer the best of both worlds! 
• I take breaks when I need it. If i'm feeling burned out, or have just had a baby, I take a break! I need that time to refresh my creativity and adjust to life's changes. The past few years, I typically take the entire month of July off because that's when we have our family vacations. Two years ago, when I had Megan, I took several months off (we also didn't have the space) and when Adalyn arrives in a few weeks, I plan to slow down again too focusing on ready to ship and product tester orders.

I think my biggest piece of advice, is that if you're going to start a work at home business, you need to love what you make and figure out how to make it work while maintaining balance in your normal every day life!

I'm still working on revamping things, and I try to change things up from time to time to keep things new and fresh for myself and my customers! I've joined craft groups that I can bounce ideas off of, or just vent about how my machine might be crapping out or get suggestions. I'm still trying to figure out my best packaging materials, I'd love to get sew on labels, and eventually start an etsy page, but for now, i'm very happy with where my business is.

I truly love my little business, and i'm thankful that i've made it work for me. I do hope you love HPA as much as I do!

If you own a work at home business, please leave your link in a comment below along with your one piece of advice for maintaining balance!

Halloween is Coming!

I'm readily working away on new merchandise for Halloween, and I've been debuting several ready to ship Halloween bows over on my Facebook page! 

I updated my cover photo this weekend, with several of my past creations, all of which can be re-created this year.

 I love making applique' shirts. The one above is my "scary cat" applique'. I'm currently working on a ghost girl appliqué for G. 

 I've also enjoyed creating Halloween costumes for the girls! And, I have several ideas for this year. I'm really trying to convince G to not be a princess but to be something that I can actually create! I would love for one of the girls to be a peacock and the other to be a flamingo!

 Other ideas include a bumble bee, witch, scarecrow, Minnie Mouse, Rainbow Brite, Ghost, Clown, Cowgirl, Cookie Monster, and so many more!!!

One way that I keep my costs low, is by not making samples in advance. This allows me to work with the customer to ensure desired colors and accent pieces, as well as custom fitting. All of my customers receive pieces created specifically for them!

If you would like to talk with me about a custom order, please leave a comment with your email address or send me a message on my facebook page. 

And, don't forget to follow my Honey Pie Accessories Shop board on Pinterest!

What's your little honey pie dressing up for on Halloween?

Back To School, Day 5, and a Code!

Today was my first day at my new job. I think it will be an exciting year, but I'm also prepared that there may still be some additional changes. We started out the day with a district wide Speech Therapist meeting. I, of course, was running about 10 minutes late which is not a good way to start out a new job, but the babysitter was late, and thankfully, the room full of women completely understood!

The school district is wanting to make changes in their service delivery model, so that is what we discussed, as well as our building assignments. For right now, I'll be placed in one elementary school providing services to a preschool developmental delay class, which I think i'm going to love, and i'll also help out in two schools providing services to kids that do not have an IEP, but are receiving RTI services, (Response to Intervention) which is a fancy way of saying, the child needs help, but he/she may not be severe enough or long term enough to place on an IEP.

After the meeting, several of us went to lunch, and it never ceases to amaze me that SLPs love to talk! Of course, that's what our job is! Then, I went to one of the buildings to take a look around.

I found out that teachers have to arrive at 7:20 am! I think only through the grace of God will the girls and I be dressed and on time to school on Monday. And, my faith is kind of lacking in that area right now. But, hopefully, we will get used to it, or my principal will understand that i'm typically late to arrive.

Thankfully, we can leave by 2:50, which means I can start my Sooner Start kids around 3, and still get the girls by 4.

The girls stayed home with a babysitter today. G enjoyed having someone to play with, and out sitter said that MC has developed such a great personality! Unfortunately, MC woke up early from her nap, and was in a horribly fussy mood for about 45 minutes after waking up, so I just ordered a pizza for dinner!

The girls and I enjoyed playing for a bit in their play room, and I have started working on halloween hair bows.

Here's how I ate today:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, chia seeds, cheese, glass of milk
Snack: lots of water
Lunch: We went to Jason's Deli, and I ordered the Club on a croissant, but I only ate 1 out of 4 pieces of the croissant. I'm sure the SLPS though I was weird eating just the turkey, lettuce, and cheese! I also had a side of fruit.
Dinner: 2 slices of P.J. pizza. (I totally let that craving and lack of motivation to cook get the better of me).

We have a birthday party to go to tomorrow, and I'm seriously figuring out how I can not eat a piece of birthday cake. I love cake. Maybe I can share a piece with MC?

I'm taking the next two weeks off from my Facebook shop, in order to get accustomed to the new schedule and to work on Halloween and Thanksgiving bows! But, i'll still ship any ready-to-ship bows posted. And, just for reading this- take 10% off any of those RTS bows using the code BackToSchool!

Told you it would pay off to follow my blog!

Shipping Changes

Honey Pie Accessories is making official shipping changes. Over the last three + years I have used recycled boxes for shipping, in order to save on shipping costs, but more importantly, to recycle and reuse.

Being "green" is something that i'm fairly passionate about and it's been a slow lifestyle change for our family and something that I have wanted to carry over into my business.

However, I received a package a few weeks ago, that appeared to be in a recycled envelope. I contacted the boutique owner for another concern, and she told me that she had used a brand new envelope.

Due to some circumstances of the package, I realized that should there be concerns of my customers, I want to be able to guarantee them that there package has not been previously opened.

Therefore, I am no longer using recycled shipping boxes or envelopes. Due to this change, my shipping costs will increase from $3.00 to $3.50 or $4.00 a package. Shipping will be noted on wall sales, auctions, etc.

The $3.50 price will be for smaller packages, $4.00 will be for larger orders.

I apologize for the price increase, but I feel that it is something that I need to change in order to guarantee that your items have not been tampered with throughout the shipping process.

Please contact me if you have any concerns.

Store Closing

I have finally announced something that has been a very difficult decision to come to. But, I am closing Honey Pie Accessories as a business.

For the last two months I have gone back and forth with this decision, but i'm just not in it anymore. It has been a fabulous 3 1/2 years, but it's time to move on.

Part of me is hoping that I can re open in February 2012, but we'll face that bridge when it gets here.

At this time, I do still have Bow of the Month Club orders to finish through January, and these will be finished. I also have two dress orders that I'm working on, and those will be finished as well.

I want to thank every single one of my customers. You all have truly been amazing. I have loved seeing your babies wearing my products as infants, all the way to 2, 3 + years of age. I appreciate that you have been loyal to HPA. I appreciate that you have allowed me to incorporate my own creativity into your products. It's because of many of you, that I kept going and struggled with the decision.

I'm still toying with the idea, that I will take a few custom orders or that I will attempt to hold some flash sales, but i'll deal with this as the weeks progress and we can see if my time frees up.

I remember starting this business and dreaming of what it could be, and even what it was surprised me! To have over 1000 Facebook fans, just floored me!

I want to dedicate my time to my family, to my daughter's, and to my speech therapy work. I want to dedicate time to this blog, reading, and exercising. And to enjoy things that I haven't in a while.

I hope that those of you who read my blog, will continue with me on my journey through life. I know that this will be a weight lifted off my shoulder, and for that I breathe a sigh of relief.

Again, thank you everyone for your support, and stay tuned to see how life continues to change.

Just had to share....

I just had to share this photo I took of MC this week. I needed a new photo for my facebook page, so I decided to dress her up in a ribbon onesie that I made her with a matching pair of leg warmers and hair bow.

How stinkin' cute is she!

11 for 2011

For the 1st eleven days of 2011, I'm going to be offering special promotions on my facebook page!

Here's how it'll work:
~ Like my facebook page
~ Once the status is updated with 11 for 2011, be one of the first 11 people to complete the activity and comment under the post.
~ You'll be notified of a date for when you should use your special offer.
~ Offers will not be combined on one purchase or on previous purchases, but you can use 1 offer on 1 purchase item, a 2nd offer on a 2nd purchase item, etc. and combine shipping.
~ Once 11 people have commented, the offer is closed to new comments.
~ You will be allowed to go back, if we have comment space left over on previous days. Say, on day 1, only 8 people commented- that gives 3 more people a chance to comment on day 2, 3, or so on until 11 comments are on the day 1 post!

If you complete any of these 11 items, you'll get an extra entry into my January blog giveaway! Just comment that you completed 11 of 2011!

For today, all you have to do is share my facebook page with your friends! Leave a comment under that wall post, and you'll receive $2.00 off an order!

Happy 2011!

Top 10 from 2010

Looking back at 2010, I realize how blessed I am. This past year, my home business has grown more than I would've imagined- it's been an amazing experience working with so many new and wonderful customers!

I decided that I would reflect back on some of my favorite items from the last year, just to see how far I've come; which, is all because of my supportive customers!

In no particular order..... drumroll please..... The "Back to School" bow... I had no reason to create this bow, other than I found the cute resins, and I wanted to design something around them. This bow inspired me to do an auction for CappsKids, of which other items were auctioned off and $60.00 was raised for this great organization!

This zebra bow was created last spring. I would have never chosen the colors together, but once I saw them I knew that it would be a great seller! GG also made a dress for Gretchen in these colors, and it's all because of this custom requested bow!

I tried to create larger bows this year, and this was a fun one that I made for the spring. I love the hot pinks, oranges, yellows, and lime green- it's just a good happy bow!

For Easter, I was asked to create an m2m bow for a customer. She sent me a picture of the dress, and I must say, that it matched perfectly! And, her little honey looked adorable! I layered an organza ribbon over a grosgrain, and added light pink and lime green surround-a-loops, with a blinged out flower in the center.

I also introduced a Minnie Mouse line this year. I started out with a pink and white Minnie, but I had a chance to create this shirt and matching bows for a customers trip to Disney. The shirt features a detachable bow, and the hair bow, features a sculpted Minnie Mouse.

Wipe Cases were also new to HPA this year, and it took me quite a bit of time to be comfortable making them. I made this one for a friend, who just had her little boy... I love the color combination of the wipe case!

I also wanted to expand on my tutu costume line, and with the help of Sara, I was able to create this Abby Cadabby outfit for her daughter! The tutu features aqua and purple, and I made pony-o's that mimic'd Abby Cadabby's hair, and a set of bows to match.

I've only had the chance to make two of these baby shower corsages- but I love them! I hope that i'll get to make more over the coming year!

Applique'd shirts also started in 2010, and I love the simplicity of this whale. For some reason, it just makes me happy- maybe it's the large polk-a-dots.

And, finally, one of my favorite shirts was this animal print combination stocking! I had started with a green damask stocking design, but once the customer asked for this one, I couldn't wait to create it!

Again, I want to thank all of my loyal customers- I can't wait for what 2011 has in store!

HPA New & Updated Policies

Due to my business growing and learning what is and what isn't working, I have to make changes to a few of my "policies". I don't think these are bad things, just ways to protect you as a customer, and myself as a business operator.

All of these policies will begin on September 1, 2010. Changes will not affect customers that have orders already in place.

• Wipe Cases are going up in price from $10.00 to $11.00. This is because my supplier has also gone up in price.
• Short sleeve applique' shirts will remain at a starting price of $12.00. Long sleeve applique' shirts will have a starting price of $13.00. Adult applique' shirts will start at $14.00
• Shirts with more than 1 type of applique', will have a charge of $1.00& up per extra applique'. For example, if you choose to have your child's name "Layla" on a long sleeve shirt- the price would be 13.00 for the shirt, plus 1.00 per letter (minus 1 letter). So, the price would be $17.00.
• Monogramming will be $3.00 for 1 letter, $4.00 for initials, names, etc.
• Pillowcase dresses from newborn-2T will remain $18.00. Dresses from 3T on up, will begin at $20.00. You must send a length measurement when placing your dress order. If a length measurement is not given, we will do a best "guess" at length sizes. If you do not provide a length measurement it will not be our fault if the dress is too short or too long.
• Shipping will remain $3.00 flat rate, unless you would like a confirmation number or priority mail, then the price is $5.00. I will automatically charge $3.00 for shipping, it is up to you to request the confirmation or priority mail. HPA will re-use shipping products (boxes, envelopes) to help save on shipping costs. If you prefer a new box, please notify me when paying for your order. Shipping supplies are the most thrown away and non-recycled items, I want to re-use these when possible, as part of my own green initative.
• If an order has to be shipped from myself to GG (for monogramming), or from GG to myself (for appliqueing) the shipping will be $5.00. Currently, if someone is placing an order, that I have to ship to GG, and then GG ships it to the customer, we're paying double for shipping.
• If you are requesting a certain color or style of shirt or fabric choices, you are more than welcome to buy it yourself, and ship it to me to use. I will adjust the price as necessary- typically around $6.00 per shirt, or fabric. You will still be required to pay $3.00 shipping for me to ship the completed item back to you.
• Custom orders must be paid by 1/2 of the total price in advance. Once an order is placed, I will give you a quote on price. You must pay 1/2 of the quoted price, in order for your order to be processed. Once your item is completed, you will be required to pay the other 1/2 of the quoted price. Please note, that this price was a quote and may be slightly altered. You are more than welcome to pay your order in full in advance. If you pay in full, your quote will not be altered.
• I do not accept refunds/returns. I will give refunds, if you over-pay for an item. If for some reason you are not happy with your item, please let me know, and we can give you a discount on future purchases. If you are not happy with a hair bow, I may be able to remake it and ship it to you, with your next order, or if you will pay shipping costs. I will however alter this policy as needed in order to keep your business- I want you to be happy with your product!

I want to thank all of my customers for being so loyal to Honey Pie Accessories! I strive to make each piece custom and unique and I'll only send the best to my customers! Without you, this business would not be possible! The past few months have kept me so unbelievably busy, and i'm honestly grateful for that!

May Calendar Specials

Mark your calendar for these wonderful savings from Honey Pie Accessories this month!!!

May 4th- Receive 10% off any order.
May 6th- Receive a free clippie with purchase.
May 18th- Save $1.50 off any order
May 24th- BOGO Bows

To place an order, please complete an order form at HPA. I love custom orders, so please ask!

Accessorize your little honey!
Custom hair bows, tutus, shirts, dresses, burpies, & more!

Product Testers for HPA!

HPA is expanding it's line of clothing and accessories! I am seeking out product testers for these new items!

If you are interested in being a product tester, please email me at elaineguenther at yahoo.com

Product Testers are needed for the following items:
1. Applique onesies
2. Applique t-shirts
3. Wipe Case Covers
4. Bibs

Appliques include (but are not limited to): Easter egg, Easter bunny, shamrock, initials, tie.

Product Testers will pay for their item at a reduced cost, and pay for shipping. Product Testers will be asked to submit a review of the item and picture(s). Product Testers will receive 10% off their next order, once they have completed the requirements.

Product Testers may be able to chose: size, brand, design, colors, etc.

I am hoping to expand my boy line, so if you have a boy this would be a great opportunity for you! This would also be a great way to purchase baby gifts for friends and family!

Are you a Fan? Update

Thanks Tara for letting me know that the link to the "Honey Pie Accessories" fan page on Facebook wasn't working.

I'm going to try again to post it!

Click here to get to the fan page!

*Don't forget that you can add an extra entry to the give away for becoming a fan!
*And by becoming a fan you get 10% off your first or next order!

Are you a Fan?

I just created a fan page on Facebook for Honey Pie Accessories!

Go here and become a fan, and you'll receive 10% off your next order! The fan page will tell you how!

Also, if you're fan- go ahead and leave a comment on the Valentine's bow giveaway for an extra entry!

Dear Michael,

Yesterday I had a forms response from my website from Michael Swan. His telephone # registered immediately b/c it's a 501 area code- which means, he's from Arkansas. However, when I replied, the email did not go through. Something about an invalid e-mail address. So, Michael, if you read this- I did try to respond, I just didn't try to call. For one, because I was, and my husband was, a little paranoid. It's not that often that a man completes a form response on hair bows. But, in answer to your question:

I can use an alligator clip. Actually, I use those most. Alligator clips hold fine hair and work best for younger girls. I can also add a non-slip gripper at no extra charge. Grippers help the clip hold the hair mor firmly in place.

So, if you read this- get back with me! Your e-mail address just wasn't valid. Oh, and I attempted to find you on facebook- but there are many Michael/Mike Swan's. Someone did tell me that we went to the same high school? Forgive me for not remembering if that is true! It's been 10 years!

Closed

Honey Pie Accessories will be closed until July 20th.... we are on our family vacation.

Twitter

Twitter is the new social networking site. I'm not great at learning how to run new programs, but I thought I'd give it a try. You can "follow" people; friends, celebrities, groups, strangers, etc. People "tweet" about what they are doing, in a tagline, so to speak. I'll be honest, it is not something that I check every day. I have a busy life, but every once in a while I'll tweet about life, my business, offer promotions, etc. So, if you'd like, follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/gsmommy126

Lower Prices

Again, I lowered my prices on my hair bows. I have done this twice now since opening my website. Obviously, as a "business woman" it's not something that one would want to do. But, as a mom it's something that is necessary, espcially in our troubled economy. The down side is that I am now charging for shipping. Bows will be shipped in boxes, so they will not get smashed, and will continue to hold their shape in the shipping process. Other items will be shipped in tyvek envelopes; these are very sturdy envelopes, and do not tear, so items will be protected. They are also wrapped in tissue paper to keep clean.

Stacked bows, bows with loops, and bows with sprays are now $4.00. Most of them had been marked to $6.00
Boutique bows (small, medium, or large) are $3.00 each; lowered from $4-5.00, a matching pair of boutique bows will be $5.00
There are some very simple stacked boutiqie bows that fall directly between the prices at $3.50 each
Small bows and lined clips are $2.00 each, sometimes they will be $2.00 for a pair if they are simple or $3.00 for a pair if they take more time to make

At this time, prices for other products are not being lowered since these items cost more to make. I hope that by lowering these prices, that it will allow more mothers to afford adorable hair accessories for their daughter (s).

HPA

To view products go to http://www.honeypieaccessories.webs.com/
Accessorize your little honey!

Custom hair bows, tutus, bling, burp cloths, and pillow case dresses.