We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Widemark. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christina below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Christina with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethics stem from the influence of my parents, all of whom shared strong dedication and loyalty throughout their professional lives. Witnessing my mother’s entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of three quick printing locations under the AlphaGraphics franchise left a memorable mark on my understanding of customer service and commitment. Her pursuit of excellence in building her business became a source of inspiration, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication. Additionally, my father’s role as a partner in a commercial heating and air conditioning company, further contributed to shaping my work ethics. His hands-on approach to managing staff and his commitment to their customers, his unwavering promise to quality stressed the values of integrity and responsibility in the workplace. The combination of my parent’s influences has not only instilled a strong work ethic in me but also gave me a deep appreciation for the principles of accountability and determination that continue to guide my professional endeavors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m delighted to share more about my journey and professional focus. I’ve been happily married to my husband, Erich, since 1990, and together we’ve raised four wonderful children to adults. Alongside my role as a mother, I’ve also ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship.
My passion for crafting and creating with my hands has been a constant throughout my life. However, it was in 1997, when I was introduced to paper crafts, scrapbooking, and card making, that I truly discovered my calling. This ignited a flame that led me to embark on a business journey as an independent consultant for Close to my Heart. During that period, I honed my skills in business development and time management, all while managing a household and caring for my children.
In 2005, my professional path took a new turn when I joined Recollections, a chain of paper crafting retail stores owned by Michael’s Arts & Crafts. Over the years, I progressed within the company, first as an instructor, creating and teaching classes, and then as the Event Coordinator. In this role, I not only scheduled and taught classes but also approved classes by other instructors, coordinated corporate-sponsored events, and handled store management responsibilities. Unfortunately, in the spring of 2008, Michael’s closed down these stores.
Undeterred, a group of friends and I came together to organize crafting events at various locations. This success inspired us to take a bold step, and we decided to open a storefront using a co-op model. Each member took responsibility for purchasing their own inventory, teaching classes, and collaborating to build what would become Crop Girls, which officially opened its doors in January 2009.
Life brought changes, and my business partners eventually moved on. In July 2012, I became the sole owner of Crop Girls and rebranded the store as Scraps of Love. The journey continued, in the Spring of 2013 I introduced my first branded product, a collaboration with my friend Ann. She hand drew Arizona themed designs which we turned into clear rubber stamps. Since, then I have added designs by my daughter, Samantha, and myself. Along with other products such as dies for cutting paper into shapes and lines of paper. In April 2019, I moved the store to a larger location. Not stopping there, I opened the Scraps of Love OUTLET next door, providing a space for customers to purchase discounted craft supplies.
Throughout this venture, I’ve always believed in the power of excellent customer service, the willingness to showcase how a product is used, and the joy of sharing creativity. These principles have been integral to the success of Scraps of Love, which is now approaching its 15th year as a thriving retail store. I am proud of the journey so far and excited about the creative future that lies ahead.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that proved to be immensely impactful were honesty, knowledge sharing, and exceptional customer service.
Firstly, honesty played a solid role in building a foundation for my business. Being truthful with customers not only earned their respect but also fostered trust, which is invaluable in any business relationship. I made it a point not to sell products that customers didn’t genuinely need for their projects, creating a reputation for reliability and integrity.
Secondly, freely sharing knowledge and creativity emerged as a powerful tool for success. By positioning myself as a go-to resource for answering questions, I became an indispensable asset to my customers. This not only enhanced their experience but also positioned my business as a knowledgeable and trustworthy source within the industry.
Thirdly, prioritizing customer service was instrumental in building lasting connections. In instances where I didn’t have a specific item in stock, I took special orders. This not only met the customer’s needs but also provided insights into their preferences, helped to continuously improve product offerings. Additionally, it opened doors to new supplier relationships, expanding the range of products available in my inventory.
For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, I offer the following advice based on my experience:
1. Maintain Honesty: Build trust by being honest with your customers. Avoid the temptation to oversell, and focus on providing solutions that genuinely benefit them.
2. Knowledge Sharing: Become a valuable resource in your industry by freely sharing your expertise with both suppliers and customers. This not only positions you as an authority but also attracts customers seeking reliable information.
3. Exceptional Customer Service: Prioritize customer service, going the extra mile, offering a little gift to a new customer, sending a hand written “thank you” card for a recent purchase or a birthday greeting. Special orders not only fulfill customer needs but also serve as an excellent avenue for business growth.
As a bonus, here are two additional pieces of advice:
4. Inventory Management: Keep your inventory up to date. Products that linger for too long may not be meeting customer demands. If an item hasn’t sold in a year, it’s time to reassess its place in your inventory.
5. Seek Peer Support: Join groups or networks of small business retailers for mutual support and learning. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer specialized groups, I belong to Whizbang! Retailers and Retail Mavens. I also belong to a buyers group called Crafters Home which not only provides vendor discounts but also a wonderful network where you can seek advice and share experiences with fellow entrepreneurs.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself overwhelmed, I have developed a set of strategies to help regain control and manage the situation effectively. Firstly, I take a moment to pause and take a few deep breaths, allowing myself a short break to clear my mind. Physical activity, like a quick walk, has proven to be remarkably beneficial during such moments, helping me to refocus and reduce stress.
After this initial reset, I find it helpful to identify the specific factors contributing to my overwhelm. I make a list of tasks and responsibilities that are weighing on me, and then prioritize them based on importance. This organized approach helps me break down the overwhelming situation into more manageable components.
Sometimes just recognizing that I don’t have to tackle everything alone helps, I look at my list to see if there’s someone I can reach out to for support or assistance. Delegating tasks to capable individuals not only lightens my load but also ensures that each task is addressed by someone with the necessary skills and expertise. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of teamwork and helps me focus on the aspects that require my unique attention.
Additionally, I’ve learned to communicate effectively about my workload. If I’m feeling overwhelmed consistently, I discuss it with my team to explore potential adjustments to the workload or deadlines. Open communication is key in finding sustainable solutions and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
In summary, my approach to managing overwhelm involves a combination of self-care, organization, delegation, and open communication. By implementing these strategies, I can navigate challenging situations more effectively and maintain a sense of balance in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: scrapsoflove.com
- Instagram: scrapsofloveaz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AZScrapsofLove
Image Credits
all images belong to Scraps of Love
