Featured Crafter: Doree Klassen of Pink Quartz Minerals

This week's featured crafter is dear to my heart, and my face, as she is the person who makes my makeup: Doree Klassen. Her brand is Pink Quartz Minerals, and I think everyone should experience the quality of her products. She's got a website, and a presence on Artfire and Etsy. She's all up in the Internet's grill. (Something for us to consider?)

Do you sell online exclusively? In person, at shows?

I sell about 80% online, about 15% wholesale accounts to salons, spas and makeup artists and about 5% around my area. I've done a few craft shows but makeup doesn't seem to sell well at them. I'm still trying to figure out what sales to do- fairs or craft shows or more like bridal shows and such. Any input is appreciated!

What was the impulse to start your business?

I tried Bare Escentuals and it made my skin break out. I loved the ease of application and the idea of natural makeup, so bought a bunch of different minerals and experimented until I made a foundation that worked for my skin without using bismuth oxychloride, which was the culprit. My friends and family started asking what I was using and wanted makeup made for them, and eventually I turned it into a business.

What is your niche? What sets you apart?

My niche is that I only use 7 mineral ingredients in all my powdered makeup, and that I will make custom foundation blends at no additional charge. I like having the fewest ingredients possible because it lowers the chance of any reaction. I also do not use any organic materials that could break down so as long as my makeup is kept dry it will never "go bad". The custom blends are something I felt was needed as large companies will not do it, and I myself never found a perfect foundation match until I made it for myself, so I empathize with others that can't find a match.

Which materials/colors/techniques interest you the most right now? What is inspiring you, creatively?

Right now I'm debating packaging changes. I love my makeup but really want to put it into special packaging. It's hard to find something different that will actually work in the real world! Aside from that, I still love to sit and putter and mix and create new shades with little surprises. I do have a bunch of shades I haven't put online yet as I'd like some new models with various eye colors to photograph, or customers to send me photos. (hint hint) [Amy's note: Oh, good lard. Now I have to put on makeup in the summer.]

What piece of advice do you wish you had, when starting your business?

Oh boy, I'd have to say I wish I had someone standing over me forcing me to keep meticulous records of every recipe (I've misplaced some over the years) and also forced me to keep up on the bookwork/paperwork. Come tax time I spend way too much time sorting and organizing records, and every year I say I will keep up on it, then somehow I don't. :)

What question would you like to ask our readers?

I would love to know how you like to purchase makeup. Would you like starter kits, or other kits and what would you like in them? What would you like to see? What would be super helpful for you when choosing makeup online?

Where can we find you?

Website: http://www.pinkquartzminerals.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinkQuartzMinerals

Blog: http://pinkquartzminerals.blogspot.com/

Best. Makeup. Ever. People. Go get some.

Featured Crafter: Me.

I have run out of crafters to feature for right now, so today's featured crafter is me! I am Amy Kalinchuk, of Olde Crone's Bewitching Bath Soap. I guess I'll answer all the same questions that I ask others, huh?

How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you belong to a crafter's alliance? Do you do all your own research? Do you sell online exclusively?

I find out about craft fairs by keeping my ears open and bookmarking things for the future. I see what shows others are going to, and in the winter, I research them and mark my calendar to ding me on the day that I need to apply for the shows I want to do. I do belong to the Denver Handmade Alliance, and that helps--they know about all the shows in my area.

My online shop is www.soapcrone.com. I sell at my local farmer's market every Sunday, June through October. This year I decided to move around on Saturdays, so I've been doing more craft fairs: Firefly Market in Boulder, Horseshoe Craft and Flea in Denver, The French Nest Open Air Market in Fort Collins. I am very excited to sponsor the handmade soap competition at the first annual Denver County Fair this year, as well, at the end of July.

What was the impulse to start your business?

We needed money! My husband was staying home with our infant daughter, and we could not make ends meet every month. I had begun making soap, and had been giving it away and "selling" it for money just to cover supplies. I decided to ramp that up and see if I could make it. This is my seventh year selling soap. Since the beginning I've been to several different farmer's markets, have done craft fairs, had a website set up, hired my husband, and we now do some private label accounts, as well.

What is your niche? What sets you apart?

My products contain no artificial fragrances or colors. I use essential oils only for scent. My customers appreciate the practical nature of my products, as well as their performance. They are high-quality products handmade by a local crafter, and my customers appreciate that and keep coming back.

Aside from that, I think it is important for crafters to remember that many people who buy from you are buying from YOU. You are kind and generous and warm-hearted and witty--your personality helps to sell your stuff. Work it!

What piece of advice do you wish you had, when starting your business?

I wish I knew what "private label" meant, from the start. I think I could have made my business bigger, faster, if I had been seeking out private label clients for the past seven years. It is so much easier to make soap/lotion/lip balm/whatever, and ship it out the door. Packing a car, setting up a tent, selling for hours, tearing down, packing the car, driving home, and unloading the car is a lot of work! It's good for business, so I still do it. However, private label business is for larger orders at a lower price, but for about 1/4 the work. The math still adds up in my favor.

What question would you like to ask our readers?

What do you find most valuable about this blog? What topics would you like to discuss? Also, who are your favorite crafters? My queue is about used up and I need more folks to feature.