Scrap Fanatics, an event planning business based in Pennsylvania, was born in August 2000. Co-owners Antuanette Wheeler and Carrie Jacobs met at a small crop, and planned their first event a mere two days later. "We hosted an event in November 2000, and after that, we made the decision to turn event planning into our business," Carrie explains. "By January 2001, we were official. We both have an entrepreneurial spirit and extensive independent consultant business experience." 

The two launched an official "partnership," which they say was the only way to do it. "We have very similar goals, values, and visions for the future of our business," they expressed. "Partnership isn't for everyone, though. It requires negotiation on every tiny detail. We talk constantly and compromise, compromise, compromise! To someone looking into partnership, we'd have to say that you must be on the same wavelength. You absolutely must trust your partner and know when to give and take. It's certainly not an easy choice, but for us it was the best choice." 

Scrap Fanatics is currently a part-time venture for the two partners, who put in approximately 10 hours a week each, and 25 hours the week before an event. "There ALWAYS has to be time for family, friends and yourself," Antuanette stresses. "This business allows us to balance everything by giving us the opportunity to work at Scrap Fanatics during the 'off' hours...like after the kids have gone to bed!" 

Planning An Event 
"The very basic steps are to choose a date, then a location," Carrie begins. "Secure your location, and then it's all a matter of getting the word out about your event. That's the simple explanation! There are tons of little details, like how to pay for everything and what to include, what hours to hold the event, the list goes on and on. 

"Before Scrap Fanatics, the opportunities in our area for scrappers to get together mainly consisted of crops at a consultant's home, crops at a local store or larger, more expensive events, cruises and conventions. We felt that the group of women who either can't or are unwilling to pay hundreds of dollars for a weekend event were being largely ignored. Our goal is to offer affordable, personalized, educational, productive and fun events. We will consistently offer affordable events because we love what we are doing and will work hard at keeping the costs as low as possible. We believe that if you are running your business with sincerity and enthusiasm, there is no need to 'compete' with other companies." 

Learn Much More! Want to get the scoop on Antuanette's and Carrie's marketing secrets, profit factor, Web site tips, business advice, and more? Read the entire interview with Scrap Fanatics - and learn what they have discovered in their journey through the industry - by picking up a copy of the newly revised edition of Secrets of Scrapbooking Success: Making Money, Making Memories - The Definitive Guide To Turning Your Passion Into Profit! Read more here.