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Your #1 Resource For: Starting a Successful Scrapbooking Business Growing Your Existing Scrapbook Business Insider Information on the $3 Billion+ Scrapbook Industry |
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Like many, Pat Durda had kept photo albums for years, and once she discovered the art of scrapbooking, she was hooked. “The death of my dear grandmother and the desire to document her life led me to create my first scrapbooking album using photos, documents and ephemera to commemorate her life,” she explains. Though Pat had the desire to get involved somehow in the scrapbook industry, she didn’t have the time. “In addition to my family, for seven years I worked as corporate trainer for a large computer software company,” she says. “The travel and business commitments made it impossible for me to devote any time to developing my own ideas.” In November 2002, due to corporate restructuring, Pat’s position was eliminated and she was laid off. “It was time to follow my dream. Family Forget Me Nots became a reality,” she smiles. Unlike many of the supplies currently on the market, Family Forget Me Nots offers unique products that are useful for anyone who scrapbooks and is interested in Family History. One product, the ScrapMiter, was developed from Pat’s own need of how to make the perfect mitered corner when framing photos and journaling. “My husband went to his workshop and after trying a few designs and just the right instructions, the ScrapMiter was born!” she recalls. “Our Family History Kit is another product that was created from my own needs to be able to recreate antique marriage records, family trees, and heritage stationery.” Launching Family Forget Me Nots Pat and her husband had owned and operated a woodworking
business over 20 years ago, so that provided them with the entrepreneurial
background. “I've also had extensive experience as a teacher, school
administrator and corporate employee....all of which had taught me much and
became valuable intellectual property as we developed Family Forget Me Nots,”
she says. Juggling It All: How Does She Do It? Pat typically puts in at least 60 hours of work each week. “Owning my own business has enabled me to partner with family members and friends as we developed the business and products,” she explains. “But family is vital and I'm able to also spend family (not Family Forget Me Nots) time with my husband, seven children, four daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. “My immediate family (husband and children) have been very
supportive, as have my father and step mother! They have all been terrific! In
addition to family, we have many friends and business associates who are
extremely supportive as we continue to grow our company.” Trade Show Tips Family Forget Me Nots has exhibited at the Great American
Scrapbook Expo consumer show in Arlington, Texas, and also at ACCI 2003. “As we are a new business, our marketing plan is still
evolving but does include: an advertising budget, prepared media kits with
samples, current news releases and product specials listed on our website. When
we have product specials or time sensitive events such as tradeshows or price
increases, we use pop-up reminders on our website.” ”RESEARCH! Check out what is happening in your area, on the Internet and in the industry in general. And continue to learn as you continue to grow your business.” Cha Ching! The Profit Factor The Future For Family Forget Me Nots Final Thoughts
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