Meet Leah Burke, the small business owner of Artisanal & Co based in Cradoc, Tasmania
Leah has been operating her own business, Artisanal & Co since September 2023. She had my first exhibition in October 2023. She is a weaver specializing in table linens and homewares. In the long run, she plans to open an online gift store where other artisanal businesses can sell their products on a commission basis. Additionally, she aims to expand and diversify her business by growing and selling Billy buttons.
“My business coach, Anthony, has been an invaluable sounding board for ideas and online marketing strategies. He is consistently available, providing a grounding presence that keeps me on track. I love sharing my ideas and plans with Anthony and he boosts my confidence so I can actually execute my ideas and plans.”
Read more about Leah’s business journey so far:
Leah’s Business
My business, Artisanal & Co, started in September 2023. I had my first exhibition in October 2023. I am a weaver specializing in table linens and homewares. In the long run, I plan to open an online gift store where other artisanal businesses can sell their products on a commission basis. Additionally, I aim to expand/diversify my business by growing and selling Billy buttons as well.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? Why did you want to go into business?
After sustaining a brain injury, I was no longer commercially viable for traditional employment. Therefore, I decided to turn my passion for weaving into a business. This allows me to stay busy, positive, and financially independent. I found out about Many Rivers through a Facebook advertisement.
Working with Many Rivers
I received business coaching services that included developing my business plan, cash flow management, and budgeting. My business coach, Anthony, has been an invaluable sounding board for ideas and online marketing strategies. He is consistently available, providing a grounding presence that keeps me on track. Anthony’s support has relieved much of the pressure, as he encourages steady, sustainable growth without overwhelming me. His motivation and encouragement has been crucial to my progress.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
No, I didn’t get a loan from Many Rivers.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
It’s the one-on-one relationship that I have with my mentor, Anthony which is the most useful for me. I love sharing my ideas and plans with Anthony and he boosts my confidence so I can actually execute my ideas and plans.
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
It’s just me managing and running my business.
Biggest Challenge
An unexpected and significant plumbing issue in my house became a major challenge, impacting me financially and causing my business to slow down. I couldn’t keep up with the demand, and managing everything simultaneously was particularly difficult due to my disability and pension. I had to shift my focus to dealing with the plumbing problem first.
Biggest Success
My biggest success was landing my first customer from Manhattan, who purchased a $300 table runner. This was a tremendous encouragement for my niche market. Additionally, I secured a commission to redesign a shop and create an art installation at the Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart, a significant milestone for me. I will be entirely refitting the shop with new fixtures to enhance its appeal and boost sales. The goal is to create a more flexible and customer-friendly environment, focusing on visual merchandising for commercial spaces.
Biggest Change
One of the biggest changes has been my increased connection with the community and the motivation to get out of bed every day to advance my business. A positive change is that I have found the right path and gained the confidence to take control of my life after my brain injury.
Future Goals
In the long term, I hope to establish an online gift shop featuring products from various artists. In the short term, I need to learn how to use my 8-shaft floor loom and equipment to weave faster and more efficiently. Currently, I weave by hand using a 4-shaft table loom, which limits my speed. My plan is to speed up production in the long-term with new and faster equipment.
Thank you, Leah for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.
We love to encourage people to take the first step towards kick-starting their small business ideas. Do you have a business idea?
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