This week we’re talking to Carrie aka The Inky Nook who is a member of our newly launched Social Mums Nottingham Facebook Group. She tells us how her love of crafting inspired her to start her business as well as what she finds most challenging about using social media.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family

I’m Carrie and I live in a little village just outside Newark, Nottinghamshire with hubby, our two children, a crazy lovable cockapoo, our rescue cat and two rabbits!  We moved here about 7.5 years ago now and it’s our little haven.  Originally I was born in Norfolk but moved around as my Dad was in the RAF until I was around 11 when we settled in Newark.  I’ve also lived in the Shetland Isles and Northern Ireland.  We love spending time at home or visiting the North Norfolk coast.

What is your business?

I am an Independent Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and my business is known as The Inky Nook.  I offer in person craft classes which range from card making to scrapbooking and home decor pieces.  My regular customers range from mums to young professionals through to retired women.  My monthly Crafty Cuppa sessions are ideal for beginners.  I run a monthly class at home aimed at the casual crafter and in 2019 I now offer quarterly full day craft retreats for the more experienced crafter.

You can also buy any of our products from me to craft at home with if you can’t get to me in person. 

What inspired you to start your business?

I love to be creative and wanted to share that with others.  When I first started I wasn’t confident but loved seeing friends and family smile when they received their handmade cards and presents. 

I started offering regular classes in 2017 but 2018 was when I really began to invest in growing my business and sharing my love of crafting and being creative with others.  Seeing a customer smile when they create a beautiful handmade item and realise they can be creative with the right tools is my biggest motivator.

What social media platforms do you use?

I use Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest and run a blog on my website.  I love the interaction that Facebook and Instagram provide and I am keen to develop these further.

What do you find most challenging about marketing your business on social media?

I think it has to be constantly thinking of content ideas to keep my followers engaged and interested whilst trying to beat the Facebook algorithms.  I’m also trying to be braver and do my Facebook live posts to connect with my audience.

What is the best social media that you have picked up for your business?

It has to be consistency as then people see you regularly and think about you first when they need your product/service.  Always respond to people’s comments and if someone is interested in your event send them a message to try and convert them to a definite going.

What have you found most useful about being part of a Social Mums Facebook Group?

It has to be the support from the admins and other group members as we all understand we are a mum trying to run their business whilst juggling a million other things in the background.  We are all at different stages too so can offer advice or tips as to what worked or didn’t work for us.

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

You can find me here;