Hi Tina, I'm so happy that you're here. I've seen you sharing your projects using our Skullpaper products on Instagram time and time again. So I thought I'd just write to Tina and ask if she'd like to do an interview.
Yes, and I'm happy too.
Just tell us a little about yourself, your work and what you post on Instagram…
I officially started my handmade shop in September, even though I have been doing handicrafts for four years, mainly sewing children's clothes. I have four sons and they always said that cooking and baking were my only hobbies. That got me thinking. So I started learning on YouTube and sewing myself. My problem, but also my blessing, is that I enjoy a lot of things, which led to more and more projects... When I then got my plotter, more and more people came up to me: "Hey Tina, you do this and that, can't you just do it?" And I always thought: "Yes, I could..." And so, despite a lot of envy in the handmade sector, I decided to make everything official and registered my business in September.
So what exactly did you start with?
I then thought about what I would do next. The plotter is great for offering sets, especially with candles. I was attracted to the idea of the candle slide film. After researching and comparing on Amazon, I decided on Skullpaper, even though it is more expensive than no-name products. I want to offer quality, only use and recommend products that I would use myself. So I ordered Skullpaper and experimented with Stazon ink and stamps, which I wasn't convinced about at first. Then I tried a laser printer, which worked better. Since then, I have sworn by the quality of Skullpaper and only promote products on Instagram that I am enthusiastic about.
My Instagram used to be private and focused purely on sewing. But I wanted to show other things too, so my husband and I brainstormed in the evenings for a new name. "Süßkeks", the nickname of my youngest son, seemed appropriate, even though my mother initially thought people might assume I was selling cookies. But I've gotten a really good response to the name and have now built up quite a bit on Instagram, which I'm really proud of.
It's interesting that you find many things exciting - I feel the same way. Do you have a particular specialty in the handmade sector or something that you particularly enjoy doing?
I am currently enthusiastic about casting with Kerakraft because you can use it to create great shapes and gift sets, including candles. My specialty is customization. Customers come to me with an idea and I immediately have suitable suggestions. Regardless of whether it should be a saying or a design. I simply love creating personalized products, such as personalized candles for confirmations, etc. Since January, I have also been using a laser, with the help of my husband, who is now our laser specialist.
We focus on homemade products - not on prefabricated designs. And that is what sets Süßkeks apart from many others. Individual, personalized products.
This is crucial to standing out in the handmade sector, as there are tons of handmade shops these days. If you don't stand out a little and just engage with people, you don't stand a chance. And so I always try to remain authentic, especially on Instagram, where everything is often staged. I don't put on 5 kilos of make-up before I do a story. I always try to remain absolutely natural - always absolutely Tina.
If someone comes to you with an individual idea, how does that person find you? Through Instagram or in what other way?
Sometimes people find me on Instagram, but I also have a WhatsApp catalogue and channel. I also opened a self-service shop here in January, where my candles also sell well. I share a lot on social media and quickly receive inquiries, whether via WhatsApp or Instagram. Thanks to my eleven years of presence in the area and my communication skills, many local customers also come to me. My main business here is local, with people who appreciate my work. In May, I will be taking part in a spring market for the first time. Although the handmade shop is supposed to stay small, I recently had to turn down orders because of too much demand and my part-time work. I often work in the evenings, sometimes until midnight, to meet my standards and perfect products. If I wouldn't make it myself, I don't sell it either. And so I often have to rework it and that just takes time.
You mentioned something about jealous people at the beginning. And on your Instagram account you don't just talk about products and creative things, but also about personal things, like self-doubt. Can you tell us more about your experiences with jealous people?
At the beginning of the year, I took part in Instagram coaching sessions to learn how to attract followers and buyers. It was emphasized that you are not just selling products, but also yourself. And so, of course, I am also active in many handmade forums, where unfortunately there is often jealousy. I make sure to have licenses for everything, whether fonts or images. Despite the strict rules in the handmade sector, such as product labeling and washing instructions, I adhere to the regulations in order to produce high-quality work.
There is an incredible amount of competition in the handmade forums, especially among women, who often tear each other apart and like to point out what others are doing “wrong”. This can be very challenging.
The issue of compliance with regulations such as product labeling, washing instructions, etc. is a particular challenge. Here, I always make sure that I deliver work that is not only of high quality, but also compliant with the rules.
Since September, when I started, I've had the opportunity to fully concentrate on it, as I was helping my self-employed husband in the office. Now that I'm working part-time again, I don't know if I would start again, as a lot depends on it. I look after my products and my Instagram account, even if I sometimes get laughed at for it: " Ah, now she's becoming an influencer," "Now she's talking to the camera" and all that blah blah. But that's when I think to myself: "now more than ever."
I usually like to ask for tips for beginners who want to be creative. In your case, I would like to know how to show your creative work publicly, like you do. Especially against the backdrop of jealousy and inhibitions. Do you have any tips?
Just have courage and dare to do it, despite the strict bureaucracy in Germany. If I had the chance, I would start much earlier, especially because it is more difficult to be visible on Instagram these days. It is important to appear confident and remain natural, which is something my community also appreciates. They love that I am honest and don't use filters.
To be on the safe side, I work with a tax advisor, even though my handmade shop is small. This helps to avoid any problems with the tax office. I also recommend using coaching to improve your own presence on Instagram.
I recently had my own logo created to create a unique selling point. This change has improved my recognition. It shows that constant presence pays off and you shouldn't let setbacks discourage you. I've even started to get approached here in town. "Oh, you're the one from Süßkeks, right? We saw you on Instagram." That's really cool and I'm happy about it. If you stick with it and don't let yourself get discouraged, it will pay off eventually.
Interesting, you also mentioned your WhatsApp channel. Can you tell us a bit about what it's all about? Is there a difference between it and your Instagram?
I created the WhatsApp channel primarily to show people what I sell locally in my self-service booth. I put my products, which I keep refilling in the booth, with pictures and prices. And I shared this channel in our local Facebook groups. 50 people have now joined, which is really good for our town. People can't write to me directly and send me their requests via the channel. I wanted people to always see what they can find in my booth, especially because I work a lot seasonally.
I was actually a little worried that there would be a lull after Christmas. I sold an incredible amount of candles and plotter products at Christmas. I made plotters for Santa's boots, which sold really well. And so I thought that after Christmas things would calm down, but that wasn't the case.
So you move seamlessly from one season to the next, so to speak?
Yes, exactly. After Christmas I thought things might calm down, but then the rush came at Easter. And then it continues straight away with Valentine's Day, Easter, church celebrations, school enrollments, etc. There is always something going on, which is of course great. And I always keep my customers up to date on the WhatsApp channel.
How exactly does the self-service booth work? Can people just come and take what they want?
Exactly, the place is small but I plan to expand it. Right now people have the option to pay with cash or PayPal. It's all based on trust but so far I haven't had any problems with theft. I list the products and when something sells I cross it off the list and refill.
And if someone wants to learn more about you or your business, what’s the best way to reach you?
The best way is through Instagram. I do have an Etsy shop, but the fees are high and it requires a lot of advertising, so I don't actively maintain it. Instagram and my WhatsApp catalog are more effective. I'm thinking about creating my own website, but right now social media is enough to keep me busy.
Thank you, Tina, for all your insights. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I think I've told you quite a lot about myself and my business. What's important to me is that people shouldn't just see the finished product, but the whole package and everything that goes with it. Especially if you're planning to run a handmade shop and want to reach people with your posts, then self-marketing is just as important.
Absolutely. Thank you for your time and sharing your experiences, Tina. I wish you continued success with all your projects.
MORE ABOUT TINA:
WHATS APP CATALOGUE
WHATS APP CHANNEL
Photos: ©Tina Konietzny
