Summer Company Success Stories 2004

Hattie's House of Beads
Hattie Dunstan, Caledon East

Hattie had been beading and making jewellery for about six years before she decided to turn her hobby into a summer business designing, producing and selling necklaces and earrings made from vintage and reclaimed glass beads. Originally, Hattie had expected to generate the majority of her income through direct sales at flea markets and craft shows. As time went on, it became clear that resale through established stores was a more lucrative strategy, and Hattie changed marketing efforts to focus on cracking the retail market.

Being responsible for all aspects of the business is challenging for a new entrepreneur. Not only did Hattie have to order stock, design the jewellery and teach her subcontractors how to create the pieces, she also had to conduct all of the sales, establish and maintain a bookkeeping system and ensure quality control. Dealing with her subcontractors was a particular area where Hattie developed skills. She learned that she alone had to be responsible for a quality product and how to deal with problems that can arise when other people are working on your behalf.

With her products established in six retail stores in the Orangeville region, Hattie plans to continue her business throughout the school year and full-time next summer.

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