Linda Heard and my husband Owen Wittek

Kinderhook, New York 12106-0720

I have been in the “American Country Antique Business” for over 40 years~~always dealing in 1800’s original pieces in their original paint. We have done shows all over the East Coast and had stores in Maine, Massachusetts, Florida and New York, where we are located now. We specialize in original antiques and have wonderful, one of a kind accessories “made in America”~made just for us. The folk artists we have, have been with us for many years~~~and always make for us the perfect items to fit in with our antiques.

We have wonderful customers~~we all love the same things and we all become special friends. Having a small country store creates a cozy atmosphere where we all can enjoy each other’s company. Our wares are set up to give a customer an idea of how to do it in their homes.

We buy only what we would have in our own home~~quality antiques, all original, and special hand-mades that are only made in the USA!!!

We have been lucky that the economy hasn’t hurt us~~antiques are an investment as well as our hand mades. People invest in quality.

We do advertise some~~~in Early American Life magazine, Mercantile Gatherings magazine~~~our Picturetrail web site is a great showcase for us( http://www.picturetrail.com/lindowensamericancountry)

The best advertising is word of mouth~~~when you are loyal to your customers, artists and friends~~they are your advertising.

We live in the historic village of Kinderhook, New York~~~our shop is located on the street level of an 1830’s building and we live above the store!!! The atmosphere is “EARLY” and that is also what we sell!!

Our style is 1800 country primitive~ in the store and upstairs at home. I have a degree in interior design and have decorated this way both for ourselves and customers homes, restaurants and stores. It is most important to love what you do and what you buy~~your customers feel it immediately!!

Our American handmade candles, dolls and folk art sell out all the time. NO imports for us!! We only want special items that are not seen in other shops. We search far and wide for our goods. We also have our own wool yardage that was woven for us~~~copying early antique pieces of wool~~perfect for decorating in the primitive style. It is important to have wonderful old fashion smells going on in the store~~candles are always burning. Natural dried herbs, spices, gourds, garlands and wreaths add a special touch.

Our store is an extension of our home~~ we’d never buy anything we wouldn’t keep for ourselves.

We do have several open houses each year…coming soon is our Harvest Gathering in the fall and Christmas Gathering following in November. We look forward to participating at The Simple Goods show in Ohio in November~~just our style!!

Looking forward to your visit and welcome you to a simpler time of life!!!

Linda and Owen

120 W. Main Street
Turlock, CA 95380
Hours: Tues. – Sat. 10-5
Phone:(209) 668-1888

Website: www.americancountrydecor.com

Lori Barnard- Owner/Proprietor

Lori had an opportunity to start her own business, a dream that Lori and her Mother shared. Lori started the business in October of 2006 after the death of her beloved mother, Loraine, who also shared a passion for Antiques and Primitive Decor.

Lori grew up with Country Décor, as her Mother was an Antique collector for over 30 years.  Lori’s mother’s home was featured in two Country Magazines. Lori and her Mother would travel to the East Coast in search of Antiques. Loraine had a talent for Interior Decorating and Lori feels that she has inherited this gift.

Lori and her mother shared a love of antiques and country decor as well as a dream to one day opens a country shop.  Lori proudly stated, “All that I am, I owe to my mother”.  American Country has been open for 3 years.  American Country carries one-of-a-kind and unique American made items, antiques and great American made reproductions.  Lori has a passion for primitive painted furniture and has a wide variety of American reproduction furniture in her shop, American Country.  She takes great pride in supporting American craftspeople and in selling their wares in her shop. 

Lori also has a love for handcrafted, American made pottery and redware, which can be found at American Country.  While in American Country, you will find decorating inspiration at every corner as Lori creates imaginative and warm vignettes in her shop that assists customers with decorating their own homes.

Lori believes that developing a close and personal relationship with her customers along with a love for primitives is key to having a successful business.  Lori’s love and appreciation for American Country antiques and reproductions is found throughout her warm and wonderful shop.  Lori notes that she loves everything she buys as her love for her goods will undoubtedly be conveyed to her customers, which in turn, help sell products.

Lori believes that in order to weather this difficult economy, shop owners must advertise carefully and cut back on holiday items.  Advertisements she believes are well placed are with Early American Life and Country Sampler magazines because each issue specifically targets Lori’s customer base; those that love country furnishings and antiques.

When asked how she finds artisans and craftspeople to carry in her shop, Lori attends wholesale market shows, such as the Market Square shows, the Gallery of American Craftsmen, scours through magazines, websites and, perhaps most importantly, gains inspiration from talking with others who share her passion for primitives and hand-mades.  Lori also suscribes to Country Business Magazine, where she finds interesting articles and new vendors, on occasion.

It appears that American Made products are strong sellers at American Country.  Lori attributes the success of hand-mades in America to the customers’ desire to connect with and directly support American craftspeople and artisans.

American Country: Featuring a Collection of Primitive Country Decor for your home. Antique and Reproduction Furniture, Primitive Lighting, Upholstered Furniture, Baskets, Tinware, Vintage Candles, Rosehip Wreaths, Rugs, Redware, American Folk Art, Samplers, Vintage Signs, Quilts, Dolls, Pottery, Homespun Fabric, and Old Village Reproduction Paint Colours. Our inventory is always changing, stop by our location in Historic Downtown Turlock to take a look.

During the Great Depression one of the finest President’s of the Century, Franklin D. Roosevelt, knew that encouraging people to buy American Made meant putting Americans back to work.  

During this difficult time in our economy we need to revisit that Great Spirit and wisdom of FDR and the emphasis he put on buying Hand Made in America. Supporting made in America not only creates new jobs in our country but creates a sense of pride in our community. Buying American-made goods and supporting your local economy whenever possible, keeps money in the country, and in our cities and towns, instead of being sent overseas. It keeps our friends, neighbors and family in their jobs. It helps maintain our high standard of living, which so many of us take for granted.

An excerpt from www.madeinusa.com states “there are 305 million people living in the United States. If each one would shift $20 a month in spending from foreign-made products to American-made products, it would create 5 million new jobs.”

The purpose of this site is to inspire and support each other to continue to buy American handmade goods. It is a reminder that handmade items have a soul and enrich our lives in many ways. It also allows each of us to take control of America’s destiny and do our part in helping our economy.

From the conception of Market Square, sitting around our kitchen table 22 years ago, the emphasis was and is about the artists and craftsmen who painstakingly make their product by hand in the U.S.A.. At that time we had our own pottery business and were exhibiting at shows 15 weekends a year. It was important to us to create a show that not only focused on American-made products but also provided quality customer service that many shows were lacking. American-made and customer service has always been the heart beat of Market Square, the root of what makes our market unique and different from everyone else’s. After 22 years we are still committed to excellence.

After the close of the Fort Washington Expo Center more than three years ago we tried to run both Order Writing and Cash & Carry at the Valley Forge Convention Center. We quickly found the building was too small to promote both shows and provide a shopping environment that was based on our original principals. We knew in order for our exhibitors to be successful, we need to present our market in a buying environment that would allow buyers to see the maximum amount of exhibitors in a schedule that was no longer inconvenient, in a building that could handle both shows running concurrently. That is why we moved the show to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Our only agenda is to bring a Market to Valley Forge that’s emphasis remains on Made in the USA in a shopping environment that is enjoyable to buyers. As a community we can work together to make a difference in this great nation of ours by simply spending more money on American-made goods. It’s inspiring to know I can make a difference.

Kathy Goodrich

http://www.marketsquareshows.com

We’ve been in business for more than 20 years, but it was only about 10 years ago that I really got into country primitives. 

What type of experience are your customers looking for when they come to your shop?

     I think they’re looking to shop in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  I also think they appreciate personal attention and knowledgeable answers to their questions.

Do you establish friendly relationships with your customers? If so, is that important?

     It’s very important.  A good part of my business comes from repeat customers and word of mouth.

What advantages do you believe a small country shop has over large shops?

     In my case, one advantage would be the merchandise we carry.  About 90% is made in America, and hand picked by me.  My customers know they can find items that they couldn’t find in larger shops. 

Do you have a guiding philosophy?

Being  honest and up front with the customer.  It may not always result in a sale, but in the long run, if a customer trusts your opinion they’ll keep coming back.

Do you have any advice for shop owners & artisans on weathering a poor economy 

For shop owners I would say to look for areas to trim, in ways that won’t be immediately obvious to the customer. I think customers expect to see something new and different each time they visit.  If nothing really changes, they’ll eventually just stop coming.

If it’s necessary to decrease inventory, try rearranging your shop to give it a fresh new appearance. 

What are some effective (& economical) ways to let customers know about your shop?

             I advertise in The Country Register, Country Sampler, and direct mail

Please describe your shop, what makes it unique?

      My business is located in a large 2 story barn built in 1850.    I specialize in  

      American made, hand crafted country primitive items.        

What is your decorating style?

Country Primitive               

Why do you think staging or creating vignettes are important? 

Sometimes people can’t visualize how something will look in their home.  Showing the item in a setting helps them to do that. 

Is it important to love what you do/buy?

Yes.  I think it’s especially true when you deal in a specific style, like country primitives.

I don’t buy anything that I wouldn’t put in my own home.

What American handcraft sells well in your shop?

Reproduction primitive furniture, lighting and candles

How do you find good American artists/vendors?

I go to several shows a year.   

Can you recommend any good shows, literature, magazines and books for creative inspiration?

Shows:  Market Square and Heritage Markets

Magazines:  Early American Life and Mercantile Gatherings

Books:  Judy Condon’s Country Decorating Books 

Buyers have expressed confusion over the changes in the winter market in Valley Forge.  I am going to outline the shows by dates, in recognizable terms, so you can better understand who is who, and what shows are when.

To Review, in 2009 this was the location of markets and their respective promoters:

There were four (4) venues in Valley Forge in January, 2009.  They were inter-related and ran concurrently with each other.

1.     Heritage Market of American Crafts, produced by Barbara Pitt, at Park Ridge Hotel

2.     Heritage American Cash & Carry Market produced by Barbara Pitt, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel

3.    Market Square Winter produced by Goodrich & Company, owner Robert    Goodrich, was held at the Valley Forge Convention Center

4.    Grass Roots and Buyer’s Cash & Carry Markets produced by Market Square, owner Kathy Goodrich, was held at the Valley Forge Convention Center

An additional promoter was in the area in January 2009, to launch the National Country and Craft Show, at the Philadelphia Expo Center, in Oaks, Pennsylvania.  Perhaps some of you went out to the Oaks and visited this first time show.  Urban Exposition has renamed that show for 2010, The Market Place.  Urban Expositions also owns the Philadelphia Gift Show which will be held on January 16-19, 2010.  In addition, Urban Expositions manages the Orlando Gift Show, Boston Gift Show, Las Vegas Souvenir Show and other resort and gift shows. In the past, they have had gift show venues in Columbus, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia. 

Now that you have the cast of characters………here is the line up for winter 2010.

January 20, 21, 22, 2010

Heritage Market of American Crafts (Order Writing Show)

Park Ridge Hotel, Valley Forge, PA
Produced by Barbara Pitt

January 20, 21, 22,  2010

Heritage Market American Cash & Carry Market

Park Ridge Hotel, Valley Forge, PA

Produced by Barbara Pitt

January 21, 22, 23,  2010

Valley Forge Winter Market (formerly Market Square Winter)

Galley of American Craftsmen

Valley Forge Convention Center (main level, mezzanine, Radisson ballrooms)

Produced by Robert Goodrich

Buyer’s Choice Cash & Carry

Valley Forge Convention Center (lower level Valley Forge Convention Center)

Produced by Robert Goodrich

February 6 and 7, 2010

The Grass Roots and Buyer’s Cash & Carry

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

Oaks, PA

Produced by Kathy Goodrich, Market Square

February 6-8, 2010

Market Place Order Writing Show (formerly National Country & Craft Show)

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

Oaks, PA

Produced by Urban Exposition, owner of Philadelphia Gift Show

Now you have the 2010 line up and the date and place of each venue.  I hope it helps in you decision making process. 

Promoters’ Websites:

Heritage Markets Shows: http://www.heritagemarkets.com

Goodrich Promotions: http://www.goodrichpromotions.com

Market Square: http://www.marketsquareshows.com

Urban expositions

 History of the Shows

 

I often wonder if anyone ever scratches their head and wonders how this marketplace started. Well, the traditional wholesale markets, as we know them, are the result of the collective vision of Barbara Pitt and Robert Goodrich, who are brother and sister. In 1978, we held the 2^nd retail country craft show in the United States. Today that show is known as The York Folk Art Show, in York, Pennsylvania. Building on that experience in the retail arena, in 1984, we decided to launch the first wholesale market. Prior to 1984, there wasn’t a wholesale venue for traditional and country exhibitors, except to be represented by market representatives or “reps” at the Atlanta Gift Show.  Goodrich and Pitt’s first show was held at the Aladdin Shrine Complex in Columbus, Ohio.  The second show was held at the old Holiday Inn (now the Crowne Plaza Hotel) in Valley Forge. That was the start of the Valley Forge Markets. Who were the first exhibitors? Michael Bonne Coppersmith, Beaumont Pottery, Making it Country (owned by Sally Queen), The Workshops of David T. Smith, Lt. Moses Willard, Warren Kimble, Michael Camp Furniture, Dixie Rose Bandboxes, Martha Wetherbee Shaker Baskets, Aron Yakim, Claudia Hoff, Ned Foltz Pottery and many, many more. Exhibitors were limited production, but most important, all were traditional American artisans and craftsmen

 

Barbara developed the wholesale venue under her company, The Heritage Markets. Robert, better known as Bob, continued with the retail shows. In 1990, Robert founded Market Square Traditional Wholesale Market held at the Valley Forge Convention Center. In 1991, Barbara originated the cash & carry markets.  The first cash & carry venues were held on the upper tiers of the Aladdin Shrine Complex and the lower level of the Holiday Inn. On-site sales at the wholesale shows!  What an uproar!!  Look at them now.

 

Collectively, Bob & I have 46 years invested in the American wholesale marketplace. Our original vision created the platform for the shows as we know them today. For all the ups and downs, twists and turns in the road, we are still here.  Quite a miracle considering that everyone gave the country market a lifespan of approximately 2-3 years, 5 max,  back in 1978.  Join us in 2010, as we continue to bring you the best of traditional Americana, by American craftsmen, starting with the Valley Forge Markets in January.

 

Hello folks!
We hope you can visit our Featured Artisans’ Booths at The Quill & Well’s 1st Online Trade Show ~ The Autumn Harvest OnlineTrade Show. The Online Trade Show is scheduled for July 27th from 7pm-9:30pm EST.  Since this is a Trade Show, only qualified buyers can register to attend/Opento the Trade only.

For Primitiques, If you are interested in purchasing anything you see in our online booth, call us at these phone #’s: 610.459.1776 OR 610.500.0047 OR 610.348.9618 OR email us at primitique@cocmast.net.  Provide your form of payment at this time… All items must be paid for by the show’s end, whether we are holding on to them for you or not.  Items sell quickly during these fast-paced online shows, so DO NOT HESITATE to call us or email us to make
your purchase, or you may loose out on a one-of-a-kind deal! Items are considered SOLD when you have either spoken to us (& received a confirmation code) or receieved a Confirmation Email from Primitiques or your other participating featured artisan.

Artisans: Thomas and Patricia Hooper

Company Name: ASL Pewter

Address: 123 S Third St Ste. 200

Louisiana, MO 63353

Phone: 573-754-3435 

Fax: 573-754-3461

Web Address: www.aslpewter.com

Q&W:

Do you sell to shop owners? 

Tom & Pat:

YES!

Q&W:
Please explain why you chose to sell wholesale.

Tom & Pat:

In the three mediums Tom has worked in (for 30 years now) he’s always set prices at wholesale, so that is where we start, and we work to retail from there.  It was the initial decision and what we’ve stayed with.

Q&W:

Can you offer any advice to other artists on working with shop owners?

Tom & Pat:

Offer good quality at a good price, stress American made, be available to answer questions.  Provide sales aides – tags, literature, displays, signs, explanations – whatever works for you and your product.  Make sure your work is unique, and tell the store WHY and HOW you are unique – don’t duplicate what is already available.  Be patient – the store owners don’t know your product like you do.

Q&W:

Is it important to forge a relationship with shop owners?

Tom & Pat:

YES!  Everyone wants to be ‘special’ and any time you can show a shop owner that that person (responsible for a portion of your income) is, indeed, special to you, you increase the potential for both of you!

Q&W:

Do you educate buyers on your product?

Tom & Pat:

YES!!!  The more a store owner knows about you and your product, the better that person will be able to sell your work.  That’s one of the rules of selling!  We educate by writing info tags on many of our pieces, and including them when the pieces are bought by a store.  We also have general info tags, for instance, on why Polished Pewter is historically accurate and on our antique molds and how pieces cast in them will be different from other pieces.  We talk to the stores, by phone or at shows, and are available to answer questions.  We suggest items that have good ‘track records’ for sales in specific types of stores or locations.  We invite store owners and buyers to see us at a retail show and purchase from us there, where they have a chance to ‘cherry pick’ and to see and choose from one-of-a-kind items or new things that aren’t in the catalogue.

Q&W:

Have you ever participated in a trade show?  What was your experience?

Tom & Pat:

Our first traditional wholesale show was The Gallery of American Craftsmen with Bob Goodrich.  That was in 2000 and it literally changed the course of our business, setting us firmly on the path of Early American reproduction.  We credit The Gallery with a large part of the current success of our business.  To have a promoter provide a space for artisans to sell unique, traditional, American handcrafted items (as opposed to the big trade gift shows that are mostly imports) was, and is, a revelation!  We had, once, participated in the Buyer’s Market of American Craft, in Philadelphia.  It is a beautiful show, featuring American made (both North and South continents) but it was not our market, as it is very contemporary. It is a terrific venue for contemporary artists, and those who can cross over.

Q&W:

Can you offer any advice on how to prepare for a show?

Tom & Pat:

First – ask the right questions to understand your venue.  Is it Cash and Carry, Order writing, both?  Is it traditional, contemporary, handcrafted, factory made in America, imports.  If you are new to wholesale, visit a market first to see what is being offered and at what prices.  Can you fit in those price structures?  Feel free to exhibit and sell ONLY those items you want to produce at wholesale prices.  Feel free to set whatever delivery schedule you want to set – BUT STICK TO IT! 

Q&W:

In your opinion, what are the benefits of wholesale?

Tom & Pat:

Many artists who retail only are dependent on shows, so the biggest benefit of selling wholesale is that you don’t have to travel, you are not away from your shop, you don’t have road expenses and booth fees and you don’t have time away from your production schedule.

Q&W:

Would you pick and choose who you sell to?

Tom & Pat:

We ‘discriminate’ only in that we try not to have the same product in the same zip code.  We sell to fine gift stores, country and Americana stores, reproduction stores and museum shops and physical locations as well as internet stores.  We do retail as well as wholesale, we do shows and we sell from our own gallery.  Every once in a great while, a store (or potential customer) will complain about us selling our product.  It usually takes the form of “I can’t sell that for what you sell it for and make any money”.  Twice, I have had someone actually tell me he or she won’t order from me because I do my own retail.  That is a decision each store owner gets to make for him or herself, and I don’t let it affect my business decisions.

Q&W:

Do you have any advice for shop owners and artisans on weathering a poor economy?

Tom & Pat:

First, for the artist, we would say be creative.  Every time you show yourself at a show, whether retail or wholesale, have something new.  If customers have requested something, see if you can make it!  For us, there is no option to ‘weathering the storm’.  We are in this for the long haul.  We may not have as much inventory on hand, we may make things to order.  We are more judicious with ordering raw materials and other supplies.  Save where you can, but don’t skimp on quality as that is what will sell.  For shops, my advice is similar.  Listen to your customers; make sure you have what they are looking for.  Offer new items, maintain your quality but perhaps limit the quantity of each piece you have in stock.

Q&W:

Please tell us about your Advertising.

Tom & Pat:

We advertise a lot.  Advertising seems to be something that goes by the wayside when times are tight and that is when advertising is most important.  One of the cheapest ways to make sure people can find you is an active and up to date website.  Also, include additional information – ‘news flashes’ about you, upcoming shows, new product info, etc – in every box you ship.

Q&W:

Is it true for you that handcrafted goods are still selling strong?

Tom & Pat:

We give this a resounding, qualified YES!  The qualification is that AMERICAN MADE handcrafted is selling remarkably well.  There are still lots of people with significant disposable income and they are still willing to dispose of it.  They are being much more discriminating with it, though.  We are seeing, both in our shop and at shows that people are looking for things to enhance their homes and bring comfort and beauty to their lives.  People are willing to pay the price as long as they receive value for the dollar spent, quality and American Made.  They also are often looking to take home a piece of the artist (rather than the art) if the artist has made a positive impression on the customer.

Q&W:

Is it important to love what you do?

Tom & Pat:

YES!  It’s way too damn much work otherwise.  Additionally, potential customers know if you really care about what you have made and or offering them or not and it makes a HUGE difference.

Q&W:

Where do you find inspiration for new designs?

Tom & Pat:

We have research books to see what has historically been done with pewter (our medium).  We look to history a lot, but also to what was done with other metals, and can we replicate some of that.  We listen to what customers ask for.  Some ideas are just figments of our own warped minds.

Q&W:

Do you ever think outside the box?

Tom & Pat:

Often!  Historically, pewter was always a functional metal, not decorative.  We make pieces that are more like what was done with silver than with pewter.  Sometimes, we make a piece because someone told us we couldn’t, or we have happy accidents. 

Q&W:

What makes an artist stand out in your mind?

Tom & Pat:

Quality and uniqueness of work and personality of the artist.

Q&W:

What is your philosophy on Keystoning?

Tom & Pat:

Frankly, what I charge wholesale for any piece is what I need to get for that piece.  Whatever a store charges is entirely their business.  My wholesale price is always 40-50% off what I charge retail in my store or at a show.

Q&W:

Do you have a favorite quote?

Tom & Pat:

“American Crafts Should Be made By American Craftsmen”!

Q&W:

What do you think American artisans/vendors can do to make themselves more marketable/sellable?

Tom & Pat:

Make sure your customers – whether the public or a store – ALWAYS know you’re American made, or that you carry American made.  Be diligent and consistent in getting that word out!  Artists – ALWAYS sign or mark your work. No one is willing to buy something that you don’t take pride in and if you are proud of your work, sign it!   

In our foundry we create and offer traditional and original pewter tableware and household items.  Tom and Pat share a fascination with European and American history which translates to our work. 

We sculpt our own originals, which we use to cast pieces unique to ASL Pewter.  Using traditional metal spinning techniques, we create our own mugs, basins and goblets.  That process includes chiseling our own wooden forms to each desired shape and then moving the metal over the form with wooden sticks, while the form is turning on the lathe.  We also have a collection of antique bronze, aluminum and steel molds, from which we cast historic replicas and reproductions.  Many of those molds were made between 1780 and 1840 for what was then known as Bucks County Pewter in Pennsylvania.  The result is an inclusive line of exceptional and totally unique pewterware that is functional, beautifully decorative and historically accurate.

In September, 2002, we instituted a formal apprenticeship program.  It is important to us to pass along our knowledge and skill, and to help to keep alive a craft that is rapidly becoming lost.  In 2003 Pat started decorating some of our pieces with an historic form of engraving called wrigglework, so we are preserving another element of fine folk art.  Some of Pat’s wrigglework has been acquired by the American Folk Art Museum in New York, New York for their store.  

Our work has been featured in St Louis Homes and Lifestyles, Early American Life, Country Living and Missouri Life Magazines and is shown in galleries and museum shops around the country.  We have been selected by Early American Life Magazine as among the top 200 Traditional Crafters in America for every year since 2002.  In 2002, we were honored to have made an ornament for the White House Christmas tree and in 2002 and 2003 for the Christmas tree at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion.  We have participated in juried shows across the country including Kentucky Crafted, The Market, The Country Folk Art Festivals in Illinois, the 18^th Century Craft Fair at Mt. Vernon, and fine Americana and folk art shows in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, Missouri, Indiana and Connecticut.  We are founding officers of Traditional Handcrafters of America, an organization dedicated to the preservation and teaching of fine crafts.  Tom is past president and Pat is past treasurer of Missouri Artisan’s Association, the largest independent art organization in the state.  Pat has also served as treasurer of the Great River Road Guild of Professional Artisans and is past president of the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce.                

The Economy, the Law of Attraction and Local Businesses

By Beth Merryfield

As I sit at my computer today, I am writing with a strange sense of clarity and conviction on the state of our economic health and an empowering feeling that we have control over our situation.  There are many personal philosophies and beliefs merging into one connected mindset today, so I thought it best to jot them down before fleeting. 

Feeling that we have some type of control over a situation is empowering. It is an infectious and healing power.  For a while, there has been a palatable fog in the air of financial despair. The unified voice stating that the greed of others has unraveled our state of stability. As a relatively new and naïve small business owner making furniture, I have held onto our business philosophy that we must be strong allies to small brick and mortar businesses.  There have been many missed opportunities to work with importers, internet and catalog companies along the way; however, we truly believe that if we, as one small, family company, strive to protect small retail shops, that it will better our community. We heard many grumblings from many non-brick and mortar shops by choosing this path, but, more importantly, we’ve built some strong and rewarding relationships with the shops who support us.  Small steps lead to great strides… or “With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919).  That has been one of our principle tenets guiding us through owning a small business.

While we firmly believe we are doing our part as wholesalers, that is, carefully screening potential customers to be sure they own an actual brick & mortar store, I have only made some attempts at the other end of the economic equation.  That is, I have tried to support our town’s local, small businesses.  This part of the equation, for me, tends to be a little difficult because we tend to allow ourselves such little time to run errands and need to consolidate our time so tightly that we forget about the “little guys”.  For our business, we have managed to weave in almost daily support our local, family owned hardware store and try to avoid supporting the big, chain home improvement stops.  There is our local favorite sandwich shop and of course our local farms to purchase our produce but that is about it.  It was not until I saw a hand painted sign on the side of the road the day before mother’s day that said “Support your Local Shops, buy your flowers from us” that I took a fresh look around and saw at least 20 white tents with wilted flowers for sale.  I was struck by this simple sign because, until this moment, I thought I was a strong advocate for small businesses. How could I have overlooked something so clear? I had purchased many mothers’ day flowers at the supermarket and from some random tent vendor on the side of the road never having a second thought.  That has resonated with me over the past few weeks and I have been trying to perpetuate my devotion to made in the USA with our online newsletter, The Quill and Well.

It is easy to get swept away by the anti-import band wagon but I found this approach to be somewhat counterproductive, as it feeds on negative energy.  Also, it feeds a sense that we are victims and does not foster a sense of being able to “do something about it”.  It is a slippery slope to pessimism when you are focusing your energies on what is wrong and who is to blame.  Therefore, instead of giving more attention to issues pertaining to imported items, I thought it best to channel my energies to highlighting things we want, such as more attention and support for American Made products.  My dear friend Stephanie Monahan, (a talented folk artist I met while displaying at trade shows) and I decided to focus our energies on American artisans and the dedicated shop owners who support us! 

Ironically, we continually struggle with enforcing our criteria for choosing featured artisans and shop owners because to truly support Made in America takes devotion and sometimes saying no.  Shops who primarily carry hand-made goodes understand that finding American artisans is becoming more difficult and yet, it is by their offering unique, hand crafted items that sets their shops apart from others.  It is simple to say “Buy American” or to paste an American flag on the bumper of your car.  It is, I believe, a bit harder to live the bumper sticker, so to speak. It takes dedication and awareness and a positive American attitude. 

I have been “complaining” lately to friends who are willing indulge me about the poor attendances of the trade shows. I do believe that vendors/artisans and shop owners are in a relationship and if one fails, they both suffer.  Trade shows have been slow lately, an inevitable sign of the economic times.  However, if shops are not showing their support to the artisans who travel for days to set up at a show, then the artisans will no longer attend.  This dynamic is much intertwined and it can be viewed as a co-dependent relationship.  I hear time and time again at shows who is to blame for the lack of buyers.  At weaker moments, I find myself joining in and my husband and friend are quick to help me out of the negative zone… I try to quickly steady myself and focus on what I can do to be sure I am presenting my company in the best light, staying “fresh” and creating a welcoming display.  On a weirdly related point, I have been reading the Laws of Attraction (by Michael J Losierwhich), which are, in essence, a series of self-help books that teach us we attract what we put out there.  So, as you can see, I am struggling with making sense out of this ailing subculture of trade shows and wholesales to brick and mortar shops and trying to consistently view it through a more positive lens.  I have been at a loss for a new and positive way to view our situation. Thus, this has been my mini-journey to economic enlightenment.  Since I am dedicated to attracting positive energy, then positive energy and thoughts are what I must consistently put out there… right?

One could argue that the power of attraction led me to find an inspirational project that has helped me tether all of my whirling thoughts.  I would say that I stumbled on this effort, but think I know better… I was wandering around the web looking for American artists when I found “The 3/50 Project” by Cinda Baxter. “This is it!” I thought to myself. There is a powerful message here. I believe this movement is telling us that we hold the power to change things. We are in control over our situation, including our economic health!  We are not destined to be victims of the importers or an ailing economy.  The 3/50 Project has a noble slogan “Saving the Brick & Mortars our Nation is Built on”.  I felt so completely validated when I read this.  I found myself inspired by the 3/50 Project and began looking at my community in a new light.  My thoughts quickly wandered to a tiny little family owned sports memorabilia shop next to the place where we buy pretzels.  I went in this shop just once and left two feet in the front door because it was cluttered. I am going back there again this week and buying father’s day gifts for all the dads in our life. Oh, and of course I am going to buy all of my flowers from the local flower shop that made the hand painted sign, too J

This new perspective was a breath of fresh air for me! I felt all of the cynicisms and doubt I hadn’t realized I was carrying melt away.  The frustration I felt for shops who did not attend the shows was replaced with understanding of the greater roles you and I play in our economic recovery.

So, here’s our recovery plan… It is akin to the “pay it forward” philosophy that has guided many wise folks long before me and will light a path long after I am gone.  Change begins with one person.  More specifically, it begins with one purchase J Please visit the 3/50 Projects website to see how you can make a change in your community.  It is a simple yet contagious notion that will help bring us all together, again!  Thank you for taking your time to read my rantings, I do hope they were of some use and interest to you J

Beth Merryfield

Co-Editor, The Quill and Well

President of Primitiques, Ltd.

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