Get to know the makers, businesses and faces who are helping us create Midwest Craft Con! Today we meet Amy Dalrymple, a Columbus craft icon for over a decade. Her likable persona draws you into her AmyD booth and into your heart. Amy, who will be on a walkabout in Australia during the conference, has generously donated a ticket so that one lucky creative can attend in her stead.
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Megan: How long have you been in the creative scene? How did you get your start?
Amy: I’ve been crafting for a job for around 10 years. In the early ’90s, I had a small-press bookstore called Joe Books. I’ve always enjoyed making things and having a business. My grandma was a church bazaar crafter and was always making things and so was my mom. My brothers are both creative. One is a great artist, and the other taught me how to crochet when I was little.
Megan: What services do you provide to your community?
Amy: I donate coffee sleeves to Planned Parenthood for them to put into gift baskets for their donors. I try to do this for various groups I support. My goal is to make people laugh, or at least smile.
Megan: What are you most proud of when it comes to your business?
Amy: In my business, I am especially proud of the things I’ve created that didn’t exist before. The Beer Pocket Apron comes to mind. I very proud of the merit badges/award ribbons, as they were a response to a politician’s ignorance (Todd Akin’s “legitimate rape” comment turned into the “Legitimate Slut” award ribbon) that blossomed to a perfect addition to my product mix. The culture is so different now. It’s not uncommon for someone to start a business based on someone else’s idea they saw on Pinterest. Not saying it’s wrong, it’s just very different and it makes it a different sort of business. Perhaps the latter is more successful as a money-maker? I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately.
Megan: What is one big mistake you made that you’d suggest others avoid when entering the handmade arena?
Amy: When I got into Whole Foods, I thought shit was going to smooth out and be great. After working with seven stores at once, it nearly sank my business. Don’t put all of your eggs into one basket! Try to have an idea of some sort of who you are and what your product is. Decide how much money you want to make and how much you can afford to lose. Work with the tools you currently have. It makes me so sad to miss out on Midwest Craft Con! I know there will be tons of valuable information and friend-making!
One lucky creative will receive a three-day pass to Midwest Craft Con, courtesy of AmyD. Submit your scholarship application by January 15!
Midwest Craft Con 