Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Cooksey.
Lily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved all things crafty. When my kids were young, I was introduced to scrapbooking as a creative outlet as well as a way to meet other moms. Those relationships were what fueled me to become a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator more than 15 years ago and still keeps me going today. I love sharing my love of crafting with others and to show people that they too can create handmade cards and gifts. It’s so rewarding for me to see the excitement in someone’s face when they finish their first project. A few years ago, I expanded into providing personalized gifts using vinyl and it has been a great addition to my business. I love being able to help others find unique gifts from tumblers to hand-poured bag tags and keychains. Most recently, I have channeled my inner baker and hopped on the sugar cookie bandwagon. I offer cookie decorating parties, cookie kits or fully decorated cookies to cater to everyone’s needs.
Has it been a smooth road?
The great thing about owning my own business is that I can work my business around my family’s busy schedule and my full-time job. The biggest challenge with a handmade business is having enough time in the day to create projects but I am quite the night owl and it’s amazing what ideas pop into my head at 3am.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Handmade By Lily story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m proud that my business, Handmade By Lily, has evolved from a scrapbooking and card making hobby with friends into a thriving home-based business. I offer a wide array of handmade cards, personalized items, and cookies for every occasion. Plus, with the addition of home parties, Handmade By Lily will show you how you can do it yourself or have it done for you – whichever suits your schedule!
My favorite thing about owning my own business is the opportunity to get out and meet new people. Throughout the year, you can find me providing on-site personalizing at various pop-up shops and local craft shows. For those who love DIY, I offer monthly Stampin’ Up! and cookie decorating classes.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The most important thing for any business is to stay on-trend. I’m always looking for unique or popular items that can be personalized from insulated tumblers to bags and keychains. I love combining the personalization of a handmade, unique gift with the latest in-demand products.
I also think that in the next decade, it will be important to build my online presence and experiment with e-commerce. I know that often before a new client will contact me, they’ll look at my products on my website or social media first. I want to make sure I’m always making the best first impression – online and in-person!
Pricing:
- Stampin’ Up! Card Classes $10 – $25
- Stainless Tumblers $45
- Hand Poured Bag Tags $10
- DIY Cookie Decorating Kits $25
- Cookie Classes $36
Contact Info:
- Phone: (512)589-4283
- Email: lilycooksey@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/handmadebylily
- Facebook: facebook.com/lilysstampinpad
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