I've been sharing what I know with creative entrepreneurs for as long as I can remember - it's just part of what I do.
I knew at an early age that I would make a living from art, craft and design. I've been a self employed artist, living with another self employed artist for 20 years. Along the way I've learned what it takes to turn passion into profit by learning every aspect of the business from the ground up. After years as a freelance designer/illustrator helping build brands for clients I turned the table and developed my own brand, Cartolina, which I'm proud to say sells in some of the most beautiful stores around the world.
I've worked with sales reps and distributors, retail stores, online stores and tradeshows. I've taught myself how to build websites, spreadsheets and mailing lists - and even stopped a long the way to build and run a restaurant. I've worried about all the same things that you worry about and I still celebrate the small successes as well as large.
Social media drives my business. I blog and I tweet and I've seen the results of strategically connecting with the right people. I understand that social media can seem daunting to a busy entrepreneur - perhaps I can help you fit it into your schedule. Business excites me, it's hard work and rewarding and I love to share what I've learned.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Fiona is an absolute wealth of information and undoubtedly more generous with her time and knowledge than the average entrepreneur. Her success and steady growth with Cartolina is a true testament to her business savvy and unique aesthetic."
- Carina Murray, Crow and Canary
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
What do I know?
I know how to identify a good idea. I know how to develop a product and take it to market. I can help you with your business plan, your branding, pricing your products and strategic marketing. I understand wholesale and retail sales and can help you work with sales reps and distributors. I can show you how social media like blogging and tweeting can strengthen your brand and increase sales. Press releases? No problem! I can offer suggestions on how to stay focused and how to recognize your strengths and weaknesses. But most of all, I've been there, I live the life, I've walked the walk and I understand how it feels to be responsible for your own small business.
Who do I know?
I'm very proud to have done business with some of the most respected names in retail including, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, Harrods, Selfridges, The Smithsonian Institute, Kate's Paperie, Harvey Nichols, Whole Foods, Chapters/Indigo and most recently, Barnes & Noble.
My work has appeared in top publications including Vogue, Domino, Country Living, Real Simple, Canadian House and Home, Style at Home, The Washington Post, Country Home, British Country Living, Australian Home Beautiful and more. Making connections with retail buyers and magazine editors is crucial to your success - I can help you with this.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
My personal website: http://www.fionarichards.com
Cartolina website: http://www.cartolina.com
Our Cartolina Facebook Fan Page.
On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Fionacartolina
On iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cartolina
On LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/fionarichards
