About me, a story about a tiny home art and crafts business established in 2004:
I can hardly believe it is already 2019! Technology has drastically changed with the times since my original website was created at www.TheEnchantedGallery.com. The internet was a new experience for most people, and having a home computer had just become common. Ebay was a new way to clean out your garage by selling antiques and random household goods. Writing checks, sending money orders and paper catalogs were still quite common. That all changed a lot after 2010!
When websites were created back in 2004, it was a simpler style of html, with page layouts that were not designed for mobile phones or tablets that became so popular for web browsing about a decade later. Over the past few years my customers have shared their experiences with my outdated site, mostly including issues with display and cart errors while using an I-Phone, Apple's Safari browser, tablets and other mobile phones. Over the years I've had my share of challenges as a single-person art and craft business keeping up with technology changes.
I started this business as a way to work from home when I developed a serious illness. I was in college at the time, hoping to also teach art classes. I had to drop out suddenly when diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkins Lymphoma. With massive debt from cancer treatments and the inability to work outside of the house for several years, I put forth my best effort to improve my artwork and start a home business. It was a scary time of not being sure I could make ends meet.
In recent years, major companies like Shopify, Squarespace and Wix have made creating a mobile-friendly website easier than ever before. Gone are the days where I had to teach myself how to use complicated image editing, managing shopping cart programming and website building software with limited functionality. All the while being the sole proprietor in charge of all products, paintings, photos, publicity, invoicing, packaging and shipping. This was particularly difficult back when I was very sick from chemotherapy. I thought there was no way I would be able to handle the amount of work hours that goes with running your own business.
If it weren't for the support I've received from my deeply appreciated customers, I may not have endured through my struggles. A big THANK YOU for your help in making my art and craft business a success. Due to that gratitude and wishing others to have the option to craft as their job, I am an "angel company" (meaning purchases you make of my artwork's digital files, rubber stamps and other supplies can be used to create goods for sale).
If you have feedback about any of these site changes, please feel free to comment below! I look forward to many more years of sharing art and supplies for your DIY creations, so that you too may have success with turning your creative hobby into a business:)
Kim Crick
Kimberly Crick - February 27, 2019
Thank you so much Deborah! I am so glad to hear the old site was not problematic for you, it looks like it was bad for just certain browsers and phones. I appreciate your feedback :)
Deborah - February 27, 2019
Bravo! on the new site…never had problems with the old; however, the new site is beautiful! I am always shopping with you whenever I have a few extra pennies…best of luck and wishes for your continued good health!