2022 Summary

Written By Mark Zeglen

2022 was my first full year in business. Although sales activity started slow, year end sales were acceptable. I wish I could have said magnificent, but I am not disappointed either. My first craft show was the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Holiday Bazaar, in Columbus, Ohio on December 2, 2022.

I displayed my pens and bottle stoppers at Thistle Exchange, a home goods consignment store in located in Findlay and Fostoria, Ohio. I did not renew my contract for the Fostoria store in November, 2022 due to lackluster sales. (The business owner closed the Fostoria store in January 2023 due to poor overall sales.) I continue to display pens only at the Findlay store.

I learned many things about marketing, website design, how to ensure search engines find my website, and product designs.

I am looking forward to increasing sales and expanding my product line in 2023.

Mark Zeglen

When I retired in 2017 from my career as an engineer, I finally had time to set up my workshop and pursue my woodworking hobby. In 2021, I turned my hobby into a business making artisan pens and bottle stoppers. As an artisan, I enjoy working with my hands, being creative. Making handcrafted items for myself and others gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride.

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My First Craft Show