Sewing, Quilting, Handmade Blogs & Businesses: Let's Work Together!

Socializing is a favorite pastime of mine; we all know that networking is huge for businesses to be successful.  I like working with other businesses to get both of our names out there, and I love finding great sewing/quilting/handmade businesses and blogs.  After all, I learned a lot from blogs when I was first starting out, before my business was even a thought!  What I love more than finding new-to-me blogs and businesses, is sharing them with my readers via Feature Posts.

  Let's face it, as a one-woman show over here at SoChick Handbags, I don't always have the time to do awesome blog posts, while updating awesome inventory, as well as managing the other aspects of my business and family life.  By having feature posts, I can share and bring new readers/customers to other blogs/small businesses while offering great content for my readers, right here on SoChick~The Blog!  Win-win, see?

Want to be a Featured Site on SoChick~TheBlog?  

Here's the details:

- I'll host your 150x150 or 300x150 shop/blog button on my right sidebar for the month in which you are featured.  You can choose to also host my SoChick button, if you'd like. 

Example 150x150 Ad

Example 300x150 Ad

- I will have "Feature Friday" posts twice during each month.  In a Feature Friday post I will highlight your business/blog and give a short description (which you provide) along with one or two photos from your business/blog/product.

- You may also choose to share a sewing/quilting tutorial or fabric-related DIY, which will receive it's own weekday-post during the feature month. If you'd like to offer a giveaway or discount to your shop, email me and we'll chat.

- All of this is FREE and includes shout-outs on Twitter and Facebook, because Social Media is where it's at and this chick is all about Social Media!

Stats:
~ 4500+ Page views per month
~ 150+ Followers via GFC
~ 470 Likes on Facebook
~ 445 Twitter Friends

You can read previous "Featured" posts, here.

   I like for Feature posts to tie into what SoChick is all about, "Everyday Chic for Everyday Chicks".  Take a peek around the blog and you'll notice that while I like timeless design for my bags and accessories; I'm drawn to beautifully fun and fresh fabric, I also like tattoos and rock music.  If you think our businesses/blogs would be a good match for one another, go ahead and shoot me an email: melissa{at}sochickhandbags{dot}com

I can't wait to get to know you, work with you, and share you with my readers!

I'm currently seeking Sewing, Quilting, Handmade blogs and small/indie businesses to feature for September and October.  

XxOo~ Melissa

Reflecting on 2011 {Welcoming 2012}

Hello Friends! How exciting it is to be greeting you on the last day of such a great year.

2011 has been a year of growth and learning for my handmade business, SoChick Handbags, this blog, and myself. 

[Looking back] This year:

~SoChick! Handbags celebrated turning 1 year old.

~I Committed to Blogging, which has been a blessing

~SoChick was Fox Small Business' "Tweet Business of the Day" and featured twice on their site; Here & Here.

~I was named  "Scatter Girl of the Month" in November

~I was featured on many blogs, of which I am SO grateful.

~SoChick! became a vendor at our local Farmer's Market

[Numbers]:

265 Followers on Twitter - 339 Likes on Facebook - 101 Blog Followers via GFC - 2600 Avg. page views per month here on the blog!

SoChick!, the business and this blog have grown so much in 2011 and I can't thank my family, friends, and customers enough for the love and support!

Source: ohhellofriendblog.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I have goals and dreams for 2012, and high hopes that it will bring even more growth here, on the blog, as well as in SoChick! the business.

I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year, may 2012 be a fantastic year for you!

XxOo~ Melissa

Give SoChick! for Christmas [& Small Business Saturday, Can I Promote You?]

Today is the last day to order the made-to-order SoChick Sling and Dahlia Tote bags... but there is still plenty of time to order any of the smaller ready-to-ship accessories at SoChick!The Shop!!


Here are some of my Favorite Items... Notice that they are all $20 or less (!)


~The Perfectly Pleated Pouch


~Organic Cotton Ruffle Scarf


~SoChick Wristlet

I'm sure you can find some stocking stuffers for the Everyday Chick on your shopping list! Pssst~ It's perfectly acceptable to gift yourself some SoChick!, too!


* * *
Saturday, November 26th is Small Business Saturday.  This is the day after Black Friday Madness, where you are encouraged to get out and support your local small businesses by shopping small.


Read more about Small Business Saturday Here.


Here is what SoChick! will be up to: 


I will be attending the New Bern Farmer's Market, which will be open for extended hours (8am-4pm) for their Christmas Carol Craft Sale.  I will have a table there and would love for you stop by to see me and the other local artists if you are in the area!


Here is what I want to do for you, if you're a Small Business Owner:


I'd love to share your Shop/Small Business with my readers, Tweeps, and Facebook Followers, to encourage them to shop Small for SBS!  I'm putting together a Small Business Guide that I will post Wed and it will remain up through the Holiday till Saturday Evening.


What you can do to participate.. it's easy... e-mail me with your 200x200 Shop Button, that's it!


Your button should link directly to your Shop/Small Business; be sure to get it to me by 8pm EST, Tuesday Nov. 22nd (that's tomorrow evening)!


I will list the guide on Wed. Nov 23rd with the Buttons and promote via all my Social Media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, Blogs)  I'm happy for you to share the direct link to that  post as well!
I think this will be an Awesome way to share Small Businesses and connect readers to other Small Businesses and Shops they may not know about!  You may find a small business in your area, too!


Have a great Monday!!


XxOo~ Melissa

Reading and Following Blogs [How-To and Why You Should!]

Source: etsy.com via Melissa on Pinterest

[Why Blogs]

Well, you can learn tons from blogs... DIY/Craft Tutorials, Recipes, Organization, Design, Fashion, Beauty Tips, Gardening... shall I go on?  You can network, find inspiration & support, share faith, and grow through blogs.  And, mostly because many blogs are the real deal... real people, like you and me, sharing their lives, experiences, knowledge and passions through their little place on the internet they call 'Blog'.

[How do I find a blog worth reading?]

I have found that this takes time, building a list of blogs you enjoy reading, that is.  A lot of the time, once you've found a blog you like you can search within that blog for Guest Posts, Feature posts and Sponsors which will bring you to other bloggers who may share a common thread and qualities that got you hooked on the initial blog.

[I found a blog I want to follow... now what?]

Follow it!  Here are some tips:

Subscribing via Google Friend Connect

Some blogs, like mine, are hosted through Blogger (by Google) and allow you to subscribe via Google Friend Connect aka GFC, using your Google account.

Once you click "Join this site", you'll come to a window where you can then choose to follow publicly or privately... the choices are pretty self-explanatory, but it gives you a breakdown anyway... *wink*

Using an RSS Reader such as Google Reader (and the super cool 'Subscribe' toolbar widget)

When you subscribe via GFC, the feeds for those blogs will be stored in Google Reader... a super easy way to keep up with  the blogs you are following, and its Free! 

The reader will automatically get updates for the blog you follow and you can read them all from one screen... anywhere you can get an internet browser window! You can also access it from your iPhone with the Google Reader App... woot!

[What if I want to follow a blog that's not hosted on Blogger?]

Google reader also allows you to add this cute little "Subscribe" widget to your toolbar:

Yep, mine sits next to that addictive little 'Pin It' Pinterest widget!

When you find a non-Blogger blog that you love, you can click that 'Subscribe' button up on your toolbar to add it to your Reader... and viola! you can now keep up with that site, too!

[Did you know?]

  You can follow more than just blogs in a Reader...

This widget shows you that a feed is available for the site you are reading... when you click it, you have an option to select the reader you are using, in my case, Google Reader, and you can then choose to subscribe that way!  Super for news sites such as FoxNews or CNN.

~ ~ ~

These are just some tips that I've learned along the way...  I love being able to keep up with all of the blogs I enjoy without feeling overwhelmed or that I may miss something.  When I set aside an amount of time weekly, I am able to learn, be inspired by and connect with all of the blogs, and bloggers, that I enjoy!

Also, don't be afraid to leave a comment... us bloggers love feedback and to know that you are liking what you see/read!  You can comment as little or as much as you like, but definitely do so if you come across a cool post, or yummy recipe that you enjoyed.  Not only does it make us do a *happy dance* it shows other readers that it may be a recipe worth trying or tip worth trying!


So grab a cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee (or beverage of your choice) and get to reading and following! You'll be happy you did!

XxOo ~Melissa

Call for October Sponsors [Let's Work Together!]

With Fall in full swing and Halloween approaching, I thought it would be lots of fun to host a month of Fall/Halloween related Guest Posts, GiveAways, Features and Tutorials right here at SoChick! The Blog.

E-mail me at melissa[at]sochickhandbags[dot]com if you'd like to participate!!

I'd also love to work together with other small/indie/handmade shop owners and bloggers to help promote one another with a button swap!  Visit my Networking/PR Page for more info!

Everyday I am reminded how much I love encouraging my peers, bouncing ideas off of other crafty friends, and networking via Twitter and Facebook.  I also love to expose others to the wonderful world of the blogging and hand-made community.

Since making my Commitment to Blogging a part of my business plan, I have been blessed to 'meet' so many wonderful ladies who share the same love and passion for creating that I do, whether it's with sewing, painting, jewelry making, blogging, etc.

I look forward to working with you! 

XxOo~ Melissa

Check It Out! {Sponsor Love}

Now that it's October, I guess I better introduce you to the lovely ladies who's ads have graced my sidebar for the past month!  These gals have great shops, I'd love for you to visit them and leave a comment!

{Sponsor Love: Check them out!}

My name is Chrissy and I blog over at Hoot Designs and I also have a photography blog called Hoot Photography.  I'm a fairly new blogger and have enjoyed getting to know all the crafty and talented artists out there in blog land. I enjoy all kinds of crafts and I'm always jumping from one craft to the next.  After mentioned my crazy all over the place self I learned there were others like me so we started a blog called Scatter Girls.  We blog about all things handmade with tutorials, fun Wednesday linky's and we love to have our friends guest post for us to share their talents.

                                                                   I have a shop on Etsy with a few things for sale.  

The key chains listed are by real "Indie" business and if your interested just send me a note and let me know you came through Melissa with SoChick Handbags and I'll ship for free!!Come visit Hoot designs, I'd love to meet you!

~Chrissy


Hoot Designs on Facebook  |  Blog: www.hootdesigns.com  |  Twitter: @Chrissy217

* * * 

Hello everyone! My name is Tara and I blog over at The Small Town Mom and am also the owner of June. The Shop. I am currently living in a small town just south of the Twin Cities, Minnesota with my husband of 3 years and my 20 month old daughter. And let me tell you, it is fun! I've always pictured myself as a stay-at-home-mom and although everyday isn't easy, I wouldn't trade it for anything!

I am inspired by so many things, it can be the gathering of a dress, or the pop of color on a wall! The support of my family and friends is always an inspiration to me and I am always looking for inspiration in the things that surround me. My go to place is the ever addicting, Pinterest!

When I'm not singing off key toddler songs or hanging out with The Hubs, I love to craft. I'm a fan of anything DIY and enjoy creating for others! And when the weather is right (I'm one who pretty much hibernates during the winter months) I also love to sight see around Minnesota! 

Tara


Website: thesmalltownmom.com  |  Shop: junetheshop.etsy.com  | Twitter: @MNTara

* * *

Hey there!  

I'm Dawn from Eventually Cottage, where you can usually find me crafting my heart out or working on frugal home decorating projects.  My Prince Charming {partner in crime} and I bought his childhood home about 7 years ago.  It was formerly the carriage house for a large estate.  We have been working non-stop turning it into a cozy home for our two teenagers, three rescue dogs, and two rescue kitties!  When I'm not hard at work on our home or in my Eventually Cottage shop, I can be found answering 911 calls for our county's Department of Emergency Services.  It's a crazy life, but I wouldn't change one thing about it!  <3


Website: EventuallyCottage.com  |  Shop  | Twitter: @EventuallyDawn


* * *

Jana is the chick behind Giggles, Glitz and Glam, where she talks about crafting, hosts a Tuesday Glam Party, and makes adorable little tutus and accessories... which is perfect since she and he hubby are expecting a little girl very soon!  Lean more about Jana, HERE.

Blog: gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com  |  Twitter: @giggleglitzglam

* * *

Be sure to check these gals out, and sure, you can tell them SoChick! sent you!

If you would like to become a Sponsor or work with me, be sure to check out my Networking page for more info!

XxOo~ Melissa

Guest Post: Gina of #SetUpShop & Hiya Luv [Shop Anniversary Celebration Week]

Happy Monday!  I hope you are enjoying a relaxing Labor Day with family today, or at least have been able to soak up summer over the weekend.

This week I'm celebrating my SoChick! Shop's 1 Year Anniversary!  Things got kicked off last week with a few GiveAways over at 5Days... FiveWays and The Elephant's Trunk.  There is still time to enter each!

My goal for this week is to share, encourage, and inspire you.  Let's Partay!


Today I've asked Gina, the host of the tweet chat #SetUpShop to be my guest.  I am so happy to have 'met' Gina through her chat.  She's a super sweet Chick, encouraging and helpful... she really likes to see others succeed and that's why I think she Rocks!

Hi Gina!

* * *

Hi {new} friends! I am so happy to be visiting you today! I just love Melissa and feel so privileged to be guest posting today!


My name is Gina and I blog at Hiya Luv and Connect. Engage. #SetUpShop

ME taken with the instagram app

I also have a handmade business called Hiya Luv Handmade. {While I restock, my shop is on vacay mode but will re-open soon!} I also host a handmade business chat on Monday evenings at 9pm Est on twitter called #Setupshop


In fact, that is how I "met" Melissa. She immediately struck me as someone who was really personable and talented. I just love her shop and think her work is impeccable!

***

Today I want to share some tips on using Social Media because I have been able to grow my business, blog readership, and {yes!} build friendships through a variety of social media outlets.


1. Get out there!!! Don't be shy. You have nothing to be afraid of-really! Open up a Twitter account. Participate in Tweet Chats. Make a facebook page for your blog and/or shop. Join Pinterest. Use Instagram and connect with others through photos.

2. Be Social! Talk to others. Follow others on twitter; like people on facebook; repin on pinterest and leave comments. Post your photos on instagram. Join a tweet chat; there is so much to learn from others and you have so much to offer others. Retweet others' items or thoughts that they post. Join the conversations and let your light shine. Tweet out your blog posts. Connect your facebook and twitter to Networked Blogs and your blog posts will automatically tweet out and be posted on your facebook. Visit others blogs and leave comments. You will find that many will do the same for you!

3. Be patient. Your following probably won't grow like a weed overnight. What you put into socializing with others will give you a great return; I promise! But it takes some time. With some patience and consistent socializing, you will find your blog readership, twitter, and facebook growing. If you have a business, you will find that more people will visit your shop and become interested in what you have to offer!

4. Play nice. Be you but remember that you may not always agree with the conversation. Speak your mind but do so politely. It is easy to misconstrue a tone or statement over a tweet. Think before you tweet or post on facebook. Your social behavior is a big reflection of you and can make or break your online reputation. I am not saying this to "scare" or worry you. I just want to be real and let you know that it is important to remember when you are socializing online.

5. You will find your niche. Just like in every other aspect of the world there are groupings of people. I truly believe this a natural part of socializing and do not think that people maliciously exclude others; it just happens. You will find a group of people who you really connect with and then some others who you are social with but you don't make a magnetic connection. Don't get offended; it is just the way of the world.

Do you use social media now? How has social media helped you grow your business/blog/relationship with others?


I would love to connect with you! Tweet me @hiyaluv or "like" me on Facebook. I will do the same for you!


Again, thank you so much to Melissa for having me today!
please note that all photos are from pinterest.

***

Thank you, Gina!  See... bursting with info, this gal!  Again, Social Media is Huge... Did you know, within a week of starting my Twitter account, SoChick was tweeted as Fox Small Business' "Business of the Day" on Twitter? It's true!  Put yourself out there... good things come to those who go out and get 'em. *wink*

Be sure to come back tomorrow for some Tutorial Good-ness!

XxOo~ Melissa

Working Mommas [ My Collaboration with LMC Accessories]

A little while back, in my Spring Break post, I had some exciting news to share.  When the time came there was a blogger blip and I resorted to a Facebook note in lieu of blogging to share.  Well, I'm bringing that little "note" over to where it belongs... here on my Blog. *wink*  Ready for some fun?

  A few months back, Melanie, a mother of 4 and the creator/owner of Lil' Miss Couture Accessories, a handmade hair accessory boutique for the 'Couture Girl Next Door', reached out to me about designing some handmade couture clip cases to hold her fabulous couture hair clips!  After some brainstorming with Melanie, I was off to do what I love, designing and sewing, of course.  I came up with two designs that I am proud to say she "loves" and the items are now for sale in her shop!

"So Chick & So Couture"

Available at www.LMCAccessories.com

Clutch with removable strap.  Holds up to 24 clips.

Clip Wallet holds up to 14 clips... perfect purse-size.

 I am so honored that Melanie came to me about this project and happy to say these are handmade exclusively for Lil Miss Couture; so, if you know a "Couture Girl Next Door', head on over to Melanie's Facebook and tell her SoChick sent you!  She really has some stunning accessories... Mommies can get in on the action, too! (Hey, I've been known to put my girl's clips in my hair, why not?!)


Thanks for letting me share this with you, again (if you already read it on Facebook).  Have a wonderful weekend!



XxOo ~ Melissa

Committing to Blogging

  I know I've said it before and then I fall off the bandwagon... I am going to blog more... I WILL Blog more!

I always read the blogs of other crafty folks, like myself and I love that I feel like I'm getting to know them.  So, after reading some here recently I thought, "I need to do this, make a plan, and stick to it."


I started searching around for ideas on how to better schedule my blogging time and how to actually have content that you, the reader, wants to see... then it hit me, again,  I love making friends and meeting new people.  I also love to talk about my ideas and what inspires me. (Both creatively and in life in general.) I also love to learn and share my knowledge.  I will tie all of this into SoChick~TheBlog, my own sweet little piece of internet where I can meet, connect and share with all of you!

What better time to get into the swing of things than with the launch of SoChick's Summer '11 collection?!  For starters, I have already signed up for the Inspiration Workshop through Gussy Sews, see the cute little button on the right ... yeah... over there... see it?...  That will kick off June 2nd with weekly Blogging on what inspires me.  Then I will add topics such as The Chick, which is me, Melissa, the woman behind the business; Sewing Tips, self explanatory *wink, wink*; How To's, Fabric Picks, what inspires me and such.  These topics may change as I finalize my Blogging plan.

 *Here's a little taste of inspiration.

I took this photo on our trip to Savannah, GA.

Go ahead and follow SoChick~TheBlog so you don't miss a thing!

I am SO looking forward to this, it's going to be a great venture and sew much fun!

Talk soon~

XxOo~
Melissa