What if you could turn your passion or hobby into a viable business?

Imagine how satisfying it would be if you could tap into your gift for crafting and develop a unique product line to share with others.

Mesilla Valley Artisans/Crafters Guild is designed to help you make that dream a reality. Donna Schwendinger, founder of Blue Gecko Southwest, will offer practical tips on how you can build a business, based on her years as an artisan/crafter in Kansas, Virginia, New Mexico, and Texas.

This meeting's practical tips will focus on

1.  resources available to the crafting community
2.  events that may be worth attending, and
3.  insurance basics for those who wish to exhibit their work at arts and craft shows, school craft fairs, and farmers’ markets.

Bring a sample of your work to share with the group, a possible name for your business, and a way to take notes. Join others who share your passion for creative expression in this lively, interactive learning community. Everyone is welcome!

More Information

Cost: Free

Ages: 18 and older, or 14-17 with a parent or guardian present

About the facilitator:

Donna Schwendinger founded Blue Gecko Southwest in 2003 while she was exploring ways to turn her passion for crafting gift items into an actual business. 

Her aha moment came when she made miniature spa bags for 25 staff members who worked for her at a medical billing company. Shortly afterwards, several of the women asked to buy more of her specialty soaps. That moment of customer validation proved she had a product that was marketable.

Following the positive response of her employees, Donna ramped up her inventory and started selling at local farmers’ markets and at the PX on the post where her husband was stationed. She soon learned that she needed a greater variety of product lines to offer her repeat customers. She began experimenting with different products, including gourmet doggie biscuits and pupcakes.

Relocating as a military wife gave her an opportunity to sell at farmers’ markets in Virginia, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas.  As a direct result of actively selling at church and school craft shows, Donna was able to hone her marketing skills through hands-on experience and develop a loyal following for Blue Gecko Southwest.