This Successful Entrepreneur Started Young and Built an Award-Winning Crafts Business.

By Bonnie Drew

Samantha Hohlt from South Haven, MS., sold her first teddy bear when she was 11 years old and started her own business, Samantha's Special Stuff. One of her best-selling creations is a white satin "wedding bear" that plays a recording of the bridal march when you push a button.

"When I went to my first craft show, I was really nervous that no one would buy anything," Samantha says. "Having a business has taught me to believe in myself and to work hard for my goals."

Two years ago, Samantha's handcrafts won six blue ribbons at the county fair and her story was featured on local television. In addition to her full line of handmade bears, Samantha now sells stuffed rabbits, children's hats, denim purses, Noah's Ark necklaces, angel necklaces, earrings, T-shirts, decorated baskets and Christmas gift items.

In a recent interview, Samantha shared some of her prize business tips:

WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE BEST WAY TO SELL CRAFTS?

I make most of my sales by participating in local craft fairs and fall festivals. My average income runs about $150 per show.

DOESN'T IT COST MONEY TO RENT BOOTHS AT FAIRS? HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH FAIRS TO CHOOSE?

It's important to select fairs carefully. The fairs sponsored by schools and churches usually cost less than $35 a table. The ones that do good advertising and promotion bring in the largest crowds. You can learn by attending fairs and making friends with other people in the craft business.

DO ANY RETAIL STORES CARRY YOUR PRODUCTS?

Yes, I have consignment agreements with several stores. That means I'm like a tiny store within a store. They give me room to display my products and I pay them 20 percent of the sales.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER FAVORITE WAYS TO SELL?

My whole family helps promote the business. We wear the jewelry and hats everywhere we go. We pass out business cards. We have signs on our truck. And we get attention with T-shirts that say, "If it doesn't say Samantha, it's the same old stuff."

Hats off to Samantha's Special Stuff!

Bonnie Drew is the author of FAST CASH FOR KIDS (2nd edition), published by Career Press (1-800-227-3371). She is also the creator of the KIDS BUSINESS software for young entrepreneurs, available from Homeland Publications (713-332-9764).

Drew is also Editor of Young Entrepreneur magazine, published by Kid's Way, Inc., a company that helps youth prepare for business and the workplace of the 21st century. For more information, write to Kid's Way at 5589 Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 or call toll free 1-888-KidsWay (1-888-543-7929).

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