Interview with Boodle Bags

Since Meylah is based in Seattle, we want to get to know artists, crafters and photographers from the Pacific Northwest area. Today, we would like to introduce Angela Anderson, designer and owner of Boodlebags . Angela creates stylish, washable diaper bags and baby-changing kits, which have been featured on the incredibly popular shopping guide DailyCandy Kids. Here, Angela dishes about running her online vs. offline business, how to get products featured on review sites, and how she's prepping her shop for the holidays.

Meylah: You make diaper bags and diaper-changing kits, but there are lots of diaper bags on the market. What gave you the confidence to decide that you could differentiate your bags and turn them into a business?

Angela: The diaper bags and changing kits we make are unique for several reasons. First, they're attractive: I use whimsical, contemporary, and traditional fabrics that look more like purses than most diaper bags. Even the changing kits look like stylish clutches! Secondly, all Boodlebags are machine washable - a necessary feature because we know what happens to them! For me, "wipe-clean" just doesn't cut it, especially for diaper bags. They collect all manner of crumbs and "mystery gack", bottles and sippy cups can spill or leak, they are set down in less-than-clean places, and daily use takes its toll on most bags. Ever try to "wipe clean" the smell of sour breast milk or formula? Doesn't work!

The diaper bags were designed to be light weight. Many diaper bags are rugged and attractive but they weigh a ton, empty! Add to that all the stuff that moms have to haul around, and you've got weekly trips to the chiropractor in addition to your already busy schedule. No thanks!

The "Baby Boodle" changing kits are unlike any other product I've seen on the market - in fact, I'm in the process of obtaining a patent! There are very few "all-in-one" kits on the market. Of those, not a single one I've seen is machine-washable. Unlike the wipe-clean versions, I use cotton flannel on the changing surface - soft and comfy for baby, not cold, yucky vinyl or nylon. Ours is a more compact design than the others, yet holds 3-4 diapers and a standard travel-size case of wipes in addition to having a large changing surface. I used my original prototype with my son up until he potty-trained at 3-1/2 yrs old!

Meylah: You will be participating in Seattle's Urban Craft Uprising fair on December 5 and 6. How do offline craft events complement your online business? Do you think it's necessary for craft/art businesses to have both online and offline presences?

Angela: I consider the "offline" craft fairs to be my bread-and-butter right now. My online store is a supplement to that business. I feel that in today's market, both are necessary. It is pretty much expected that if you are selling anything, you at least have a store on Etsy or eBay where folks can view and purchase your wares. It isn't enough, however. Handcrafted items sell better at live venues where the customers can touch, talk to the artist, and possibly request custom work. Also, new businesses rarely have the brand recognition that would drive Internet sales. Doing craft shows gets your product out in front of customers, many of whom aren't ready to buy, but will do so later or pass your info along to friends who might be interested, which is where your online store comes in.

Meylah: In June, you were featured on the ultra-popular site DailyCandy Kids. How did that come about? Can you give others any tips for getting their name out there?

Angela: Daily Candy - what a great gig! They're one of the most popular, ultra-hip shopping guides, and I was thrilled to have them review my stuff! It took persistence; I kept bugging 'em! There was no obvious way to submit products for review, so I contacted their advertising department, told them what I was looking for, and pestered them until they gave me the correct contact info.

Then I pestered the review folks until they gave me a shot! Daily Candy is a big one, but they're not the only ones - shopping/product review sites are EVERYWHERE, and you can find a specialized site for just about anything you can imagine! They are also one of the best ways to advertise products without spending a lot of money! Most of them ask only for a product sample, which is not returnable.

Some ask for a discount for their readers, and others may ask for a duplicate item to feature in a monthly giveaway. A reputable site will not ask you to pay for a review, nor will they ask you to write your own review. This is not ideal for all crafters. In fact, those who make one-of-a-kind items will probably find very few sites that review such things. That said, DailyCandy does occasionally feature jewelers or other artisans who do custom pieces, but those are mostly high-end. To find a product review site that is right for you, google "product review site" and a few words which describe your product or customer base (ie.: "baby product review site").

Check the results carefully - don't settle for anything less than attractive, well-maintained sites with current postings. If you find multiple sites of interest, try to get your review all in the same time period, or stagger them one right after the other. Most readers view multiple sites looking for bargains or interesting new products, and seeing your products in several places in a concentrated period promotes brand recognition and can increase sales! A word of caution, however - do be sure that you are prepared for a spike in sales (can you fill all those orders in a timely manner?), and make sure that your website is up-to-date and professional looking. Nothing kills consumer confidence like a shoddy brick-and-mortar store, and the same is true for web stores! If you are able to use coupon codes, be sure that each promotion has a unique code so you can track where your best sales come from.

Meylah: With the holidays coming up, do you have any special plans for "window dressing" or promoting your shop?

Angela: I may do some seasonal decorations for my upcoming craft shows, but changing the website is tricky! I just don't have time for that. I will, however, be sending out a holiday newsletter to my mailing list, and that will include special coupon codes (probably even a "Black Friday" sale!) with its festive theme.