Hand Works by Trish Williams

What is the name of your business?

Hand Works by Trish Williams

How long have you owned your business?

I have been creating my art for the past 12 year under the name Hand Works, but have been an artist all of my life.

What was your ultimate goal when you decided to open your business and have your goal changed?

My ultimate goad is/was to share my art with the world and no my goal has not changed.

What does your business provide its customers?

Hand Works provides a one of a kind collectable than spans the range of dolls (Darling Divas/Friends), unique art quilts, some lap/bed quilts, home deco items (pillow, table-runners, etc), and wearables.

How do you set your business apart from the competition? I don’t compare my art to others because, I feel that  art should speaks to ones heart or spirit and if my creations do not speak or touch the heart/spirit of the viewer, than that item was not meant for that person collection or environment.

Does your business have an ecommerce site?

I do have a website www.handworksbytrish.com that has been in existence for a decade.

What percentage of your business comes from your web site?

The percentage of business that comes from my website is small, but it has afforded me the opportunity to provide an artistry presence in parts of the country/world that otherwise I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to visualize Hand Works by Trish Williams. Because of my web presence I have had some of my pieces to exhibit not only in the Chicagoland area but and other parts of the country, and to me that exposure is priceless.

What advertising methods do you use?

My business is advertised primarily by word of mouth and by other standard ways of advertising i.e. business cards, brochures, occasionally postcards and my website.

What kind of promotions do you do?

My promoting not vast due to the fact that I’m not a business in the traditional format.  I don’t at present have gallery representation, but I am a member of several art and quilt organization that promote it’s members by allowing us to post our exhibits/venues on our websites.  I also participate in art fairs and some craft shows.

How important is it to recognize loyal customers?

Without loyal customers/collectors it would be difficult to get exposure to others or new collectors.  Some of my collectors belong to a group of collectors (Diaspora Rhythms) that participate in home tours.  This group allows others to see how they can live with art and learn the importance of support local artists.

What percentages of your customers come from your local community?

75% of my customers/collectors are local, but I do have collectors in California, Texas, and Hawaii. 

What community events or charities do you support or sponsor?

For several years I’ve made donations of my art to Bethel New Life, Inc., Muntu Dance Company, Oak Park Art Council and many others local organizations.  For the first time last year I participated in Ruinart Champagne-Art Basel fund raiser that supports art communities of children.