NEW HERVEY BAY STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR NEEN'S CROCHET CORNER

Stallholder Profile for Neen's Crochet Corner

Your name: Janine Tsakisiris

Your business name and facebook/website name and link: Neen's Crochet Corner: https://www.facebook.com/NeensCrochetCorner/ 

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/janine-tsakisiris

The suburb/town you live in now: Tinana QLD

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: I crochet unique amigurumi (toys) mostly as well as doilies, beanies, bags and accessories.

What inspired you to start your business?: My family and friends loved my creations and encouraged me to open a Facebook page. It started as a place to just share what I was creating but I was soon taking requests and designing my own patterns.

How long have you been creating?: I taught myself to crochet about 5 years ago.

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: I still class my crochet as a hobby.

Where do you sell your creations?: I mostly sell the patterns for my designs through Ravelry. I also work as a freelance designer for Lincraft and I have also sold patterns to crochet magazines. I sell the finished items through markets and online.

What makes you so special or different?: My work is unique to me. I have designed the majority of crochet items that I showcase at markets.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: I just love seeing others recreate my patterns.

What is your favourite product to make?: Crochet toys are my niche!

Do you teach classes or workshops?: Not as yet but plans are in the works...

NEW STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR SUMMER SPARKLE

Stallholder Profile for Summer Sparkle

http://www.facebook.com/summersparkleearrings

Name: Chrissy

Business Name: Summer Sparkle

Facebook Link: www.facebook.com/summersparkleearrings

Suburb/Town: Springfield Lakes

What do you make and what skills do you use: I make handmade glass stud earrings and clay stud earrings.  I am always on the look out for different colours or pictures that I think would look good as earrings or that I could use as my inspiration.

What inspired you to start your business: I was inspired to start my own business as I am obsessed with earrings and I was constantly looking through markets to find something different or unique to add to my collection then I thought why don't I just create my own.

How long have you been creating: I have only been making earrings for just under a year now but I am constantly adding and thinking of new things to make.

Is it a full time/part time/ hobby or business: It is just a hobby of mine that I am slowly trying to create into a small business I can do with a young family.

Where do you sell your creations: At the markets such as The Handmade Expo & Vintage Market, facebook and instagram.

What makes what you do special or different: I am constantly trying to find new things to make into earrings.  New styles or pictures.  I enjoy a challenge.  If I don't offer it or if you want something in particular you would like I enjoy trying to custom make a pair of earrings to suit.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do: It is my hobby.  I love earrings and I love making myself some sneaky pairs while I'm creating.

What is your favourite product that you make: I can't choose I love them all!

THE 2017 MARKETS ARE OFF AND RUNNING!

February is traditionally the month that market season kicks off each year. The stallholders have been busy over the break creating gorgeous new creations to showcase at the markets they attend each month and the sheer quality of their workmanship certainly delights our customers!

Ipswich and Rockhampton were our first two market locations to kick off in February.

The Ipswich market which is held at the Ipswich Turf Club on Brisbane Rd in Bundamba on a monthly basis, runs from 8am-1pm and offers plenty of activities for the kids, loads of stalls and delicious food and coffee to curb your hunger and thirst. Customers get to stroll around in the sunshine and enjoy the day looking at all the stalls. Sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended!

As an added attraction visitors to the market can also take a ride on the Queensland Pioneer Steam Train which has a stop just outside the market. The kids love it!

Here are just a few of the gorgeous stalls that attended the February market....

Further north in Central Queensland our Rockhampton market is held at the Rockhampton Showgrounds in the Robert Schwarten Pavilion. It's held there for the majority of the year with a couple of dates held in the beautiful Botanic Gardens. The market runs monthly from 8am-1pm at the Showgrounds and then 10am-3pm at the Botanic Gardens.

Customers at our Rockhampton market are lucky enough to be treated to a venue that is fully airconditioned which is fantastic in those months where the heat is truly stifling! This month there were flash sales galore, plenty of microphone promotions and we had 3 winners of our facebook competition where the winners got to spend vouchers they'd won at nominated stalls.

Here are some photos of some of our amazing stalls...you can find more photos on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thehandmadeexpocq/

2017 has seen many new, fresh faces booking stalls along with the regulars who have been attending for many years which is fantastic as returning customers always have new products to browse through along with their favourites.

If you or someone you know creates, bakes, makes, grows or loves vintage we would love to have you along to one of our markets! Applications can be made at any time at https://www.thehandmadeexpo.com.au

We look forward to seeing you at one of our markets in March. Ipswich on the 18th, Forest Hill on the 25th, Rockhampton on the 25th, Cairns on the 19th or Airlie Beach on the 19th!

FOREST HILL STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR THE CHILLI PATCH

Stallholder Profile for The Chilli Patch

https://www.facebook.com/thechillipatch/ 

Your name: Debbie Aitcheson

Your Business name and Facebook link: The Chilli Patch, https://www.facebook.com/thechillipatch/

The suburb/town you live in now: Minden

What is it that you make and what skills do you use? We grow from seed all our potted herbs, chillies and salad greens. Paul hand makes timber products such as bird feeders, bug hotels, boxes and crates, chalkboards and egg carriers.

What inspired you to start your business? A friend said to us in 1999 that no one was growing Chilli plants in the horticulture industry so we started and haven’t looked back. We love it.

How long have you been ‘creating’? Our business started in 1999 as we wanted to start a family and working from home was a way to do it.

Is it a full time/ part time/hobby or business? It’s a full time business and has taken us a long time to get to this. One of us has generally worked in a part or full time job but it always put too much pressure on the person trying to cope with the business. It’s really a two person or more job.

Where do you sell your creations?: We do the markets all weekend around Toowoomba, Mulgowie and Forest Hill and also have timber trolleys that Paul has created in shops around Brisbane. We drive and fill the herb trolleys each Thursday so they are fresh every week.

What makes what you so special or different? We rotate the plants in the trolleys so the stock always looks good. The timber Paul makes our products from is a rough sawn pine and we source it locally from a timber sawmill. It looks rustic. 

What is the most rewarding part of what you do? Having our customers come back and letting us know there plants are thriving and they can’t believe how fantastic they are growing. Also the bird feeders are working beautifully. The customer has kept the birds happy by having it in their yard.

What is your favourite product that you make? Our bug hotels. Paul creates them with whatever he can. They are something special that has won our customers hearts and their bugs too.

Do you teach classes or workshops? Yes I (Deb) go to Garden Clubs and talk about Herbs - how people can grow and use them in culinary cooking. I also talk about harvesting herbs and chillies, recycling with herbs, companion planting and soap making.

ROCKHAMPTON STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR KOMBI KRAFT

Stallholder Profile for Kombi Kraft

https://www.facebook.com/kombikraft/

Your name: Sue Woodfield and Bill Attwood

Your business name and facebook/website name and link: Kombi Kraft https://www.facebook.com/kombikraft/

The suburb/town you live in now: Koongal

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: Repurposed items mainly from cutlery but use other mediums 

What inspired you to start your business?: Wanted to get back into doing some craft

How long have you been creating?: Started with the second THE but been crafting for many years

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: Parttime hobby

Where do you sell your creations?: Basically only at The Handmade Expo

What makes you so special or different?: We offer things that are unique, locally crafted and completely different from other vendors

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: Seeing how much people like our work

What is your favourite product to make?: Spoon windchimes

Do you teach classes or workshops?: No

NEW AIRLIE BEACH STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR ONE HUNGRY MUMMA

Stallholder Profile for One Hungry Mumma

https://www.facebook.com/onehungrymumma/

Your name: Michelle Camilleri

Your business name and facebook/website name and link: One Hungry Mumma www.facebook.com/onehungrymumma

The suburb/town you live in now  :Finch Hatton, Pioneer Valley Qld 4756

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?:  Home made sauces, chutney, relish, mustard, spice and herb mixes.

What inspired you to start your business?:  I have always had a genuine love for cooking, making something special out of not much.  I believe that home cooked food brings families together while delighting the senses.  I had always dreamt of having my own business but wasn't sure exactly what.  When I unexpectedly fell pregnant after 15 years of hoping (our son was 15 at the time)  I was determined to spend as much time as possible with our family.   With new bub in the bumbo on the kitchen bench I started creating as I had the time and enjoyed being in the kitchen.  One of the recipes was my late fathers famous (around friends and family) Worcestershire sauce, this began my love for home cooked sauces and condiments and I started creating my own recipes.  At this stage I wasn't thinking of having my own business but when my friends started asking for more and more of my newly created sauces I thought "why not I'll give it a go" and the rest is history.  I am overwhelmed by the excitement and support I have received.

How long have you been creating?:    Pretty much since watching my mum in the kitchen as a child but only in business since July 2016.

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?:  Part time business

Where do you sell your creations?:  The Handmade Expo (Airlie Beach)

, Paxton's market (Mackay), Country to Coast Meats (Marian), Slade Point Meat Specialists (Mackay) Camilleri's farm market (Balberra), George street butcher (Mackay)  Eat street (Mackay)  I also do customised hampers for special occasions.

What makes you so special or different?:  My recipes are all original and created myself,  I use as much local produce as possible and all products are cooked in small batches to ensure quality and most importantly that home cooked flavour and appearance.  There are no preservatives, fillers or additives and products are gluten free.  I am passionate about supporting local business and buy as much produce locally or from my own vege garden as possible. 

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?:  When customers come back to buy more and hearing feedback as to how they have used their products.  Getting people excited about home cooking and being creative.

What is your favourite product to make?:  Pumpkin chutney, even though I hate cutting pumpkin ( I usually get my husband to do it, he has more patience than me) the smell of it cooking is simply divine.

Do you teach classes or workshops?:  Not presently but definitely something I would like to do in the future.  I believe in sharing knowledge.

AIRLIE BEACH STALLHOLDER PROFILE FOR NOELLA BRICKELL-DOBBINS, YOUR INSPIRATION AT HOME CONSULTANT

Stallholder Profile for Noella Brickell-Dobbins, Your Inspiration At Home Consultant

https://www.facebook.com/yiahnoella/

Your name: Noella Brickell-Dobbins

Your business name and facebook/website name and link: Noella Brickell-Dobbins, Your Inspiration At Home Consultant

www.facebook.com/yiahnoella

www.nbrickelldobbins.yourinspirationathome.com.au

The suburb/town you live in now: Airlie Beach

What is it that you make and what skills do you use?: I use my skills in the kitchen to create amazing meals and sweet treats using the fabulous YIAH products. Our range includes Dip Mixes, Meat Rubs, Balsamic Vinegars, Chocolate Powders and much more. These products are made from all natual ingredients with no MSG or GMO, no added gluten and the only products with dairy are in our White Chocolate range, something to suit nearly all dietary requirements.

What inspired you to start your business?: I love cooking and baking so this business seemed like the right one to join.

How long have you been creating?: I have been creating in the kitchen since I was very young. I have been creating with YIAH and sharing the YIAH love since June 2015.

Is it a full time/part time hobby or business?: My involvement with YIAH is a business. I share the love with anyone and everyone, even strangers when having a chat.

Where do you sell your creations?: I offer in-home tastings, online parties, Party-in-a-Pouch, theme tastings, Freezer Meal Workshops and many other ways to party with YIAH. To purchase these products you can head direct to my website or contact me direct.

You can also find me at the following markets (to purchase in person, spend a voucher or place a specific order):

* Whitsunday Home Business Expo, in April

* The Handmade Expo, all 4 dates for this year - 19th March, 1th June, 24th September and 10th December

* Sunset Shopping Spectacular, in November

* Quota Christmas Markets, in December

Plus a few new markets coming up throughout the year, keep an eye on my Facebook page for details.

What makes you so special or different?: I offer my customers complete service, honesty and lots of fun. I also have special offers just for those in my VIP group, as well as montly newsletter specials direct from myself.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?: The most rewarding part of my job would have to be when I see someone tasting the products for the first time, the look on the face is priceless.

What is your favourite product to make?: My absolute favourite product to make is my Cookies 'n' Cream Cheesecake using YIAH Choc Raspberry Truffle and White Chocolate Powders with Black Forrest Dukkah.

Do you teach classes or workshops?: I am more than happy to take bookings for Freezer Meal Workshops so that you and your friends can have a fun afternoon of preparing easy meals for your families to suit your busy lifestyles. Ask me at the market what this would involve and if you book on the day for April or May you will receive a FREE product from me on the day of your Workshop (if held on the original booked date).