Sally Silagy
Gardening Greetings
OGalSal@aol.com
New Business Start-up

Tell us a little about your business.
Home-based greeting card business, creator of specialized cards geared to sell to retail businesses such as Nurseries, Florist and desired gift shops.

Why did you decide to start your own business?
After the death of my 15 year old Son, I became a changed person. The loss of a child shifts you into a different class in society and somehow we just don’t fit in anywhere any more. My life was no longer predictable or sensible. My world has been turned upside down, and in order for me to "survive" this sever transformation that has altered my life forever, it was time to gear away from the working world and venture into a new career. I knew that I needed to work at home and that I needed to be kept extremely busy. I also wanted to be involved in something that I would enjoy....I then decided on a home-business. Greeting cards have always been of interest to me, and since I had always made my own (on computer) in the past, I made the decision of pursuing this area. Starting my own home-based greeting card business has truly substituted the emptiness and fulfilled the enormous void in my life that I have endured since the loss of my Son.

How did you get started?
Without leaking any information from my KIT, I can tell you that I did TONS of research - research - research, of which all is provided in my KIT. After that, it was a matter of deciding on a theme, finding an artist, acquiring copyrights and obtaining the necessary business permits and licenses.

What makes your company unique?
GARDENING GREETINGS are specialized cards exhibited in its own unique card display (which was designed and built by my husband) and offers a fresh alternative look from the traditional cards. You will find GARDENING GREETINGS exposed on Ivory Stock with Black Ink only, displaying "The Garden Lady" on every card. I have a line of 12 designs, 4 each listed under 3 headings of Birthday - Friendship - Romance. I produce, cut & fold all my own cards. I also have the privilege of marketing, which I find very venturesome!

What specials skills or training were required to start this business? And where did you get this training/and or experience?
Computer skills are a must! I have taken several computer classes the past and without this training I know GARDENING GREETINGS would not exist.

How much do you estimate the start-up costs were to start this business?
Since I already had my computer and printer, my costs were minimal. One could start out under $500.00. This topic is also included in my kit.

Were there any special purchases that were required to start this business? ie: equipment, supplies, inventory?
I did have to purchase a Scanner. Pretty much had office tables, chair and some supplies. Needed to purchase additional office supplies & some plants to brighten up my home office!

What difficulties did you encounter starting your business?
Obtaining an Artist and Marketing were my most challenging obstacles.

How many hours do you work in a typical week?
Since the passing of my Son, I do put more hours in that most. I’m usually in my office by 10 am, and work until I’m exhausted. It’s really hard to detect the total of hours I do administer to GARDENING GREETINGS, but I believe one could allow for about 20/30 hrs. a week.

How do you market your business? Is there anything unique that you have tried that worked really well for you?
The one & only way I market my cards is COLD CALLING! This is also shared in my KIT.

What has been most rewarding about working for yourself?
Freedom....I’m allowed to do whatever I want whenever I want to! I answer to myself and set my own rules. It’s truly been the best decision I’ve ever made. Since I experience new feelings & mood swings more often that I care too, and have no control over my emotions, I’m now allowed to grieve for my Son in private.

What has been most frustrating?
Obtaining information in regards to a home-based greeting card business. There is NOTHING out there. No guidelines, no "how-to" books, very limited to help. That’s why I’ve put together my own Home-based Greeting Card Kit.

How do you separate work from home?
Can’t really elaborate on this. Since I needed to be kept busy and its just my husband and myself, I really don’t separate work from home.

What advice would you give to others thinking of starting their own business?
If one really has the desire to pursue this kind of home-business, then do it....it can be done! I’m proof! the greeting card industry has plenty of room for expansion. Greeting cards play an important role in our society and will continue to fill a basic human need.

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Sally Silagy * GARDENING GREETINGS
OGalSal@aol.com
* The HOME-BASED GREETING CARD KIT
is available for a small fee. Contact: Sally Silagy at 189a Paradisc Circle, Woodland Park, CO 80863.
The KIT includes the following: Four page Step-by-Step Guidelines (outlining start-to-finish business in short four months) > Presentation Packet (business card, sample greeting card, brochure & price list, pictures of card display & home-office, introduction and business profile) > Copyright Information & sample form > Work Orders & Invoice samples > Resource list > Misc. samples.
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