In case you were checking, yes, I know "brainstorm" is one word. :) ;)
Lately I have spent a lot of time brainstorming various business ideas and ventures and product lines both alone and with friends. I definitely would not call myself a marketing expert by far; however, it's amazing what ideas just come pouring out once I get started with my friends.
A lot of people have asked me for advice on various topics throughout the years. I have help friends prepare for more job interviews than the very limited number I have ever been on, and in a variety of fields not "within my expertise." I have edited countless cover letters, college and graduate school admission essays, and even articles for peer-reviewed medical journals. It's interesting how knowledge really does seem to have no bounds. What I learn in one field or from one experience, I easily find application for in another. It's truly intriguing how the seemingly discombobulated steps of your past lead you to your present and onward towards your future.
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| The current "mascot" for CraftersForKids. |
As you all know, giving back has been on my mind and had already previously inspired my American Hero Necklaces for Charity for disaster relief victims, and in the future veterans and active servicemen organizations. Well, last week my mother posed an interesting question to me, she asked what I would do if I create a bunch of products that I couldn't find a market for. I told her that I didn't think I had create so many pieces that that would happen, but that night I continued to give her comment thought and in the middle of the night I hatched a plan!
How awesome would it be to donate pieces to hospitalized children at the local Children's Hospital! Everything I have created is brand new and I would hope that the children would find my items truly unique. It is always wonderful to receive a commercial gift, but to receive something handmade just gives a recipient an extra special feeling!
Immediately the next day I spent a few hours walking through the hospital on a Friday afternoon finding the right department and right person to talk to and finally ended up in the right place! It was exciting to see that the lady I talked to seemed genuinely interested in what I had to offer. She was especially excited because she said she felt many of my items would be perfect for the teenagers in the hospital who don't receive very many donations.
I came home super excited and continued to give my idea some thought, especially as most of my creations are catered to girls. In the end, I decided that it would be amazing for the children to receive gifts from *hopefully* all around the world. I set a new goal for myself and created CraftersForKids, a thus far private organization run on private funding to recruit, create, and provide handmade gifts for children at Boston Children's Hospital. I truly hope that make this a success and plan to expand my operation onto the West Coast some time next year as well.
Wish me luck and check our CraftersForKids on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and more! (www.craftersforkids.com)
XoXo,
Joyce
