She took her physical store online
Working at home at the kitchen table
- 2008 was probably when the company really took off. I was exhibiting at a fair in Stockholm and people stopped by my stand and wondered what I was selling. At the time, we didn't decorate our gardens the way we do today, so the term 'garden jewellery' was relatively unknown," she says.She started at home at the kitchen table, but as the business grew, it went from first being housed in a small study in her home to finally moving to a space just outside Mora, where she is based today. The disadvantage of running the business a bit outside the city centre is, according to Kristina, obvious:
- Here it's almost impossible for spontaneous customers to find one, because they don't pass the engine shed where I'm based.
The solution? An online shop, of course! Are you also keen to start a webshop? Click here!
"It just works"
In the autumn of 2020, Kristina started her webshop via Abicart.
- It's the best thing I've done, for sure! I've got a completely different window to the outside world and it's also clearer for the customer. Many of my customers who visit my physical shop also look at the online shop before coming here.
- I have tried another e-commerce platform before, but it was both expensive and complicated. I think Abicart is as good as it gets. The platform is easy to work with, I get good support and it feels secure. It's fast, easy and smooth and it just works. It's worth every penny!
To get traffic to her online store, Kristina advertises in the local newspaper, via Google Ads and Facebook. She herself is not technologically inclined at all.
- No, I'm completely tech-free, haha! I get a little help from a technician with the Google ads, and Abicart has helped me a lot with the startup of course. Otherwise, as I said, Abicart is a very easy platform to use so you don't have to be very technical and I like that," she says..jpg?width=328&name=Blogimage%202%20(1).%20jpg)
Living on her hobby
According to Kristina, starting the web shop was absolutely necessary.
- Absolutely. If I hadn't started my new web shop last fall, my business probably wouldn't have survived, much due to the pandemic. Now, instead, I have been able to benefit from more people shopping online. I now have the luxury of being able to make a living from what was originally just a hobby," she says.
What's the hardest part?
- Of course, it's always difficult to close a deal, a purchase, plain and simple. It's about having clear images, order and a good structure, otherwise you lose the customer. I really think Abicart's e-commerce platform enables that in a good way.
What have you learned during your time as an e-tailer?
- That you have to be goal-oriented and humble towards your customers. I have a very narrow niche with a rather unique product and therefore the online shop, which is my window to the world, means a lot. All customers are equally important, big or small. Every package I send becomes part of my marketing.
Kristina's advice!
Have you also thought about expanding your business and opening up your shop online? Here are five tips from Kristina to keep in mind:
- Be patient and goal-oriented! It takes hard work and there are no shortcuts. Also, keep in mind that it will take time to build something really good.
- What is your message and purpose? What do you really want from your online shop? What do you want to convey? Make sure you are clear!
- Who is your target audience? Make sure you know where your customers are and who they are.
- Believe in yourself and don't be afraid! Although it can feel difficult and scary, it's all about actually taking the plunge.
- Have fun! It's much easier if you think positively and try to have fun, no one can take that away from you. Besides, it's completely free!
