We have many supporters to thank, particularly fair director, Karen Koegel, who is a whirlwind of inspiration. She enthusiastically supported the first flight of our entrepreneurial wings. Limor Herb of the GFFA coached us in the art of engaging customers and marketing our work to patrons at the show. Thank to Dustin Adams, Curriculum Specialist for Alachua County Schools, who saw the benefit of including homeschoolers in the show for the first time this year; and Sunny Heo who provided on-the-ground coordination.
Numerous other artists at the show praised the quality of our work and our conversant ease in talking about our art. Chris Tatum of Tatum Custom Woodwork took a personal interest in our work and has offered to mentor us in our development as woodworkers.
Don Geiger also gave us useful tips, and has put us in touch with The American Association of Woodturners.
Many hopeful customers signed up for our Free Give Away. We drew a name out of the crystal bowl, and have put in a call to the winner. Hopefully we can soon post a picture of her receiving the winning piece, a beautiful cedar serving board.
Many thanks to the support of family and friends on Facebook and all those who stopped by personally. Building a business requires perseverance and persistence. We were exhausted by Sunday evening after talking and smiling for fourteen hours throughout the weekend.
Our gratitude also goes out to Jenny Kochert, our faithful business mentor and return customer who believes in what we do and who we are.
And lastly, where would we be without Mom and Dad? Well, we wouldn't even exist for starters, but beyond that, they support our passions, making the way for us to develop nobility of heart and hand, and grasping every worthwhile opportunity that this life has to offer. This is just the beginning....
