Ups and flops - story 5

In 2017 I got excited about fairs and even though they caused me anxiety I couldn't resist putting myself out there again. It was a whole new world filled with fantastic new people, great experiences and so many emotions.

In 2018 I decided to make another try at Helsingin Kädentaitomessut in March and in June I took part in Ommel Espoo. These were great experiences but financially not very profitable. Even though I loved what I was doing I knew I had to start thinking about changes. There were a lot of competition in the field and I had to create something new - something that would stand out from the crowd.

Helsingin Kädentaitomessut 2018.Stay at the Hotel Katajanokka during Helsingin Kädentaitomessut in 2018.

Ommel Espoo in 2018.

I was interested in sustainable fabrics and wanted to find something new - something that the market wasn't yet swamped with. I found Amni Soul Eco®, a sustainably produced biodegradable fabric. I loved this stretchy, silky and breathable material that was great for sportswear and according to my experience for all kinds of other garments as well.

I was very excited to present my new material at Suomen Kädentaidot in November 2018. I had fabrics and readymade leggings with me and hoped for a similar success as in 2017. However, it turned out that my customers weren't ready for this new material and this time the fair was financially a total flop. It made me quite dispirited. I had failed in my efforts to move forward but I didn't see going back as an option either. 

Suomen Kädentaidot 2018.

I was still expecting a new fabric delivery and wanted to have faith that these new designs would tempt my customers to experiment this new material. I loved this material! Why wouldn't my customers love it too?

What happened to SHALMIAK in 2019? Stay tuned for the next story...