Sunday Spotlight: Sampler Village

The Sunday Spotlight is technically a Tuesday spotlight this week, but that doesn't roll off the tongue as nicely. Apologies again for the delay, I had a wicked sinus/chest infection that knocked me on my butt for a few days. This week we're interviewing Traci, the creator of Sampler Village.

For those of you not familiar, Sampler Village is a sort of gift-box purchasing system where you get to try a bunch of handmade goodies from artists all over. Artists donate products to the boxes, which are comprised of multiple samples from participating artists. Each month a new themed box is available for purchase - December's will be Holiday Sparkle -, and buyers receive a mixed box of surprise goodies to try out. (Not nearly as complicated as I think I just made it sound!)

Tell us a little about yourself:

Hello! My name is Traci Porczynski and I founded Sampler Village in Sept. 2009. I have been happily married for 24 years to my hubby Tad and we have 2 amazing boys, Lukas and Seth. I also have 2 fabulous dogs, Magnus & Bruiser.

I have been a WAHM ever since Lukas was born (that was over 19 years ago!). I started Sampler Village 4 years ago with the hopes of supporting small handmade businesses. Sampler Village is fun and unique way of getting your product out potential customer to try and enjoy. The samplers go on sale each month filled with amazing handmade samples of all kinds from our "Villagers" (we refer to our participates as Villagers). SV has been growing each year and it is just a lot of fun. I have met so many talented and outstanding people along the way and I expect to meet a lot more!

Tell us about Sampler Village, and what inspired you to start it:

Sampler Village is a gathering of crafters and artisans that send in samples of their handmade products to be included in our monthly samplers. I was inspired by the many handmade crafters and artisans looking for a fun and unique way of advertising. Being part of Sampler Village is so much more then just sending samples, you become part of a large supportive “village” that cares about the success of you and your small business.

Carnival Sampler Boxes

How can our readers participate in Sampler Village?

We have tried to make it as easy as possible to sign up and participate with Sampler Village. Please stop by our Villager Information and Sign Up page at http://samplervillage.com/pages/villagerform.htm

How can an artist stand out in the market today?

Creating and offering a great product with unique style and design will help you stand out. If selling online, amazing photos of your products are a must! Eye-catching photos of your product will be what grabs a potential customers attention.

How do you define art?

Art to me is anything created with unique style and design using your own individual talents.

Handmade Harvest Logo Sampler

What inspires you every day?

The amazing crafters and artisans that I have the pleasure to work with each day. So much talent out there just waiting to be discovered!

Have you had any crafting mishaps/disasters/funny stories?

Haha, first disaster (and hopefully last) happened during the sale of our Holiday Samplers 2 years ago. We had such a rush of customers that my cart could not keep up with the sales and ended up overselling the samplers by 5. I was devistated that I had to tell 5 people about the mistake. Every since then, I have made sure to hold back a couple from inventory, must in case :)

What artists do you admire?

I admire all the handmade artisans out there. Creating handmade items with individual talents is just awe-inspiring to me.

Witches Brew Sampler

What do you think the biggest challenges are for handmade artists?

Being unique. Having your “own” style and unique design are very important. 
 

What else do you enjoy in your spare time?

My family, my pets, crafting and of course shopping!

You can find Sampler Village all over the internet... I don't usually do link lists in our Sunday Spotlights, but I really want to encourage everyone to see how involved the whole process is!

• WEBSITE: http://www.SamplerVillage.com/
• ETSY: http://www.SamplerVillage.etsy.com/
• FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/SamplerVillage2
• FACEBOOK LOVE GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/group/SamplerVillageLove
• TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/SamplerVillage
• PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/SamplerVillage
• INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/samplervillage
• NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/ywEt1
• BLOG: http://www.SamplerVillage.blogspot.com/

What is YOUR favorite item that you’ve made?

Years ago my mom and I made Panoramic Sugar Eggs for Easter, they are my all time favorite item that we made, they were beautiful!

With the fall and winter holidays coming, share with us YOUR favorite holiday, and one of your favorite holiday traditions:

I love Easter! When I little I used to get a Sugar Egg in my Easter Basket, it was always my favorite item in the basket, so I carry on that tradition with my 2 boys. They each get a sugar egg in their Easter Baskets.

Meet Traci!

Give your words of wisdom to other artisans and crafters:

Do what you LOVE! The old saying is true If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life! I am blessed to “work” with so many wonderful people each day, I love what I do and wish that love to everyone!

A big thank you from us to Traci for graciously answering all of our questions this week! (And quickly, too!) She is also offering $5 off your next -or first- Sampler purchase when you sign up for the Newsletter!

There are a lot of companies out there trying to get into the sample box business. Based not just on my time speaking with her, but on the glowing reviews she has received from other box contributers, I highly recommend speaking with her first if you're an artist looking to participate in this sort of experience!  As a shopper, this is a great way to support handmade artists and try something new - or treat a friend or family member! It is a lot of fun to get a box of surprises in the mail.