[quote style=”boxed”]Keep at it. Look at lots of different options and avenues. If you need to change direction, do. Above all, be passionate and believe in what you do. That natural enthusiasm will help bring others on board who support you.[/quote]
Maggy Woodley is a mum of two, blogger and crafter. She runs the craft website Red Ted Art, and is soon to publish her first craft book for kids. Passionate about crafts, she is keen on inspiring everyone to “have a go” and have some fun, quality time with children. Each week she shares one kid’s craft and one “how to” to inspire children and adults alike.
What are you working on right now?
It’s very excitingly–my first book! The Red Ted Art blog will be available as a craft book in the spring of 2013!
Where did the idea for Red Ted Art come from?
I actually started Red Ted Art as a platform to sell children’s art. I then decided that in order to attract customers, I should offer something for free–i.e. some crafty inspiration. I soon discovered that I enjoyed crafting much more than painting children’s art (which always came with a level of angst in regards to whether or not is was good enough). Crafting is also something that I can enjoy with my kids, so we all benefit.
Funny enough, my brother had been telling me for years that I should “commercialize” my craftiness. It has been a great journey, and I am really looking forward to the book being published and seeing how that goes!
What does your typical day look like?
It’s a mix of child care, social media and craftiness! Usually the day has a hectic start, with a bit of online networking while getting my eldest ready for nursery. Then the younger one has some playdates. This is followed by me collecting the older one for lunch. Then comes more social media, maybe a bit of crafting, and then playdates or a park visit in the afternoon. Really, I live a normal mum’s life, except I have an online presence.
How do you bring ideas to life?
If we’re talking about crafts, I usually mull something new over for a long, long time. I think about different ways I can make something. Eventually (sometimes six months later), I actually make the craft with the kids. Sometimes the mulling was worth it, and I come up with something that I love. Sometimes, I should have just made the craft and not overcomplicated it.
When it comes to ideas about growing the website, I usually have an idea and run with it at breakneck speed. Usually, it works out or leads to something else. Occasionally, it sort of fails (like when I spontaneously decided to start a German newsletter six months ago. I have since sent two!).
What’s one trend that really excites you?
For the blogging world, it is the power of Pinterest. I am not sure if I am excited by it, but it has done amazing things for many blogs. Mine has grown three-fold in less than three months, thanks to Pinterest. There are lots of downsides too, so I am a little wary of it, but I’m riding the wave while it lasts!
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
For me, the worst job is doing nothing! Argh, I hate that. When I was a teenager, I was given a couple of “office jobs” at family friends’ companies and didn’t have much to do. Gosh, it was boring. I remember doing some data entry, finishing it, and then deleting it and doing it again, just so I had something to do.
I guess I learned that if I ever have someone working for me, I need to make sure that they are occupied and challenged, so that we all gain from it. I also learned it’s important to create work for yourself. Being inactive is worse than doing a job that’s boring or unpleasant.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I have learned a bit about different social media channels. I would apply my current learning and focus my energies into different channels (and compare Facebook vs Twitter, etc.). With regards to Red Ted Art as a whole? I am not sure. For now I am happy with how things evolved. Ask me again in five years!
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Keep at it. Look at lots of different options and avenues. If you need to change direction, do. Above all, be passionate and believe in what you do. That natural enthusiasm will help bring others on board who support you.
What is one problem you encountered as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Internet politics. I guess leaving the office world behind didn’t mean I left politics behind. Always be nice and genuine to everyone with whom you work.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Have multiple blogs; it gives you an opportunity to move things around.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and how would you go about it?
Child poverty. How?! If only I knew the answer.
Tell us a secret.
I have a tattoo. (Yes, it is a big deal, because 1) I think I have a squeaky clean image and 2) I think I regret having it!
What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?
I do love Twitter and Facebook for community building and interacting with like minded people. I don’t like it on a truly personal level, because I would rather see my friends than just chat on Facebook with them!
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
My craft book, which comes out in spring. Ha! What else can I say other than that?
Three people we should follow on Twitter and why?
- @MammasaurusBlog because she is amazing, funny and witty. She has a never-ending amount of energy and is always up to stuff. She is crazy too, but in a nice way.
- @incredibusymum because she is neighbor and friend, and I love her to bits.
- @nickie72 because she is helpful and fair and knows the blogging world inside-out.
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
Ahem… someone made me chuckle when we were talking about my cat leaving a #2 in our living room in protest of us going on a holiday. Sorry, I guess toilet humor gets me every time!
Who is your hero?
Entrepreneurs in general. I am always amazed and impressed that they have the ideas, guts and stamina to see things through to success.
Where would you like to be three years from now?
I see myself still as a stay-at-home mum, with a second book just being published (or maybe even a third). I hope to have expanded on my “Kids Get Arty” project (with my two children, who love being artsy and creative). I would love to become a UK craft household name–with either work in kids television or online. Who knows, maybe I will succeed. I would like to be able to be making a living from Red Ted Art, but still be there for my children before and after school, and during the school holidays!
What is your favorite color?
Orange. It’s seriously underrated and yet so happy!
Connect:
Maggy Woodley on Twitter: @redtedart
Red Ted Art on Facebook:
Red Ted Art on Pinterest:
Red Ted Art’s website:
Red Ted Art on Google Plus:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.