Why I Transformed My Business into a Boutique that Blends Handmade and Wholesale

I have 2 Painted Tree Locations this one is in Scottsdale Arizona Space G30

I started my journey as a photography business, capturing special moments and memories. Over time, I transformed that passion into a jewelry business, where I could share my love for art in a new way. Now, my boutique combines both worlds! I sell jewelry, including beautiful resin pieces made from broken china and charming designs from Nina Designs and Green Girl Studios.

 I also create fun stickers and magnets using my photography, along with hand-sewn embroidery bookmarks, unique pins, and temporary tattoos. Everything in my boutique, whether handmade or wholesale, is inspired by the beauty of nature. There’s something special for everyone, and I love sharing my creativity through these different items!

Handmade resin necklace by me, Scottsdale AZ Painted Tree booth G30, Nina designs Charms with Nunn Designs ear wires.

Embracing My Creativity For years

For years, I’ve loved making handmade items like jewelry, and art inspired by nature. Creating these pieces brings me so much joy, and my customers really value the unique touch in each item. However, I realized that while I enjoy making these things, I also want to offer more variety and expand what I can provide in my shop. I would see wholesale items and think that those would go great alongside my handmade items.

As much as I love making things by hand, I know that my customers enjoy variety. They’re looking for special pieces that speak to them and whether it’s a handmade item or a carefully sourced product that reflects the same level of quality and care. By offering wholesale products, I’m able to introduce new items that complement my handmade creations and give customers a broader selection to choose from.

Opening up my Painted Tree Space Helped me expand my business

After opening my painted tree shop, I started thinking about how I could mix wholesale and handmade items for my boutique. I often felt trapped by online marketing and social media. Experts keep going on and on about branding, and for a long time, I had this mental block. I thought I had to make everything by hand, or else I wasn't a good handmade seller. I even felt ashamed that I wasn’t doing it the way they wanted me to or what was expected of a good little handmade seller. I struggled with trying to fit in with the crowd, even though I was meant to stand out. But I realized that I want to create a brand that shows my love for nature, blending my handmade pieces with items made by others. This balance will let me express my creativity in a way that feels right for me!

My Space at the Painted Tree Scottsdale

There's never enough time in the day to tackle everything while trying to grow a business.

Running a small business where I made everything by hand started to feel overwhelming, especially while living a normal life as a homeschooling mother and a military spouse. As much as I loved creating each piece, the demands of running a business… like marketing, shipping, and social media content creation all left me with less time for the actual creative process. By introducing wholesale items, I found a way to balance my time better. This change ensures I can keep making the things I love while also stocking my boutique with a range of high quality products, allowing me to focus on both my passions and my family.

Balancing my time between stocking my brick-and-mortar spaces and maintaining my online shops is a constant challenge. It often feels like when I focus on one, the other doesn’t get the attention it needs. Social media marketing is a huge time suck, making it hard to keep everything running smoothly. As I write this, I realize I haven’t sent out an email push in months, which only adds to my frustration. I want to reach my customers effectively, but finding the time to do it all feels nearly impossible! There is no way I can effectively handmake everything and scale a successful business. Some people may excel at this, but I'm not one of them. I want happy customers and not a rushed process.

Macro Photography by me, Handmade necklaces made from antique silverware handles made by me, Nina designs bronze ring. 

Supporting other small businesses is vital because it strengthens our community and fosters a spirit of collaboration and growth.

Supporting Other Small Businesses In choosing to wholesale certain items, I’m intentional about the brands and products I bring into my boutique. Many of the items I wholesale come from other small businesses or artisans who share my values of craftsmanship and sustainability. It feels good to support their work and offer my customers something new and exciting while maintaining the boutique’s mission.

A boutique thrives when there’s a constant flow of new items, and while I continue to craft pieces with care, wholesale products allow me to introduce fresh stock more regularly. This keeps my boutique vibrant, helps attract new customers, and gives returning customers something to look forward to with each visit.

Bookmarks handmade by me, Sterling Silver Thistle earrings by Nina designs, Bear Charm Nina designs and the chain made by me.

Transitioning my business into a boutique that blends handmade goods with carefully curated wholesale items has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It allows me to stay creative, offer more variety, and support other artisans, all while maintaining a cohesive brand that my customers know and love. My boutique is more than just a shop—it’s a reflection of my journey, my values, and the connections I hope to build with each person who walks through the door (or visits online).

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Whether you’re here for a handmade piece or something I’ve sourced just for you, I hope you find something that speaks to your heart.