Crafty Waiouru

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 404, 17 September 1991, Page 16

Crafty Waiouru

By

joanna

saunders

Sue Dalgleish has recently received permission from the Commander ATG to set up her own business selling high quality crafts. One condition is that she must not go into direct competition with other businesses in the Waiouru Community Centre. Sue has created 'Soft Touch Crafts', currently set up in her own house in Waiouru. Making many of the crafts herself, she also sells crafts on behalf of other people, providing they are not sold elsewhere in Camp. The opening to her shop a fortnight ago was quite slow. Sue says it was probably due to the school holidays although some people have mentioned that they do not know how to find Laing Lane, which is off Camp Road. Just last week Sue took a big chance in the business world and exhibited at 'Lifestyle 91' in Palmerston North. A lot of time was spent in preparing for the five day exhibition, working late into the night to build up stock. "It was a big risk, I paid a lot of money for the stall and hoped that I would cover my expenses by selling

the crafts and hopefully making a profit", she said. She said she did quite well, selling all the pottery and many of the handmade toys. She had the opportunity to talk to the old hands of exhibiting who said this year more people were looking rather than buying. Nevertheless Sue has gained valuable experience and is keen to continue exhibiting any where she can. Back in Waiouru, Sue has many busy days ahead of her, restocking the shelves and organising the shop to re-open as normal.

Sue already has ideas of expansion in the maternity wear department as she feels there is a real need for quality outer garments for pregnant women at reasonable prices. Being isolated is also a reason to have the basic pregnant women's needs as close as possible. Sue's husband supports her ideas and encourages her in every way possible, for he too has a busy year to complete in Officer Cadet School. Sue and Craig are expecting their second child in January, following Sean who is 17 months old.