Small Biz Profile: The Crafting Closet

WILMINGTON, MA — Small Business Saturday, which will take place on Nov. 26, is a time where we celebrate the businesses that make Wilmington great. One of those is The Crafting Closet, a locally owned craft store which just opened in March.

Located at 1 Church St. No. 103, the store carries yarn, fabric, cross-stitch materials, and other materials. Rookie crafters can also take advantage of the store's crochet, knitting, sewing, book folding and other classes.

In honor of Small Business Saturday, We spoke to owner Nancy Zimmer about what makes her business great.

What made you decide to open this type of business? And why this location?
In January of this year, I came home after a typical trip wandering the aisles of a not-so-local, big-box crafting store and told my husband that Wilmington needed a crafting shop. He said, "Let's do it." So here we are!

We've lived in Wilmington for 9 years and love it, so opening a shop here is not only convenient for me and my family, but it makes us feel as though we're giving back to the community. I've been crafty my entire life, and I enjoy helping others learn - putting the two together to open the shop just made sense.

What do you like best about running your business?

I love helping others learn how to do something crafty. I also love helping other local crafters get their items displayed and noticed. And I get to be in my happy place all day!

What has been your biggest struggle?

My biggest struggle is being open all day Saturday. I am the shop; if it's open, I'm here. It means that I miss a lot of my kids' sporting events and other things that I enjoy watching.

Politics and small business: how does government affect your business?

Since I've been open such a short time, I'm actually not sure how I'm impacted by the government yet.

Name another local business you’d send customers to:

I've referred quite a few people to the business right downstairs from me: A Dram Come True Parties and More. If they want a child birthday party in my shop, I point them to the downstairs location because they are much better equipped to handle a party than I am. I do partner up with them from time to time though if the birthday kid wants a craft as part of the party.

Images via Nancy Zimmer