Mom Gets 'Sassy' With Her Craft Business

Her daughter’s hairstyle problem has turned into a crafty business opportunity for this Amherst mother.

Donna Giannetti runs a small business called SassyGirl Headbands, which specializes in headbands and key fobs for stylish, and dare I say “sassy,” young ladies.

It all started in June 2011, after her daughter donated hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children. Her short hair was a challenge to manage, and inspired this mom to look for a way to keep her hair neat.

She stumbled upon the idea of homemade headbands that could solve this hairy dilemma, while giving her youngster a new stylish look. Her friends in school took a liking to them and gave Giannetti the idea to make them as a side business.

“A lot of moms said that it has gotten rid of the fight with the hair in the morning,” she said. “It is a challenge to get them to wear anything to keep hair back.”

Her products are for ladies of all ages, and she now includes fashionable key fobs for those looking to keep their hands free.

Websites like Etsy and Facebook have been key in promoting and growing her small craft business, said Giannetti, and she is currently selling her products at local stores in Amherst, Milford and Nashua.

Word of mouth is also bringing in business as she sells her creations to sports teams, sororities and even to dentists. Giannetti works as a dental hygienist in both Nashua and Westford, MA on top of being a mother of two (and crafter extraordinaire.)

She said that juggling her schedule is extremely important, and separating her workload is the key to managing her bus life. Networking and finding similar groups online is the best practice for any parent looking to start a small business on the side, according to Giannetti.

“It is tough, and you have to be on there marketing constantly,” she said. “You need to promote yourself and make yourself the top of the list for buyers.”

Business is pretty good right now and the extra cash is definitely a plus. It has even brought the family together as her children help here and there, and have even been inspired to sell their own crafts.

SassyGirl Headbands sells headbands for $8-10 and key fobs for $8, which Giannetti said is quite the bargain compared to mass produced versions. Plus, her creations are unique and can be custom ordered, with options for girls to get headbands that match their dolls’, or add removal accessories.

Find out more about SassyGirl Headbands products on her Etsy and Facebook pages. You can find them locally at Color Me Clayful in Amherst, Locks Landing and Hair Salon in Milford and Perfect Solutions Hair Salon in Nashua.