The Basic Lowdown:

Girlposse.com: Who are you?
Allison Biggs: Allison Biggs. Jewelry designer, webmistress, business woman, but above all, an artist at heart.

Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
Allison Biggs: Springfield, MA, Birthplace of Basketball, and home of Dr. Seuss!

Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
Allison Biggs: Midnight Firefly. I create jewelry using sterling silver, semiprecious stones, and other unique materials. All pieces are limited edition or one of a kind, made for those who strive to be an individual.

Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
Allison Biggs: MidnightFirefly.com, Funky Utopia, Diva Tribe, Lizzy Wishes, La Bussola (Reno, NV), The Rise (Visalia, CA), and a few new places, yet to be revealed!

Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
Allison Biggs: I am an idealist. I truly believe that good can eventually happen out of all things, and I always expect the best out of people, because that is what I give of myself. People may think that it's a strange, unguarded way of going through life, but I believe that it's always better to have a positive attitude!

The Nitty Gritty:

Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Allison Biggs: Midnight Firefly opened its virtual doors in November 2003. I've been creating things all my life; my art has just taken many forms throughout the years.

Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
Allison Biggs: Midnight Firefly was a business right from its conception. Secretly, I love to make jewelry, but I don't really wear that much jewelry myself, so it made sense to sell it. I thought the whole experience would be fun and exciting, not only being able to constantly create one of a kind works of art, but to organize a business, and continuously meet new people that appreciate your artform!

Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you?
Allison Biggs: The whole business thing was new to me. I still learn something new everyday. I have my degree in graphic design and fine art, and while the graphic background has been extremely helpful in setting up my site and developing promotional products, it really hasn't helped me much with my business strategy.

Girlposse.com: Are there any resources you would recommend to future Entrepreneurial Empresses? (books, websites, etc.)
Allison Biggs: I visit TheSwitchboards.com everyday. This is a community filled with the nicest crafty businesswomen you could ever meet. If there's a question you need answered about anything, whether it be web development, product conception, advertising, or pricing, there's always someone with an answer.

Girlposse.com: What is your opinion of Arts / Crafts shows as a place to sell? As a place to shop?
Allison Biggs: I have done many craft shows in the past year and found that they're really not my venue. I am a big fan of Art/Craft shows that target the wave of young people that are creating, such as The Renegade Craft Fair. It's one of my goals to make it there within the next few years, it has to be an amazing experience.

Girlposse.com: What was (is) your biggest obstacle in selling what you create?
Allison Biggs: Most of my sales are online, so without people having an item in their hands, it's my challenge to make them "see" it and want it. This means not only taking great pictures, but also describing things very well.

Girlposse.com: Do you find it difficult coming up with original ideas?
Allison Biggs: Never. My biggest problem is coming up with more ideas than I can handle at once!

Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line?
Allison Biggs: I will be adding fun new items like purse charms this year, and hopefully they'll catch on!

Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
Allison Biggs: Thinking about how far I've come in the past year. I started out with only a spontaneous idea. One year later, I've met hundreds of new people, created many unique pieces, developed a website, have items in stores, and made a little money too.

Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Allison Biggs: When I shop for clothes I always shop at Old Navy and the Gap. I am a sucker for home décor stores and I am secret Target lover.

Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
Allison Biggs: Never allow yourself to regret a missed opportunity.

Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
Allison Biggs: Patience and perseverance are the key to success. Success isn't something that happens, it's something that's earned.

Girlposse.com: Are they any other Crafty Divas or Entrepreneurial Empresses we should know about?
Allison Biggs: Mary of MyrrhEmbraces.com soon to be SparkleandShine.com. Not only is she a great designer, but she also organized indiecollective.net, a listing of online indie shops. She's nothing short of superwoman!

~February 2005

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Your Chance to Win!
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This month Allison Biggs of MidnightFirefly.com is giving you a chance to win this Pearl Droplet Necklace.
It is 16" long, made of braided leather, cast pewter rondelles, and freshwater pearls. It has a sterling silver bayonette clasp.
Retail value: $30.00
Visit our Contests area for details and to enter. Good luck!

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Are you a Crafty Diva and Entrepreneurial Empress? Or do you know one that should be featured in a future Girlposse.com issue? If so, visit our Crafty Diva Info Page for the details.
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