Meet Laurie Kanes ~The Big Thinker Behind SF Store 12 Small Things
Laurie Kanes owner of SF Store @12smallthings works with makers from around the world to retail their collections at her shop in Bernal Heights. By supporting these organizations and buying their fairly traded products, Laurie helps artisans earn a living wage, send their children to schools, and afford daily necessities that we often take for granted. Laurie also represents brands our fave rep agency @keenaco
SKUE: Hi Laurie @12smallthings so great that you can join us and love 💕what you’re doing. First Q: What was a defining moment that made you decide with to work artisans around the world?
LAURIE: I’d been working in-house marketing departments for Esprit, The Gap, Williams Sonoma and Red Envelope for 30 years, and decided it was time to give back and use my skills to help others who could benefit. I love beautiful, handmade products and became involved with @aidtoartisans and launched my website 10 years ago.
SKUE: So great that you chose to give back this way! 👍 Next Q: What is one new habit in the past 5 years that’s had a significant impact on your business?
LAURIE: I started using Instagram 5 years ago and must say it’s been such a great way to connect with my community of artisans, designers, customers and fellow retailers. I love following other businesses like mine as they grow and change. I’ve also had the experience of meeting people for the first time who say they follow me on Instagram and I’m always so amazed and flattered.
SKUE: Definitely a great way for small businesses to meet people we wouldn’t have otherwise. Which brings us to the next Q: What’s the greatest challenge today as a small business (store) owner?
LAURIE: Being profitable! I see the trend in retail sales declining as customers seek experiences rather than shopping as a pastime. When they need something many consumers now use Amazon for home delivery to save time, which in itself has become a commodity. We small businesses continue to pay rent, utilities, payroll and a myriad of other expenses in an expensive city, whether or not people choose to shop in our stores. It can be quite challenging some months to make ends meet.
SKUE: Oh yeah screw Amazon and their commoditization of retail. More people are feeling like you do and believe it will convert to more to more conscious buying choices. Which brings to the last (bonus) Q: What is a piece of advice you’d like to share with emerging designers?
LAURIE: Lol! Well, I do have customers who come to my store just for that reason, they want to help artisans in need around the world and also support my small business. My advice to emerging designers and makers is to be creative in their endeavors but also responsible for what they produce. We have too much waste in this country, and need to question everything we consume. Test your product and produce once you have the demand, rather than guess and risk sitting on unwanted inventory. Avoid excess packaging and invest in quality for your products, for them to be saved and treasured over time. People will always want beautiful things to wear, to use in their home and to give as gifts, and I love making these connections for my customers!
SKUE: thx 🙏 for the great insights we’ll pass along to our community of makers and designers. And best wishes for the business, we’re rooting for ya!
LAURIE: thank you ❤️
Every week we do live interviews on Instagram @skue.co with our makers & buyers before featuring them here. Interested in joining our wholesale collective? Apply at skue.co/merchants
