Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Hansen.
Donna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began my journey as a crafter back in the 80’s. After several years of crafting I felt there was a need for affordable shows that were well promoted. With the blessings from my husband, I rented out the ballroom at the Chevy Chase County Club. While approaching many crafters about jumping on board I met Ralph. Ralph was a gentleman in his 60’s and the one question he asked me set my business on the right course. He asked “how are you going to promote the show as this income puts food on my table and a roof over my head”. It stopped me in my tracks. As a crafter, the money I made was extra dollars for Christmas shopping. The realization that I was responsible for the income of so many self-supporting families drove me to promote each show with all my heart and soul!
To my dismay, we had a huge blizzard the day of my first show. Fortunately, we still had an amazing crowd. Apparently everyone was quite interested in seeing the inside of this castle looking building where Al Capone once hung out. Everyone loved the crafts as well and the show was a huge success. An early lesson learned that location is key.
Slowly, I added more shows as we moved across the state. One of the locations I contracted with, everyone told me it wouldn’t work. Two promoters had already tried it. Well that’s all it took. If you tell me I can’t do something I’m going to give it my all. (Like the blueberry bushes I was told I couldn’t grow in IL. Many years later I am still enjoying blueberries off those bushes) we ended up having successful shows there for 17 years.
As years went on I began contracting with larger venues and evolved into what our shows are today. We showcase between 200 and 300 booths of art and quality crafts from exhibitors across the states. As we grow and evolve one thing will always stay the same. Everything for sale at every Step By Step Promotions’ show is handcrafted here in the U.S.A. by dedicated and creative crafters. It is my passion to help thousands of self-supportive individuals obtain the American dream and that Step By Step Promotions is able to make a small difference in strengthening the economy in Illinois.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our biggest struggle has been in the recent years since imports have taken over the art and craft show world. I have held firm to my convictions in only accepting handmade items that were made here in the U.S. It is difficult for exhibitors to compete against products from China and other countries that someone brings in and sells for $2. From the beginning I drew a hard line on that but as human nature goes some would still try to sneak it in. I began removing booths with no refunds and word got out. For the most part, I believe the problem is solved.
Our other trials are now our laughter. Those would include
– The popcorn machine setting off the fire alarm (twice)!
– The lights going out in a storm and shoppers continuing to shop in minimal lighting – our customers are loyal!
– Tearing down booths in 50 mile an hour winds. There is probably still product floating around IL to this day
– Being locked in the men’s locker room during set up for 2 hours due to a tornado
– The morning when round tables were set up instead of 6ft long tables and we only had 3 hours to change them out and get the crafters set up before the show opened.
– Calling the police to open a banquet hall at 5 am to let us in because the employee never showed up (you do what you have to do!)
– Evacuating the show with hundreds of customers because a lady pressed the fire alarm button thinking it was the elevator button.
That’s just to name a few. With 30 years behind us I could write a book!
Please tell us about Step By Step Promotions.
Over the years, I have built a positive reputation as a show promoter and maintains 100% fill rate of available booth space. All shows feature 200 to 300 booths. I showcases some of the most talented crafters in the industry and live up to my “hand-crafted only” policy. I believe it is our hand-crafted policy that sets us apart from most shows. My philosophy is not to just sell space but to promote the shows by heavily advertising them. I strive for a well-balanced show by looking for quality, uniqueness and originality, which brings the customers back year after year.
I am pretty much hands on with all aspects of the business. By doing most of the work myself I am able to keep prices down for the exhibitors. Tasks include everything from contacting facilities and laying out the floor plan, designing my own ads to orchestrating the load in and load out procedure. You will even find me in the parking lot directing traffic.
I am most proud that we are a family. I’ve encourage crafters to get to know each other and love that they are helpful and kind to new exhibitors beginning this awesome journey. We have often said, “If you find yourself in trouble, hope that a crafter is near by”. If someone is loading in and their cart dumps, 15 crafters are there in a flash to help pick up the pieces. I also look forward to each show and the many hugs I’ll receive and give out.
A key contribution to the foundation of my success is the quality of crafters who participate in the Step By Step Festival of Arts and Crafts shows, and their many referrals to other quality artisans. I will always give the credit of my success to the exhibitors that do our shows. After all, the customers don’t come to see me, they come because of the hard work and dedication that our exhibitors put into every unique and creative piece they make.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Fishing for bluegills with mom and dad using bread balls for bait.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stepbysteppromotions.com
- Phone: 847-301-8543
- Email: stepbystepinc@aol.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stepbysteppromotions
Image Credit:
All photos taken by Donna Hansen
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
