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Name: Rosemary Mayne

Business: All Things AAFS!, Archeological tools

Industry: Other- Science, Clothing & Accessories 

Location: Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom

Reason for starting: After finishing my degree I decided to embark on the task of my own website to ensure that I stayed up to date with all things archaeological, anthropological and forensic science (AAFS) and related to my degree. As my degree blossomed my love for learning about anything published relating to these sciences, my website has allowed me to keep focused and interested about AAFS even after graduating from University with a 2:1 degree, whilst working a non-field relating full time job – it kept me in touch with my true passion of archaeology and anthropology. 

But it wasn’t until earlier this year that I decided to combine two of my hobbies – sewing and AAFS! After I created my own tool roll, and had many of my classmates compliment my tool kit, I decided to create my own Etsy store. I use this Etsy store to sell my unique, hand-crafted archaeology and anthropology tool kits and rolls to other likeminded archaeologists – who want to add a bit of fun whilst unearthing the past. 

Related: Read about another young female entrepreneur starting her own business right out of college here. 

How do you define success? I define success as being able to wake up in the morning and feel content and happy with how everything has turned out. I personally feel that I have been successful even though I haven’t yet found a job in my degree field – which others could find disheartening. The reason why I feel successful of my achievements is that I’ve had the self-motivation and drive to do something that I love, albeit in my spare time as a hobby. But every time I sell a tool roll I feel a tremendous sense of glee that I have been able to provide another archaeologist out there with the tools they need to excavate the past. I’m 22 and only just graduated, so I am aware that I have a long way to go till I get a foot in the door of the commercial archaeology, but with every tool kit I sell, I know that I am helping some other archaeologist leave their mark within this discipline.

Biggest Success: My biggest success was selling my first tool kit. I’ve chosen a very niche market where there are two big players who are already very well established with the archaeology community for providing excavation tools so I knew I might have a bit of struggle getting noticed. When I sold my first tool kit on the same night as I opened my Etsy store, it was then that I realized my unique tool kits we’re going to go down well.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? My biggest challenge when it comes to my store is exposure. I’ve been utilizing social networks and my website to showcase my tool kits as they’re a free way to get advertising as my business is still in its baby stage.

Related: How to Reach Influential Bloggers

Who is your most important role model? It might be a bit soppy but my most important role model is my mum, Julie. When I first pitched my business idea she was skeptical that it would work – but she encouraged me to carry on anyway. Then I sold my first roll a few hours after opening my store and she was so excited and offered to ‘invest’ in me. Not only did she give me £60 to make additional rolls, she helped me plan my rolls and help think up ideas for expanding my selection. Every now and then I get a call from her with a new eureka moment. Even though she thought it may not end well, she never once told me that I couldn’t do it. Every time I said I was having a bit of trouble with it – she encouraged me to carry on. She’s always had my back no matter what. From that I strive to be like her when I have children. She’s level headed but always believes in people if they’re passionate about what they’re doing, if things go a bit wrong she’ll help you pick up the pieces and rebuild.

[box_light]Website   www.AllThingsAAFS.com
Twitter   @AllThingsAAFS
Facebook   www.facebook.com/AllThingsAAFS
Tumblr   allthingsaafs.tumblr.com[/box_light]

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Edited by The Story Exchange