Behind the Craft: Dot Murray on Passion, Process, and Perseverance"
From becoming a full-time artist, hitting $100,000 in sales, and sharing her creative process, join us as we chat with the owner and creator behind Busted Buttons—a line of art, handmade jewellery and other funky creations made by Dot Murray!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your craft?
⭐️ My name is Dot Murray and I’m the artist behind Busted Button. I’ve been selling my art and jewelry for the last 15 years. I'm inspired by science and pop culture to design fun art and jewelry that is unique and accessible... I love making people happy when they see my designs-whether it's a quirky sticker or a fun pair of earrings.
What inspired you to start your business?
⭐️I’ve wanted to be an artist for a living since I was a kid. I’ve just never enjoyed anything as much as being creative, and I’ve had some limitations keeping me from a “normal” job, so starting my own business was the way to go! When I really had to start putting a lot of time into my business was when I was a single mom with disabled kids who had A LOT of medical and school appointments, so I needed a very flexible job.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business?
⭐️Because I started mainly selling online, it was definitely a challenge to get my product out there. You get so lost in a sea of thousands of other creators on the internet, so standing out and gaining the interest and trust of customers definitely took some time. As someone with pretty severe ADHD, I also really struggled with the executive function required to pack and ship orders, and manage online listings etc.
How did you approach selling your handmade goods in the beginning?
⭐️In the beginning I relied on Etsy to sell my creations. I found it a huge amount of work that wasn’t always fun, but it was cool to be able to ship my art all over the world, and it paid the bills!
I also used to do more craft fair type markets.
How did you first hear about Makers?
⭐️I first heard about Makers when they came to Victoria in 2022. I had previously done craft fairs and markets and always thought it would be so cool if there was a more permanent “craft fair” in the form of a store like this, so I was very excited to hear about it!
What made you decide to partner with us?
⭐️I had started to focus on selling in local brick and mortar stores since selling online and having reach on social media was becoming harder and harder, so I was diving into the world of wholesale and consignment, but the Makers business model looked SO much more lucrative and efficient to me.
I honestly thought it sounded too good to be true, but then my first day of sales was bigger than I could have imagined, and it’s only gone up since then!
How has your business changed since becoming an artisan in our store?
⭐️The main difference is that instead of stressing about made-to-order sales and shipping, I have the freedom to create whatever I feel like and then drop it off at Makers where the incredible staff does the selling! I keep my display shelves full and change things up here and there, and it works so well with my busy life and ever-evolving creative ventures!
Can you share a specific milestone or success you’ve achieved since joining?
⭐️My biggest milestone has been hitting $100,000 in sales at Makers, which happened this summer, just 2 years after starting!
What does your business look like today compared to when you started?
⭐️Today business is busier but also so much more relaxed. I’m able to focus on creating what I want when I want, instead of focusing on packing and shipping and other tasks I find challenging, and it is extremely fulfilling with minimal stress.
How has this journey impacted you personally or professionally?
⭐️Being a part of Makers has really helped fulfil my dream of being a full-time artist. I’ve been able to support my family financially, while still being available for my kids and all their needs. It’s also given me a huge confidence boost and has opened up so many new relationships with other creators and my amazing regular customers.
What does it mean to you to pursue your passion full-time?
⭐️I really believe that pursuing your passion is one of the most important and fulfilling things anyone can do, so the fact that this dream has become so accessible thanks to Makers means the world to me and my family.
What’s been the most rewarding part of running your business?
⭐️ Seeing people respond to my creations has been incredible. When someone shares with me that they are obsessed with a pair of earrings I made, or when I see someone in the shop laughing at one of my funny prints, it just makes my day.
What advice would you give to other artisans considering selling in Makers?
⭐️I’ve got 3 tips for having success at Makers!
1: Know your demographic. What are the shoppers in the area usually looking for? There’s a big difference between mall traffic versus tourist traffic, so be mindful of that!
2: Product size and price point- Depending on your location, it might make sense to keep your products in the under $30 range if possible. If your shop has more tourist traffic, you also want to consider focusing on items that can fit into a purse for someone to take home.
3: Social media is your friend. Share when you’re doing a restock, and tag the Makers social media pages. Share some behind the scenes moments or tutorials on how to make something & be authentic. Having offerings like this will help customers connect with you, and it gives you an opportunity to send shoppers to such a great shop! Take advantage of the incredible community of creators at Makers and connect online, collaborate, and build eachother up.
If you could describe your creative process in one word, what would it be?
⭐️chaotic (but in a positive way lol)
Anything you’d like to share in general or have people know?
⭐️ Little did I know that once I got in to Makers, I’d be saving time and making more sales than I could have ever imagined. It’s no exaggeration to say that Makers has changed my life for the better. I’m so thankful for such an accessible step into retail that has made growing my business extremely smooth. The Makers model (that leaves me with 100% of my sales) has helped me to not just get by, but to thrive in a way that works really well for my family and our unique challenges. I’m so grateful for Makers, especially the Victoria manager, Nancy and all the staff for being such a supportive community!
