HBN Success Spotlight on Anne Kremer of
Bottles and Jars.net
December 23, 2002

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The Story Of Bottles and Jars.Net

While Bottles and Jars.Net is still young, owning a business is not a new thing for Anne Kremer. Before starting Bottles and Jars.Net, Anne owned and operated a "60's era" boutique for nearly a decade. The store specialized in "retro" jewelry, handmade beads, clothing, home accessories and gift items made from natural fibers like hemp and cotton. After Anne added handmade soap and lotion to the assortment of products offered at the store, she was so encouraged by the customer response that the bath products eventually encompassed a good portion of her store.

As is the case with many small business owners, family matters eventually required a change of lifestyle for Anne. When her daughter became seriously ill, Anne reevaluated her goals in life and realized that not only had her store become her life, it had also become her "way of life." Anne decided to drop the "all work and no play" lifestyle and find something that satisfied her need to be independent, enterprising and successful, yet also allow her the time she longed to spend with her family. And Bottles and Jars.Net was born! Working when everyone else is sleeping has become one of the most desirable aspects of Anne's business.  

Changing Plans, Starting Small & Growing Steadily

Anne sold her retail store in 1998 and began attempting to manufacture her own line of bath and body products. She quickly recognized her shortfalls in the manufacturing area and decided to redirect efforts to supplying the packaging materials her fellow manufacturers needed. While Anne still enjoys making her own products for personal use, she leaves the sales part to others. Says Anne, "I just never was any good at creating marketable toiletries. They always seem fine for my personal use, but not for resale. The packaging business seemed a logical business choice, especially since I needed to get rid of the huge supply I already had on hand!"

After assessing the market and deciding on her course of action, Anne used her own money to start her business. She designed her Web site ("with much frustration and patience," she says) and starting with just 5 product lines in inventory, Anne reinvested proceeds as they became available and slowly added to her offerings. "It has been a slow process," says Anne. "When I first got started, sales were painfully slow. But over the past few years, I have enjoyed a steady annual growth of at least 30 percent % and an amazing 50 percent  growth so far this year alone."

Like most small business owners, Anne is the Chief Cook & Bottle Washer at Bottles and Jars.Net. While she occasionally gets help from family members, she is quick to say that for the most part, she's the "sole proprietor, manager, accountant, web-designer, shipper and receiver, warehouse foreman, inventory controller, maintenance person and consultant! If anything goes wrong, it is always is my fault….which is just the way I like it" she says.

Today, Bottles and Jars.net offers over 70 types of bottles and jars in both glass and plastic, has served over 5,000 customers and has sold over 1,000,000 items. Anne's plans for the future include expanding her warehouse to at least 5,000 square feet so that she can accommodate more inventory.

What's Fun & What's Not

When asked if there are any downsides to business ownership, Anne responds quickly. "Definitely the "loneliness” of being the sole human being responsible for the success or failure of the whole shebang. I take everything personally, as if this business were my “baby,” so any difficulties, trials or failures are a personal reflection on me, and no one else." Anne continues, "it can be a heavy burden, but it also reinforces a sense of power and self-determination. "If I fail, it’s only my fault. If I succeed, I can bask in the glory!"  

The upsides of being a small business owner are mani-fold. Says Anne, "I love being the sole motivator for my own success and am especially appreciative of the many friends I have made in faraway places like South America, Canada, Europe and South Africa. It’s so gratifying to realize that my little Web site, which I designed and developed by myself with no formal training, is actually being used by people all over the world! What could be better than that?!!"

Anne's Advice To Other Growing Businesses

Anne's advice to growing businesses is simple: "read everything you can get your hands on. Too much knowledge never hurt a soul, so saturate your brain with everything relevant to your product." As for the challenges many small business owners face, Anne says, "instead of getting discouraged when something doesn't work, look at it as a learning experience and as a viable part of your education. If you're self taught like I am, the learning process never ends. Be sure to stay networked with your colleagues and don’t be afraid to share tips and advice along the way. It will be returned to you."

Benefits of HBN Membership

Anne has high praise for the many ways HBN has helped her business since she joined in January 2002. "I can't begin to explain how HBN has enhanced my business. Prior to hooking up with HBN, my business was barely there.  While I generated enough money to keep it going, there was never enough to live on, much less expand my product line. Since joining HBN, my exposure has quadrupled and sales have sky rocketed. I am well on my way to being able to expand my warehousing options and bring in a variety of new products on a regular basis. My visibility and credibility has been enhanced just by the mere fact that I am a member of HBN."

Bottlesandjars.net can be contacted through their Web site.