A business in bloom

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This article was published 14/03/2016 (3687 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

They’re not into gardening, but Megan Neumann and her mom Debbie Schwartz are in the business of making things grow.

Together, the pair own and operate Scattered Seeds, a company that organizes large-scale craft shows for up to 180 vendors.

“I say we’re like the Comic Con of the craft world,” Neumann said. “We get together with these vendors, most of them are local, and we organize the event so we arrange the booth spaces, facility, advertising and promoting them.”

Normally the show takes place at the Red River Exhibition, but this will be the pair’s first time at the Winnipeg Home & Garden Show. This year’s show will be held April 1 to 3 at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg.

“It’s something new and to be a part of the Home & Garden Show and to have a little corner is very exciting for us,” she said of their 20 booths.

The Wolseley resident said it’s a great way to see work by a lot of vendors at once. All of the products must be homemade, so it’s also a way to meet and learn about the people behind the products.

“I always feel excited about my product when I know who’s making it and hear their story and why and how they’re making it,” Neumann said. “Even if it’s a little more money I don’t mind because I’m seeing the person who’s put their time and effort into it.”

Scattered Seeds began around 27 years ago, when Neumann was born. Her mom and a few other friends and family members got started by hosting an annual craft sale out of Neumann’s home around Christmas. After about 10 years, the sale outgrew the house and became known as Scattered Seeds.

“I remember from a very young age always being involved but when I was little, I was maybe pricing items,” Neumann said.

Schwartz and Neumann are now the sole owners of Scattered Seeds and they’re looking to continue expanding.

“It’s about scattering your seeds and you watch them grow,” Neumann said. “So you take your little thing and you put your time and energy into it and you can grow beautiful and amazing things from it… a vendor that’s been with us for many years, they started off making their cosmetics in their home and now they sell their product in a bunch of stores… we want to see them take their skills and grow it into a business.”

She added that they are always looking for new and creative vendors as others move into more established formats.

Home & Garden attendees can expect to find a variety of items at Scattered Seeds booths, including jewelry, knitted wear, cloths, tea towels, wood work, sculptures, distressed signs, pressed leaves and flowers, baby products and food.

For more information, visit thescatteredseeds.com