Engraving the Past and Present
Words 'written by hand' are personal. For hundreds of years words and sentiments have been engraved but until now the engraving has usually been in the 'hand' of the engraver, not in the hand of the loved one. The modern magic of engravers means a snippet of handwriting can be exactly reproduced.
This offering has been on my mind for quite some time. I've had to do some extensive research and on Wednesday 13th March I finally went to demo some engraving machines.
I had to take into account my style, not just opt for the cheapest laser engraver I could find that you can laser on just about anything. I need a machine that is going to compliment the authentic style of hand stamping and give you the best possible product.
I am still in the process of testing out various machines in the market to find out which is best suited for Sozo.
How is it Achieved?
To create the keepsakes, all I need is a photograph of the writing that you'd like to use. It can be from an old greetings card, a scribbled note on the fridge or it could even be a simple drawing. With software I can move the wording to find the best placement and remove anything that may not be necessary.
It is Unique and Personal
The joy of a handwriting engraving is that it takes a piece of you or your loved one's actual handwriting and immortalises it on an object. No two handwriting styles are exactly the same. This is what makes it so unique and personal.
A Permanent Keepsake
The really nice thing about engraving is that it is permanent; it doesn't fade with time or scratch off. Laser engraving will not rub off as the lettering doesn't sit on top of the metal but is carved into the metal with very similar results to hand stamping.
The Time is Right
It's exactly 4 years since my last crowdfunding campaign when Sozo was merely a bedroom start-up. Over those 4 years with your support Sozo has become a hugely successful business.
Sales have grown significantly during the last two years and there is a sustainable market for what I offer. The demand exceeds my current capacity and it is now time to take the leap and invest in expanding the business.
I am a hugely sentimental person and I would love to offer this service. Sozo has already found its niche market within zofanities & sentimental silverware and jewellery! This just seems like the next obvious step.
Why am I crowdfunding?
It's a huge investment! The engraving machine and software will cost in excess of £10,000.
This year has been my biggest challenge in business to date. Whilst the business has exceeded all my expectations, we reached a point where we had to stop selling. This may sound great and it is, it’s a bloody great achievement but it comes with many challenges. I have declined many events this year and online sales don’t even pay the bills. I also have no idea if those events I do want to trade at that Sozo will be accepted. So where will the money come from?
Every decision I make could have consequences on the longevity of Sozo and to be completely honest, it’s been a very stressful ride. I am trying to trust in the process but boy there are days I just feel like stacking shelves would be a much easier life!
With this machine we will be able to scale the business to grow bigger and better; and be around for longer. It would enable me to grow the online and wholesale side of the business.
Unfortunately I don’t have spare funds to buy a £10,000 machine and software.
I could borrow the money and hope I have made the right choice or ask you if you support the idea?
I have chosen to put the idea in your hands. When you pledge your support, it is confirmation that I am making the right business move.
If every one of my instagram followers pledged just £1, that would £7,780! (It was 7756 at the time of submitting my project hence the odd target). I know it’s a huge ask, but no one ever got anywhere without trying.
I've got some great rewards to help your decision to support :)
Thank you for your time to read. I'm pretty excited about this! Zoe X
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Facebook: @sozosilverdesign
www.sozoshop.com