Do you like beautiful words? I’d like to introduce you to The Faithful Merchant (TFM). If you like positive messages and sharing them, this is the company for you. The Faithful Merchant creates handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, apparel, tote bags, mugs, and more. Each piece sports a positive message in the form of a quote. I believe that words have power, for good and bad. The Faithful Merchant uses words for good. I recently had the opportunity to interview Alyssa Krause, owner and designer of the Faithful Merchant. She is warm, friendly, creative, and supportive. No wonder she’s creating such great products with such beautiful words.
How I Found The Faithful Merchant
About a year ago, I discovered The Faithful Merchant through a friend on Facebook. At first, I simply looked and admired their products. Since I’m not a huge jewelry person, I wasn’t too tempted to make a purchase. But the necklaces and their messages brought some sunshine to my day. After lurking for a very long time, I had the opportunity to become a party hostess. It was about this time that I realized The Faithful Merchant made a lot more items that just jewelry. With that came my first necklace. Every hostess is given a free necklace. The hardest part was choosing just one! I ended up with “cultivate kindness” because it is something I try to do every day and try to promote on My Cup of Cocoa.
Soon after signing on to host a party, I was offered the opportunity to be an affiliate. This means I can promote The Faithful Merchant and their products and earn a small commission. It seemed like a no brainer to me. Please note, this post does contain affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a small commission, but you will not be charged extra. See my disclosure page for details.
When I started communicating with Alyssa about doing an interview, she immediately agreed. I came up with ten questions, and she answered them all. I wanted to know what her inspiration was in starting the business and what continues to motivate and inspire her. Hopefully, you’ll find her and her company as inspiring as I do.
Tens Questions For The Faithful Merchant
What is the history of The Faithful Merchant?
I designed a few scripture necklaces and started selling to friends and family and then decided to create a Facebook page in 2013. I worked on pieces here and there when time allowed and started to grow our following. In 2015, we became an LLC and in 2016, my husband left his full-time job to stay home and run TFM alongside me!
Who is The Faithful Merchant?
The Faithful Merchant is Alyssa and Jon, a wife and husband duo! We have three boys (ages 5, 7, 9) that we homeschool alongside running TFM full-time.
Why did you start the Faithful Merchant? What have been your influences in starting your business?
I’ve always been crafty, but as a mom of littles, I wanted a way to put meaning behind the time I spent and pieces I created! My vision for TFM is simple: I just want to inspire women where they’re at in life. I know for me, as a young mom, I needed CONSTANT encouragement – it literally helped get me through the long days. And though the encouragement needed has changed over the years as our kids have gotten a bit older, it’s just as pertinent now as it was then. I think that every woman needs little daily reminders that they’re doing a great job, they’re enough, they’re capable, and they’re loved – the list goes on.
What has been the best thing about having your business?
We’ve met some amazing people throughout our journey so far. Creating meaningful pieces for someone who has lost a child/spouse/parent, or for someone going through a divorce or sickness – being able to provide even one ounce of joy or peace through our work, that’s priceless.
What has been the most difficult thing about having your business?
Balance. As anyone can imagine, it’s tricky balancing life in general. Learning to grow a business is not for the faint of heart! Having our kids home full-time has definitely made it challenging, but it’s extremely rewarding, too.
What do you most want to see happen with your business in the next year?
We’ll be relocating at the end of this year and we’re hoping that this move will bring more exposure and opportunity for us as a business. We’d love to have a presence in boutiques and markets as well as women’s conferences at various churches. We’ll also continue to grow our online presence by continuing to host Facebook parties and engage in our VIP group.
What inspires you?
The innocence of my children, humility, selflessness, vulnerability, the ocean/beach, God’s word, and countless songs.
When the going gets tough, what keeps you moving forward?
When things are hard, we regroup and reprioritize. We’re committed to both homeschooling our boys & our TFM journey and while that parallel is at times hard to manage, it’s essential that we make it work!
Do you have a favorite product that you make? What is it and why?
I love so many things but my top five faves would have to be: any pendant necklaces with a floral design, our v-neck unisex tees (they’re so soft and comfy!), our tote bags (super durable!), our essential oil diffuser locket necklaces and our light-weight leaf earrings!
If you could tell someone one thing about The Faithful Merchant, what would it be?
TFM is our attempt to inspire and motivate you right where you are. We hope you feel encouraged by what we’ve created and find something you love!
Ready to Go Shopping?
Inspired yet? I hope so. You definitely need to check out the beautiful products available at The Faithful Merchant. I really like the bookmarks. I am a book nerd after all. There is something for every woman and girl on your shopping list and some things for the guys too! Are you looking for a personalized item for your mom? You’ll find it here. Looking for a positive message to send to a college student? Check out the mugs and key fobs. Shopping for yourself? Be sure to check out the apparel and the home decor too!
Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear what you think of The Faithful Merchant. Leave your comments in the section below.
