The interpersonal end of sales
Glen Vienneau
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Feb 02/01) - Selling craft supplies is an artistic endeavour which is shared with hobbyists at all levels.
And, this is where salesperson Gina Mohr of JJ Hobbies Ltd. excels.
From rubber stamping, candle-making or scrapbook building, to name but a few of the craft supplies available, it is Mohr's job to help her customers get the job done.
"Helping people find what they need for their crafts, giving them ideas," she said.
It's more than just selling -- more than showing up for work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.
Even with her vast experience, it's vital that she keeps abreast of the latest trends and gadgets on the market.
"If you can't answer the question, you find it out and pass it on to whoever needs it."
Mohr notes that by working for a small outfit she has an edge on customer interaction.
She said her interest in crafts dates back to when she was young and living in Manning, Alta. It was her grandmother, Lou Mohr, who introduced her to the field.
"I've been hooked ever since," said the mother of two boys, Curtis, 21, and Geoffrey, 19. While her grandmother's interests included crocheting, knitting and inventing new crafts, selling craft supplies is something Mohr always wanted to do.
It's an interest which was realized almost three years ago when a thumb injury prevented her from continuing with her hairdressing career.
Hairdressing was the initial career choice for Mohr. She began working in a Yellowknife salon during her early teens.
Fortunately, Mohr is more than content selling crafts from the downtown shop. Working only on weekdays gives her an additional advantage when making her own crafts. "You can never get as much done in one day as you can in two," explained Mohr.
On such a weekend, among the popular items she makes are figurine sculptures using Fimo.
"Anything that sparks my interest at all, I'll grab it and I'll make it," she added.
Some of it ends up at the store, but she often gives away her craft work to children.
Her pet peeve is simple, "People who come in at two minutes to six."
