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Name: Hats by Sarah

Type of business: Hand crochets boutique hats for women and children

Address: Hillside

Telephone: (908) 282-6722

Web site: www.HatsBySarah.com

Number of employees: 1

Founded: 2004

Top officer: Sarah Feit, founder

How would you describe your business?

"It's a small business that caters to Jewish women who need hats to cover their hair and want different styles and colors to match their outfits. I've made hats for babies and little girls who want hats to match their Shabbat coats," said Sarah Feit.

"I use a variety of yarns including, cotton, wool and acrylic.

"My hats are seen and sold when I set up as a vender at a school or synagogue fundraiser, when people purchase the hats I bring directly or give me an order that I will send to their home when completed. I've been in schools in New Jersey and New York and at one time I had an order from a Florida store for a variety of hats."

What makes your business special?

"I am able to give people custom products that I make according to their measurements.

"People tell me they can't find a hat that fits them in the store when it's machine made. I make the hat specifically for the person in custom sizes and colors. The style is basically a cloche, with a variety of embellishments including, flowers, embroidery, ribbons, or sequins."

What goals do you have for the business?

"I like to please customers and keep them happy and coming back as well as spreading the word to others about my hats."

How has your business changed?

"Even though I have a Web page, it hasn't really changed the business. I have my business on the Internet so people who hear about me can see what my hats look like. I don't have a shopping cart on the Web site so people can't order from the Web site. Selling my hats through school and synagogue events is seasonal to the Jewish holidays. I'm always preparing for the next holiday.

"Three months ago, my baby was born and there is less time to work. But when I have free time, my hands are always busy."

What was your most important deal?

"Every sale is my most important deal. Every one of the hats is different and each is important. But to me I relish making hats for the newly married kallahs who must cover their hair now that they are married."

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

"I have no idea. The thing is I make a very specific style that's been trendy for a while. And if it isn't going to stay trendy I won't be growing much unless I find a new style. So I will have to keep up with the styles and materials that will be coming to compete."

What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?

"I've learned to fill orders as quickly as I can to keep the customer happy. I've learned how to market my product and go to the different fairs and events to keep my product out there."

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

"They must know how to crochet, have product that is needed, be organized and have some business skills."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"No. This allows me to be home with my children and do something on the side. I'm very crafty and always enjoyed crochet. When I started making hats, I enjoyed it so much, I kept making them and then began selling them after I got some positive feedback from the hats I sold. I was able to go out and bring them to the different synagogues and schools as a vender. If I needed to be the breadwinner I wouldn't be doing this."