Friday, August 30, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
Introducing Carolina's
What inspired you to start your business?
After
leaving a desk job that I had been at for several years, and having two
young boys, one just about to start school, I decided that I would like
to try and start a small WAHM (Work at home Mum) business that would
give me the flexibility to work my own hours, do something I enjoy and
still be able to contribute the the household budget on have time for
the kids. Carolina's was founded in May 2012 and started with basic
sewing handmade designs. In August 2013, I purchased an embroidery
machine and started to create and design new and original embroidered
products to add to Carolina's.
What is your handmade business all about?
There
are many business that do embroidered products. I wanted Carolina's to
have some unique and original designs so I learnt to digitize my own
embroidery designs to create something special and different to stand
out from the crowd. For example. Carolina's 'Sew My Memories' product
takes your child's treasured hand drawing and embroiders it onto a tea
towel to use as a keepsake for years to come. I create many handmade
products including, personalised Monogrammed Towel Sets, Birth Samplers,
Family Tree Frame Mounts and Blankets, Embroidery Tea Towels, Free
Standing Lace Bookmarks and Coasters, Personalised Baby Bibs and
Blankets plus many other products. I am also happy to create an original
design to suit your requirements.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
I
love all things lace. My Mum being from Nottingham and having visited
there myself back in 1998, I fell in love with the stunning and
beautiful handmade Nottingham Lace, it is just divine. So creating
Carolina's Free Standing Lace Bookmarks and Coasters is a passion. I
also love creating original pieces of handmade artwork, so Carolina's
'Sew My Memories' is a close second.
Anything
NEW. I love to create and design custom handmade embroidery that suits
the individual's needs and wants in colours to match their home decor. At present, Carolina's 'Our Family Tree' is my favourite and most popular design.
How did you learn your craft?
My
Mum use to be a seamstress when she worked as a young girl in
Nottingham England before she came to Australia, so I learnt from her at
an early age to do basic sewing and mending. I have always been creative and built my knowledge and skills as I grew up.
What handy hints do you have for people who are starting up a hand-made business?
Be
patient. Just like anything, it takes time and experience to succeed.
Network with other businesses, get ideas, listen to suggestions and be
perseverant and enjoy.
What plans do you have for your business in the next year?
I
will continue to increase my customer base, create new and original
designs and look for new avenues to increase Carolina's exposure in the
local community and beyond.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Intorducing Annie’s Lane Couture
Having
2 autistic little girls who I couldn’t find the ‘right’ things for with
their sensory needs inspired me to start Annie’s Lane Couture.What is your handmade business all about?
I make Weighted Soft Toys. They’re used in conjunction with other therapies by children with special needs. They help them calm & then they’re able to concentrate on things & enjoy family time & other activities as they’re not fidgeting or shuffling around constantly. Imagine having a heavy blanket on your lap (or pet).
I also make Sensory Drawstring Backpacks (reversible) for special needs children to keep their needed items in.What do you enjoy most about your business?
It allows me to do something productive & help other families with making a connection with their child. The feedback from a parent that their child was able to watch a TV program or laughed with them for the first time after getting a weighted soft toy is the most rewarding feeling you can get as a hand-made person.
What is your favourite product to make?
My Weighted Soft Toys. They bring such a terrific feeling to me when they’re completed.How did you learn your craft?
I’m self taught after my Mother-In-Law gave me her old sewing machine & deciding I can do this, persevered until I could.
What handy hints do you have for people who are starting up a hand-made business?
What handy hints do you have for people who are starting up a hand-made business?
Don’t
give up, choose your target audience & make something that you know
you enjoy making that
doesn’t feel like a chore to make & brings
enjoyment to the end buyer.
What plans do you have for your business in the next year?
To
actually roll back to just my Weighted Soft Toys & occasionally
making a limited run of bags. The Weighted Soft Toys bring me much more
reward & therefore I feel need more attention.
What plans do you have for your business in the next year?
Visit Annie's Lane Couture on Hand-Made
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