20 Questions
(actually...it's more like 10)
Q. Have you always been interested in crafts?
a. Yes, in one form or another.
Q. How did you get started?
a. Well, it probably started with a Mom that liked to color. She still does to my knowledge and she's very good at it. When I was in middle school I remember checking out a book on jewelry making from the library. I also remember drawing a lot. Some painting, too; I was a generally creative child and enjoyed projects at school that let me be creative. After high school I taught myself cake decorating, then taught others, then went on to culinary school to be a pastry chef. Over time I picked up a pretty good selection of a lot of different supplies (paints, clays, fabrics, yarns, cross-stitch supplies....you name it, I probably tried it) and started trying different projects in the craft magazines I read regularly. Handmade gifts were de rigueur at Christmas, and my Mom's sewing machine came to me in November of 2001. A benevolent co-worker traded me her barely-used serger for a homemade cake and icing recipe that could be made for diabetics the following year. I've been doing various paper crafts (scrapbooking, decoupage, etc.) for a number of years. Beading is the newest of my hobbies although it relates back to those early attempts at jewelry making.
Q. Have you always wanted to be in business for yourself?
a. Definitely. While it is a lot of responsibility--and a little bit scary at times, it is also a major high to look around and be able to say: "I did this." I see creating a business as the height of creativity.
Q. What kind of jobs have you held in the past?
a. Taco slinger, Receptionist, Bookkeeper, Cake Decorating Instructor, Pastry Chef, Financial Consultant/Life Insurance salesperson/Mortgage hawker.
Q. What do you do when you're not doing something for the site?
a. I scrapbook, read a lot, watch movies and (ashamedly) reality television. I also play the baritone and sing in my church's choir. Then there's sleep ....I like to do that too.
Q. Where do your ideas come from?
a. Everywhere. With some projects I'll find a neat fabric or a unique (to me) bead that will scream to be one thing or another. Or else I'll see something in a magazine that I like and, when I go to emulate it, something else occurs to me to do instead. Sometimes it's just a flash out of left field that's like "Duh, why didn't I think of that before?" I also get a lot of ideas while washing my hair....it's therapeutic or something.
Q. Why the web?
a. The web is wonderful for starting a small business. It allows me freedoms that a regular establishment would not (like a constantly updating catalog) and enables me to reach a larger customer base than I normally would have.
Q. Is this site the achievement of your goals?
a. That remains to be seen. Over time I've found that goals can change. While the corporate world is comforting in some of its routines and expectations, I want more flexibility. I'm still not there yet since this site is in addition to my "day job" right now. Eventually I'd like this to be my day-job...at least by the time my husband is ready to retire I would like to be able to, or have already, committed to this full time. That gives me about eight years ...I plan to be ahead of schedule.
Q. What are you planning as far as new merchandise is considered?
a. I want to add more items in Scissors. I'm really intrigued by crazy quilting and I'd like to add some embellished CQ throw pillows to that section. I still have a boat-load of large glass beads just calling out to be made into one thing or another. As for Paper, I'd like to incorporate some scrapbooking supplies (custom embellishments and the like) and more decoupaged items. Also I have some miscellaneous projects brewing in my brain just waiting for a moment or three to put them into action.
Q. Anything else you'd like to say?
a. A couple of things: One, thank you to my husband for putting up with the madness that has been getting this site launched. Also for putting up with my absolute ignorance of many things "web". And to anyone who views to site: I hope you enjoy your browsing. I am always open to constructive comments and will gladly take suggestions to heart. Custom orders can be accommodated on a case by case situation so feel free to ask!
