I had the awesome opportunity to interview Mandy of 2 Sweet Things- a shop that is full of some of the most cutest kid items I've ever seen, and you know how much I like cute!
Here is how it went:
When I asked Mandy about her "roots" in crafting, she responded,
"I was fortunate to have creative parents who really encouraged me and my sister to try anything and everything in the arts, so growing up I tried lots of musical things as well as any messy art project I could get my hands on. My mom sews, but other than 6th grade Home Ec. I never had any training. When I was pregnant with my daughter in 2008, a friend gave me her old Singer and I was inspired to make a few burp cloths for my daughter and I was hooked!"
"I am a stay-at-home mom to my two crazy-wonderful little ones, Remy, almost 4, and Halle, 1. They really are my inspiration, as I started creating things for them out of frustration of not finding funky and cute baby items available that were well-made and affordable."
What type of craft/art is your favorite? Are you a "I only do sewing, jewelry, etc. type of artisan" or do you do other things as well?)
"At this point, sewing is really my focus, but I dabble in a bit of everything. I love to knit and crochet as well as bake."
What about your studio, (or creative space as I call mine...)? Where is it located, (it's own room, in a "shared" room, all over the house... Do you like it, love it, want to change it?
I just went through a similar situation through a move- it's great to finally be able to "spread your wings"!
Do you set hours to do your work, is it sporadic, only certain days...?
"I typically work when the "littles" are asleep in the afternoons or evenings."
How did you come up with the name for your shop?
"2 sweet things started out as the name of my blog, which was basically a brag book for me to post pictures of my kids (my 2 sweet things...) for their grandparents. It sort of took on a life of its own, and after discovering Etsy through another blog, I decided to just go for it. My shop is at http://2sweetthings.etsy.com . There are 2 B & M stores in the Nashville area that carry my pieces, in addition to my Etsy shop. Now that we live in Illinois, I would love to expand my line into some boutiques around here. Last year I did 2 craft shows and hope to do more of those this year. I also love, love, love to collaborate and do custom work!"
How do you find business for your shop? How do you do it online? How do you do it online?
Online I have made a lot of contacts through my blog (http://2sweetthings.blogspot.com) and through social networking like Facebook and twitter (I'm @2sweetthings, please look me up!). Offline I have found that it's most natural when I make connections through other friends who are moms. My kids are usually wearing things I make anyway, so it's an easy conversation starter!"Mandy, what makes your products great?
"I really try to make products that are super cute and in great, bold fabrics, but that are also a great value. I think the most innovative thing is that I try to incorporate extended sizing into my pieces. When dressing my kids I became increasingly frustrated paying lots of money for trendy items, only to have them grow out of them in two weeks. So when designing pieces I really try to make them wearable for a longer time. For example, I have a style peasant dress that is a dress when the child is at the smaller end of the size, and then as she grows it becomes a tunic to wear over leggings and then a top. I also make lounge pants that have cuffs made to be worn up or down. I have a fabric obsession and try to choose mix vintage/upcycled fabrics with prints that are trendy but also easy to wear and coordinate with other items."
It appears as though you have put a great deal of thought into your designs, that is what makes you special in this business. I think that is important!
The question that I can't allow you to leave without answering....
Why should people buy handmade?
"Since I started blogging and selling I have really become aware of the handmade movement, and I totally believe in it... I love supporting other hand-crafters, especially knowing that many of these use sustainable supplies. I love supporting 'the little guy' and seeing the amazing things that other artists create!"
What a wonderful, talented gal!
I highly recommend that you stop by Mandy's shop- have a "look see" for yourself! Stop by her blog and say, "Hi!". Follow her tweets...
Blog: http://2sweetthings.blogspot.com
Shop: http://2sweetthings.etsy.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/2sweetthings
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview Mandy! Keep continuing to make us those cute, cute kid items!
If you have any additional questions for Mandy, or are interested in a custom order, please contact her through "contact" at her Etsy shop!
Brought to you by Braggin' Rights Gift Shop & Braggin' Rights Bath
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