The Inspirationals: IAMU Collective

 

All Images belong to and used with permission from IAMU 

We first came across the IAMU collective on Instagram, with stunning photos, and beautiful backdrops and models they really are eye catching. However unlike many other temporary tattoo brands and companies, there is a much deeper creativity and influence to their brand. We also adore their mantra 'We hope you enjoy our creations and take pleasure in spreading IAMU’s message of happiness, creativity & joy.' What a beautiful message that is.

We asked IAMU's Chris Soll  to answer some questions for us to learn more, and here they are. We hope you enjoy!

Gorgeous IAMU Rochelle

Tell us about what you do.

We are a merchandising platform for social influencers.
IAMU Collective is the brainchild of Rochelle Fox & myself Chris Soll. We wanted to create a business that is all about collaborating with lots of people, whilst utilizing our natural given abilities.

What does an average day at work look like for you?

In short form. Wake up, stretch, meditate, breakfast, drawing, emails, social media, work out, meditate, read a book, sleep.

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

Life is all about collaboration, so we work with lots of people.

Gorgeous IAMU Tigerlily

Is this what you wanted to do as a child? Did you end up in this job by “accident” or was it a planned career choice?

It's been a long progression. Personally I spent 6 years in corporate doing in-house graphic design. Eventually I switched to working freelance from home and now 3 years later IAMU is now my main focus.

How long ago did you start on this path?

I've been drawing things on my arms for a good 25 years now.

How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?

Graphic Design was my chosen career for 10 Years before this business took off.

Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

Step by step you get ahead.

You can purchase these here

What kind of education do you have?

Bachelor of Graphic Communications from a Sydney Design college.

Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?

I think Educational Institutions provide an environment within which one can grow & develop. In the Art community I think the primary factor in success is the work you complete after your qualifications.

If you went to school, did you enjoy studying? Could you see where it might lead you at the time? What advice would you give to someone else who might be studying to get into your industry?


I've never been very academic. My strengths lie more in having a vivid imagination.

My advice would be to treat the time you have as a finite resource. Make the most of your years studying to really push yourself creatively. Stretch yourself as far as you can, because this will lay the groundwork for your propulsion into the industry. Picasso said all children are born artists, the hard part is staying that way as we grow up.

 

Instagram super star Mimi is one of the collective.

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?


Well, as I mentioned I literally spent my entire childhood drawing all over my arms with pens & markers. So the best thing for me personally is that I now get to do for work what i've always done for fun.

What’s the worst thing?

Having the superhero complex. Meaning, you do every possible job in your own business. There is no 'off time' yet, as we grow this will change once we hire someone though, so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But for now weekends are meaningless.

Would you call yourself a workaholic, & if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?

Somewhat, but I think we keep it within a healthy boundary. Bill Gates didn’t take a single day off from age 20-30. I’m not going that extreme, but I do have respect that every action has an opposite reaction and what is often perceived to be an 'overnight success' usually takes about 14 years.

What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

Follow your bliss.

...How about number two?

Think for yourself. Everyone is making it up as they go along, no-one has it all figured out. Start now and fix as you go.

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

Vedic Meditation.

Do you ever have any ethical dilemmas with the work you do?

Hmmm not really, it's a pretty mutually beneficial set-up. Customers seem happy, collaborators are happy, suppliers are happy, we're happy. :)

How cool?

What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

Free time to explore my mind.

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?

The fact that the sky is the limit and that people are decorating their bodies with our drawings, which is pretty humbling.

Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.

100. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else at this point in my life.

Is there much career progression available to you? What would you like to do next?

Expand our range, expand my mind, push it to the limit.

Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

I hope so :)

We would like to thank Chris SO much for taking the time out to answer our questions, we know what we shall be wearing at Glastonbury and the Summer festivals! To find out more about IAMU you can find them at the following places: 

Website / Shop / Instagram / Facebook 

Or to find out more about the collective you can find all them here: 

Chris / Rochelle / Mimi / Tigerlily

The Inspirationals - Photographer: Talia White

I started to follow Talia on instagram and fell in love with her photos, they are ethereal, dreamy and exactly what I love! So I was super stoked when Talia agreed to take part in our inspirationals post! Starting out in the photography world at just sixteen, she had started her own company by just nineteen (and if that isn't inspirational I don't know what is!) AND launched a camera bag range. So we hope you enjoy! 

Talia herself, all photos used with permission and from her website.

What does an average day at work look like for you?

In the industry, there are two kinds of days, the fun filled shoot days and
the.... Then there are the hours upon hours and days upon days of post
production. The majority of days tend to be me at my desk editing from the
moment I wake until the moment I go to bed.

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

Yes, I often work alone unless obviously I am shooting and in that case I get to
work with a large group of amazing creatives, which is quite the opposite to a
day at my desk.

Is this what you wanted to do as a child? Did you end up in this job by
“accident” or was it a planned career choice?

At 16 I was studying a BTEC in Art at Solihull College. If I am totally honest,
I had never considered being a photographer before this and it wasn’t until
a tutor took me through a photography project during my Art course that I
decided to take it further. One of my main memories as a child was that my
dad and granddad always loved photography as a hobby and they were always
taking pictures, so maybe somewhere along the lines I had picked it up from
them.  At 18 I converted my sisters garage into a studio, where I would practice
photographing friends and family.

It was then I started to hone my skills and
find my style as a photographer. I explored many styles but when I completed
a fashion photography project at college, that’s when I really thought ‘Wow,
this is it, this is what I want to do.’ Everyone around me loved what I had
produced. After that I never looked back. 

Gorgeous vintage tones. 

How long ago did you start on this path?

It was in 2007 that I started my photography studies, In which I studied for 4

years.

How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or

primary form of income?

Two years into my studies I got my first photography Job, I knew it was what I

wanted to do and refused to do anything else. At one point I was jobless for 8

months but refused to work In anything but Photography. I hadn’t studied for 4

years to not have a Job in what I was trained in.

Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a

series of small steps?

I wouldn’t say anything significant happened, all I know is I loved what I done

and nothing made me happier. Why should I work in a job that makes me

unhappy when I can do something that I love and am passionate about. 

 Dreamy.

What kind of education do you have?

I have a National Diploma In Photography & Higher National Diploma In

Photography & Digital Imaging.

Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering

your industry?

In my time since leaving college I think I have been asked what qualifications I

have twice. Although I am glad I have them and my course didn’t just give me

a qualification it gave me confidence. Some of the best photographers in the

world are self taught.

If you went to school, did you enjoy studying? Could you see where it

might lead you at the time? What advice would you give to someone

else who might be studying to get into your industry?

I loved studying photography in my final years. I enjoyed the research and

would out my all into every project I would be given. My tutor always told me

I would work outside the box. While in my 2 final years at college I knew there

was nothing else I would do other than be a fashion photographer.

If I could give anyone advice I would say, work hard and give it your all, put

your heart into every project you are given meet those deadlines as you need

to be able to work 100x harder when you are actually in the industry, so be

prepared. Last of all, never give up, impossible is nothing. 

 

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

For me there isn’t really a best thing... I love the whole process, I love shoot

days the travelling to different places and the editing process.

What’s the worst thing?

The worst thing is probably people hassling me for photos an hour after we

have left a shoot haha.

Would you call yourself a workaholic, & if so, are you alright with that?

Do you think that’s normal for your industry?

Yes, I would say I am, I work from the moment I wake until the moment I go

to bed, I don’t really go out as I get on edge thinking ‘I could have done this or

that is I wasn’t out’. I dedicate every minute of the day to getting what I want.

I truly believe that talent will get you far but ambition will get you further and

this is the reason I work so hard. Yes for sure I do think it is normal for the

photography industry. 

Amazing light. 

What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants

to do what you do?

I would suggest assisting Photographers to gain professional experience.

...How about number two?

Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes improvement.

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

I can’t really think of anything. Honestly I am happy with how everything has

fallen into place and I think if there were things I may have known things

wouldn’t be as they are today for me. 

 

  How cute? 

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

People tend to think Fashion Photography is a glamorous job and easy.

Another thing is, photographers starting out tend to think the better their

camera the better the photos, which is not the case. People tend to be

surprised when they see my kit.

What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the

work you do?

Being shortlisted for Clothes Shows Young Fashion photographer of the year

is definitely up there with one of the best things to have happened to me.

I often teach workshops and this coming summer I will be working for NCS

The Challenge teaching photography. This is something I never imagined I’d

achieve and for me is something to be proud of.

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?

I truly believe each person is born with a gift, this is my gift and I want to be

remembered for my work. That is what motivates me, and the idea I could

potentially inspire others that anything is possible. 

 

Who do you look up to within your industry & why?

I admire photographer Lara Jade, I have watched her grow since her days on

Deviantart. Her work is stunning and she as a person is so inspiring.

Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the

best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.

100 - I think I am so blessed to do what I love everyday and to be paid for

what I do is a dream come true.

Is there much career progression available to you? What would you

like to do next?

My dreams and goals are ridiculously high, I believe people don’t aim high

enough, people aim and hit and thats enough for them. For me thats not the

case I would probably never ever feel like I’ve achieved enough. After I've

achieved one goal i’ll set another, then another then another.

This year my aim is to really get noticed as a photographer, and be published

in as many international magazines as possible.

Another goal is to make my Camera Bag range Te-Bags take off.

Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

Of course, there is nothing else I’d rather do. The fact that I could still be

doing what I love at the age of 60 just like Mario Testino is mind blowing. 

Thank you so much to Talia for answering out questions! You should defiantly check her out in the following places! 

Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr / Website  

 

The Inspirationals: Elspeth Van Der Hole

 Super babe Elspeth

This 'Inspirational' is seriously close to my heart. Not only is Elspeth a BADASS fashion photographer, super talented, kind and my friend, she is also a massive inspiration to all those out there suffering with any form on mental illness. Elspeth openly talks about suffering heavily from anxiety, depression and recently diagnosed with showing traits of Borderline Personality Disorder. To me the fact she is so open about her illnesses are admirable, and has she let it stop her taking over the photography world? Has she fuck! Having worked with anyone and everyone from Vidal Sassoon to Asos she's a force to be reckoned with. Here she tells us all about how she got to where she is! 

 Elspeth recently shot musician Franzie Cocozza

Tell us what you do:

I am a UK Fashion Photographer!

What does your average work day look like for you?

The average work day? There is no average work day and that’s why it’s the BEST JOB EVER.

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

I am a registered sole trader so primarily I work alone but I get commissioned by clients to take photographs. These clients could be anything from a model or make up artist to a well known fashion house!

How amazing?!
 

Is this what you wanted to do as a child?  Did you end up in this job by "accident" or was it a planned career choice?

As a child I actually wanted to become a fashion designer – I ended up taking my photography A level as a ‘filler subject’ and completely fell in love with the industry and creativity!

How long ago did you start on this path?

Over 10 years ago now! Including my previous art/fashion background.

How long were you doing it before you made it int your your career or primary form of income?

Probably around 9 years, but I ran my business and building myself up as a name in the industry alongside my education.

Did anything specific happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

A series of MANY small steps – and still going! The Prince’s Trust Enterprise course was one of the larger steps I took as I gained a business mentor and a business loan which has helped me progress quicker in the more recent months!

 More of Elspeth's work. 

What kind of education do you have?

I graduated last year from Nottingham Trent with a 2:1 BA hons in Photography.

Before that I got a distinction in my Foundation Art and Design National Diploma at Birmingham City Uni, after completing 5 AS/A Levels at Worcester Sixth Form College.

 
What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

Getting to meet the most incredibly inspiring people all the time, and not knowing what the next day will bring you!

 
What's the worst thing?

I don’t actually know, even the bad parts of what I do have helped me get to where I am, you learn from your mistakes and you begin to embrace the bad times! It makes you a much more humble and grateful person that’s for sure!

 
Would you call yourself a work-a-holic?

I don’t think I would call myself that, but I’m sure EVERYONE else will haha! To me, my business is my lifestyle so I am constantly networking, marketing or creating – purely because I just LOVE what I do!

Such a talent.

What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

Love what you do, but also make sure you have an element of being business minded. If you love what you do too much without any notion of marketing it then it’s almost a sure fail, in the same way that being too business minded can make you want for money too quickly and get impatient with how long the journey takes!

How about number 2?

Choose your battles wisely. Learn who to take advice from, some people may be out to belittle you for their own gain – either because of jealousy or other reasons. Be polite, but be aware of competitive nastiness!

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

That you can get to where you want to be, regardless of money. You don’t have to be a millionaire to achieve your dreams!

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

That it’s just a hobby, and we’ll happily work for free to enable other people’s monetary gain. ARGH.

 Photographing musical star Alexa Goddard

Do you have any ethical dilemmas with the work you do?

I haven’t directly encountered any yet – although there are a number of men who exploit the industry as a photographer in order to gain contact with young, vulnerable ‘wannabe’ models.

What's the best thing that's happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

Having an outlet and somewhere to channel my emotions in order to keep my mental health balanced. It’s not easy running a business when you suffer from anxiety, depression and traits of borderline personality disorder!

 
What motivates you to keep what you're doing?

 

My mental health and the recent passing of my father have opened my eyes up to the need to living a life of fulfilment and the importance of being happy in your career. And my complete and utter infatuation with fashion photography, that feeling you get when you create a BEAUTIFUL new image that you just want to share with the world – it’s just bliss!

Who do you look up to within your industry and why?

I look up to a number of people around me – predominantly my direct circle of contacts, they keep me going and support me when necessary. It is important to surround yourself with positive and honest people, ESPECIALLY in the fashion world. I don’t think there is anyone I would single out in particular but having a good network of supportive contacts is key.

With the stunning Hannah Owen

Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100:

10281924793846210q93812-03912-=0949023748. ALL THE HAPPY.

Is there much career progression available to you?

So much. You can never stop learning and progressing. I’m just so excited for what the next few years will bring – this is just the start!

Do you think you'll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

FOREVER AND ALWAYS. It is my life, if I didn’t have my business, photography, fashion photography… I just don’t know where I would be right now, but it wouldn’t be a happy place that’s for sure!

 Would like to thank Elspeth SO SO much (and you will be seeing lots of her and Wonderland soon!) for her openess and honesty. I reccommend you check out her work especially if you're in the midlands, even if not! If you're are suffering from any kind of mental illness she is such a inspiring, honest person and I urge you to do so. Elspeth is unique in this, that she admits when she has 'dark days' or is suffering, and that to me makes her all the more real, she doesn't sugar coat or bullshit. 

All photographs taken with permission from Elspeth's website. 

Find this babe at the following places:

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Email / Blog

 

The Inspirationals: Vix Adams

Just in case you are new to the Wonderland party, we interview people who are talented, creative, unusual, and down right inspirational! This one is a gem, especially for all you fashion lovers! 

 

Total babe herself Vix! 

Vix Adams works as a London based freelance Fashion Stylist and Creative Director on runway shows, music videos, commercial projects and fashion editorials. She has styled many celebrity clients including McFly, McBusted, Jo Whiley, Ms Dynamite, Example, Kate Nash, Lauren Pope, Lucy Watson, Lee Ryan, Shayne Ward to name a few. 

However currently she is styling up those X Factor boys a storm on the Xfactor 2014. We love her work and her style, and Vix was kind enough to let us ask her all about her inspiring career! 

Styled by Vix, Mcbusted announce their new tour!

Tell us about what you do.

I am a freelance fashion stylist working on Editorials, music videos, commericial television, runway shows for both Men and Women and predominently Celebrity Clients. I am currently the stylist for McBusted, X-Factor and the menswear Editor for HotHot Magazine.

What does an average day at work look like for you?

Hmm, there is no such thing as an average day in this business which is why I love it so much, every project and every day is totally different from one day to the next, Its definitely not your typical 9-5!

  

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

I primarily work alone on most projects as I just prefer it that way as then I have complete creative control, and when working with clients I think its imperative to understand them in order to understand their style and vision. ith McBusted I work alone, but on a large scale project like the X-Factor I do work with assistants and a team of stylists.

 Vix with those rather stylish X Factor boys!

Is this what you wanted to do as a child? Did you end up in this job by “accident” or was it a planned career choice?

Probably not as a child as I don’t think I was aware that this role even existed. But I have always known I wanted to be involved with the fashion industry, it was about 10 years ago when I moved to London. I started to understand more about the role of a fashion stylist, and knew that it was the career path I was going to pursue.

How long ago did you start on this path?

I started working in fashion retail 15 years ago. From that point I worked my way up to retail management which I did for 4 years, and from there I went into a role of Visual Merchandiser for 5 years for brands such as Diesel, Armani, and DKNY. This was my first insight into the possibility of becoming a Fashion Stylist as a full time career. 

How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?

I have been a Fashion Stylist for 6 years and the first 3 years consisted mostly of networking and building my portfolio and client base. 

 Working with Lucy Watson in her role at HotHot Magazine.

Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

A series of small steps definitely. Starting with test shoots, magazine editorials, commercial clients, celebrity clients, then tours. It has been step by step but always gently building in the direction I wanted it to go in.

What kind of education do you have?

I had a pretty standard education, school, high school, then college, I left college with the intention of taking a gap year before going to University. That’s when I started working in Fashion and realised I wanted to work rather than study, so that’s what I did.

Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?

For me, no it wasn’t a necessity, I'm sure courses can help you get one step up on the ladder but that wasn’t how I wanted to do it. I think Styling and being creative is not necessarily something that can be taught, its either in you or it isn't and it has to be driven by passion not paperwork.

The beautiful lady herself! 

If you went to school, did you enjoy studying? Could you see where it might lead you at the time? What advice would you give to someone else who might be studying to get into your industry?

If I'm being honest, I hated studying, I hated the formality of it all, I loved the creative classes but Physics and Maths etc were never really top of my priorities even from a young age. If your studying Fashion or Styling or Visual Merchandising then that’s great, it’s a complex industry and I'm sure it prepares you for what this business entails. My advice would be to get yourself out there, assisting other stylists and expect to work long hours, for a long time, for free, that’s how you will truly understand the nature of the business.

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

Without doubt the best thing about my job is that each day is different, whether it be location or people who you meet or what visual is expected from you. There really is never a dull moment in this career. It challenges you and pushes you continuously and I don’t think you ever stop learning. There is always something new fresh and exciting just around the corner.

Would you call yourself a workaholic, and if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?

I am 100% a workaholic and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My job is my life. I think you have to be and I think within this industry its totally normal from stylists to photographers to MUA's. You are only as good as your last job, so you are constantly striving for more, striving to do better and push creative boundaries.

More of Vix's Work
What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?

The best piece of advice I can give is to never ever give up. Be prepared to work for years for long hours, for free. Take every opportunity that comes to you and push yourself to the limit. Always be enthusiastic and motivated. Be willing to make mistakes as it’s the best way you will learn.

...How about number two?

Always carry a notepad, write lists, ideas, inspiration. Anything that will keep your brain mentally stimulated...and never give up!!!

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

I wish I would have known how long it takes to actually build your name and your portfolio which means working hard for free for a long time. But so glad I did that as it taught me a great deal.

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

Everyone presumes that being a Fashion Stylist is super Glamourous. At times it is and it has its perks but it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of determination. If you are willing to put in the work and the hours then it’s the most rewarding job you can do.

What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

The best thing that’s happened to me as a consequence of what I do is genuinely the friendships I have built. My highlight so far I would have to say is styling Mcbusted for their sold out 37 arena date tour.

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?

I love what I do, so the motivation for me is easy. I'm quite self critical so I'm always looking for ways to improve so that motivates me to always want to do more.

More of Vix's X Factor Styling.


Who do you look up to within your industry & why?

I guess the obvious person is Grace Coddington, stylist for Vogue. Shes so iconic and still continues to be at the top of her game.
Recently I have been crushing on Ainsley Hutchence of Sticks and Stones. Shes so rad and her work always pushes boundarys which I love.


Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.

oooh, I put 100% into everything I do and I believe in it fully, so I'm always pleased with the outcome, but there is always room for improvement. I would say a strong 70. I don’t think I will ever say 100 as then there's no where higher to go!

Is there much career progression available to you? What would you like to do next?

There are always new opportunities within this business and always different avenues to explore. Next year I want to get into possibly doing presenting fashion features for TV and online.

Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

Who knows what is around the corner, but yes I am very happy in my career and the direction it is going in at the moment. I tend to set bench marks of what I want to achieve and then when I reach that I tend to set another goal. I want to continue to be a fashion stylist for as long as I am still passionate about it. I have no intentions of slowing down anytime soon.

We would like to thank Vix SO much for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions! You can follow her work and life at the following links: 

 Website / Twitter /
Blog /
Instagram

The Inspirationals: Chick Lit Designs!

We love, love anything quirky, creative and fun and this is EXACTLY what Michelle from Chick Lit Designs does! Michelle's shop is known for her Book Clutches, handcrafted purses, iPad and Ereader covers made from old hardcover books. Dedicating herself to bringing back the nostalgic feeling of having a book in your hands during this technology growing world. So this month's 'Inspirational' is Michelle who we hope you find as inspiring as we do! 

Michelle! (All photos by L Breeze Photography)

Tell us what you do: 

My name is Michelle and I'm the owner/designer of Chick Lit Designs.  I take books and recreate them into designer handbags/clutches, ereader and iPad cases. 

What does your average work day look like for you?

I usually wake up have breakfast and a cup of coffee at my computer while checking emails and social media, respond to any custom requests and search for books that may work for customers.  The rest of the day is spent in my studio sewing, cutting and taking pictures and then listing them on my website or social media.  Mostly just trying to get orders out and working on new products.  I may venture out of the studio to go and get a few supplies from the fabric or book store.  

 

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

Chick Lit Designs is currently a one-man show! :)

 

 Kindle Cover!

Is this what you wanted to do as a child?  Did you end up in this job by "accident" or was it a planned career choice?

I definitely just fell into it.  I actually discovered Etsy a few years ago when I was trying to find a way to make extra money to send to my parents during a difficult time. Eventually, my parents told me to stop sending them money, but I couldn’t pull myself away from my shop – it has become a

part of who I am. I recently just quit my day job and started focusing on Chick Lit designs full time.

How long ago did you start on this path?

I opened my first store in 2009.  In 2011 I decided to re-brand and changed my brand to Chick-Lit Designs and have been successful ever since.  

 

How long were you doing it before you made it into your your career or primary form of income?

 

I probably should have gone full time in 2012, but it took me 2 years to finally make the jump and make it my primary job.

Michelle in her studio!

Did anything specific happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?

 For a few years, it was like having 2 full time jobs.  I just had my first child, and decided working from home was what I needed to do.  I'm thankful each day that I'm able to spend more time with my daughter and still focus on my business.

What kind of education do you have?

 

I have a degree in International Hotel/Tourism Management from Johnson and Wales University.  It's not very relevant in what I'm doing now- but I feel like the customer service aspect I learned while in school is invaluable to my business.

 

What do you think is the best thing about what you do?

 

Definitely designing my next product. I am constantly thinking of what I can make next, and I spend hours in my studio – it is like therapy to me. I can hardly wait to see the finished product. When I do finally finish a project, I’m so completely excited that I have to run to my husband and show it off!

 Book clutch!

What's the worst thing?

The post office.  It doesn't happen a lot- but once in awhile a package gets lost, and getting in touch with the post office can be almost impossible at times. And dealing with insurance claims is beyond annoying. 

 

Would you call yourself a work-a-holic?

I think that now I am running a business full time, it is a little harder for me to pull away from my work. It's a new worry for me that I don't have a steady pay check coming in every 2 weeks. But I do try to spend more time with my family and try to make a balance. I send her to daycare 3 days a week so I can spend those days completely focusing on my business and getting orders out on time.  The days I have her I try to do get her out of the house.  We spend time with friends, go to gymnastics, swimming or festivals.

 

What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do.

 

Don't get discouraged! There are days where I get several sales a day- and some days that I get nothing.  On the slow days try to find something to inspire you. Create a new design or product!  Go on social media and promote your items to the world.  Just remember that everyone has slow days and it's all about coming up with new designs and getting yourself seen. Giving up is not an option. 

 

How about number 2?

Take good pictures of your designs.  Pictures speak 1000 words.  People who buy items on the internet want to see what it looks like as though they had it in their hands.  Hiring someone to take professional pictures of your product will help your business in the long run.

 

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?

 

Marketing on social media.  I wish I had spent more time promoting my items instead of worrying at my computer wondering why no one is buying anything.  You need to get your product out there and social media is a free platform where customers/bloggers/media from all around the world can find you.

 

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

 

I think a lot of my friends/family take my job as more of a hobby because I do everything from home. I don't think they realize exactly what I do on a day to day basis so they just assume I'm a stay-at-home mom with a hobby.  But I look at it as I'm a designer with my own business and am able to do it from home.

 

Book clutch!

Do you have any ethical dilemmas with the work you do?

When I first started, I found it was a little hard to cut into books.  But, instead of throwing the gutted books into a recycle bin- I donate the fully readable books to a local refugee committee. It helps me knowing that the books are being put to good use to teach adults and children who came to America with nothing.  It gives the a chance to learn English by reading books without covers.

 

What's the best thing that's happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?

I'm surprised about how much attention I've been getting lately!  I was recently featured in British Vogue Magazine and Mollie Makes magazine.  I also had the honor of having my book clutches featured on E! Network's "The Fabulist" as one of the hottest new trends.  And lastly, Lois Lowry's editor had me make a book purse for the famous author out of her best seller "The Giver". 

 

What motivates you to keep what you're doing?

My customers!  I get so many people that literally chase me down the store asking where I got my purse or clutch.  I have customers coming back to me to re-order items to give as gifts to everyone in their family.  It actually makes me blush- :)  I'm so happy that my customers are this excited about my product. 

Who do you look up to within your industry and why?

James Plumb Studio. These two individuals make the most amazing items out of old vintage finds. They have made dressers from old suitcases and a chandelier from old vintage lamp shades. It’s amazing what they think of!

 

Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100:

 

110 :) I'm so happy with my business and where it has taken me and my family.  I love waking up in the morning with new ideas and still have time to cuddle with my sweet little 1.5 year old at the end of the day.

 

Is there much career progression available to you?

 

I think so!  There are so many genres of books and target audiences to hit.  I'm currently working on new sci-fi/comic book items to cater to the Comic-Con/gamers industry.  I also started making clutches from LEGO's and they seem to be a big hit! 

 

Do you think you'll continue doing this for the rest of your life?

 

I hope so... as I said before "Quitting is not an option".  

 

We would thank Michelle SO much for answering our questions, please be sure to check out her store, and social media links! 

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