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! 

Twitter / Facebook / Store

The Inspirationals - Jessica Sheppard

All photos belong and taken from Jessica's site.

 
I was really stoked when Jessica (above) agreed to answer our 'inspirations' questions. I have been a fan of hers for a long time (if you don't follow her, make sure you do, all links at the end of the post!) If you're new to the blog, we interview people with interesting careers/jobs/hobbies who we think others will find inspiring! Jessica not only runs a successful blog and youtube channel, but is also studying fashion design, but unlike many who take this path is going down the menswear route! Here Jessica tells us more about her chosen career path! 

Tell us about what you do.

I am doing a full time menswear design degree so that pretty much takes up all of my time. Around this though, I work I a supermarket and blog daily so my schedule is quite jam packed - its rare that I have time to stop. I'm also trying to branch out and become known as a designer as well as a secret project with a couple of friends - fashion never sleeps!


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

Depending on which day of the week, it varies. I will either be at university all day, taking/editing blog pictures, filming/editing videos, sourcing fabrics and inspiration, making patterns and garments or working my bum off in the supermarket to afford it all.

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

It depends on what it is that I am doing. As far as university, getting my name out there and my blog - I work alone. It wasn't necessarily a choice but that’s how it happens with things such as those. For the secret project, like I said it is with a couple of close friends. That works well though because we are really close and despite clashing with some ideas, we seem to always form a mutual opinion to go forward with.

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 changed my mind pretty much once a week. I wanted to be a princess but realised quickly that it wasn't easy, and then I wanted to be a vet until I realised it involved blood. Without being the typical 'I've wanted to do fashion all my life', I do remember as a pre-teen having a desk in my bedroom which was covered in magazines and the wall in front was plastered with designs that I had come up with.  As far as accidents go, my falling into the fashion industry and blogging world wasn't an accident. I chose to study fashion and to progress upwards to a degree just like I chose to start a personal style blog - as I don't think there are many bloggers out there who dress like me as I don't like following fashion exactly.

How long ago did you start on this path?

Officially, three years ago when I enrolled onto my BTEC course in fashion and textiles. This was a two year course which guided me into my fashion degree that has helped me into internships and pursuing my dreams.


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

Unfortunately, it isn't yet my primary income. My blog does give me a little bit of pocket money here and there but it wouldn't pay the bills. As for my designer work - its all a work in progress and I still have a long way to go.

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

I was a bit of an undecided teen. My mum just thinks that I couldn't stick at anything but in honesty, I was testing the waters to find out what I loved doing. When I was doing my GCSE and A Levels, I realised that art and fashion were what is in my heart but I was too lazy to follow them (the coursework was so much!) and my parents told me that fashion wasn't a proper degree or career. After three different a level and  BTEC courses flopped - it was my time to try fashion and prove that it was my hearts choice.


What kind of education do you have?

I've got 10 GCSE's including Art and Graphics as my top two, a BTEC at distinction level in Fashion and Textiles and a degree in fashion design in progress.


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

I'd say for the most part, yeah. If you want to work within Fashion then you need some sort of understanding about what you're getting into. For example, if I hadn't done these courses then I wouldn't have a clue about sewing techniques, trend forecasting, fashion history as in depth or how to pattern cut. With a lot of internship experience you could make it, but getting into those internships without the qualifications could be tricky. However, my blog has got me into a couple of internships before.

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 did enjoy studying - but only creative subjects. I was a bit of a rascal and played up in most of my classes but this was mostly because I am really not academic and it frustrated me. The creative subjects like art were my favourite. I wish I could go back and thank my art teacher Mr Holmes for helping me to realise my potential - even though I didn't listen to him at the time, he was one of my biggest inspirations. As far as advice goes, I'd say follow your dreams. I wish more than anything that I didn't listen to my parents and just went straight into fashion from the get go. I regret not following my dreams sooner and I told my little brother the same thing. He was given a push towards studying Law even though Performing Arts is his dream - but thats his decision to make and realise for himself.

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

I absolutely love having such a full life with blogging, designer stuff and working. I like that my days always vary and nothing is ever the same. I'm always blogging new things, designing and making different ideas, etc. I like the variety.

What’s the worst thing?

When a deadline is looming at university, I have to side track my life a little bit. Blogging takes the biggest back seat because my degree is my future and everything else follows suit. I basically have to dedicate my entire being to finishing my projects to a good enough standard so that I can get through university.

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

Well, I'd say that I am but I am also the worst for being lazy. If I wake up and I'm in the mood for whatever I've chosen to do - then I'll go into it full force. I tend to set certain days of the week for certain things. Like I'll choose a day when I've got a spare 3-6 hours for planning outfits and photographing them and then in the evenings I'll edit it all and get to my designing. However, if I wake up in a lazy mood then I'll probably just be found emailing and watching Gossip Girl while updating my social media profiles.


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

Be prepared for a lot of work. Getting into fashion design is hard, stressful and time consuming. Its completely worth it but it does drain the life out of you at times because its such a fast paced industry.


...How about number two?

Make sure its 100% what you want to do. If you're not in it with your whole heart then it won't be as fun and interesting to you. Fashion isn't a fall back career, it has to be something you're dedicated to spending your life doing.

 

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

I'd say that I pretty much knew what to expect but I wish I had made myself a bit stronger before. I knew tutors and industry professionals would be very hard and cut throat, but at first I found it really hard to take and struggled with the harsh realisation that my designs weren't that good. From the three years experience that I've had, I'd say that I've developed more of a back bone but I still dread deadline day and being told that I'm not good enough.


Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

Everyone thinks that Fashion is a fall back career if you fail everything else. They also think its always like 'Devil Wears Prada'. Or that its just drawing pretty dresses and sewing them together. It isn't. Fashion is a career choice, a dedication and hard work. It isn't something you just 'fall into' and sit back and relax in.


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

I've met a fair few celebrities including Nick Grimshaw, David Ghandy, Tinie Tempah, etc. I've also had the chance of working with designers and other opportunities that I'd not of had otherwise.

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

There isn't necessarily a motivation, I just love what I do so I want to keep doing it. I don't wake up in the morning and dread going into university or sitting at my sewing machine - I stay up all night excited and jump out of bed.


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

There are so many designers that I look up to. Christopher Shannon, Kit Neale, Henry Holland, Marc Jacobs, so many!


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

If I'm pottering along happily - 100. If its near deadline then I wouldn't even ask me that question, I'd be too close to exploding.

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

I'm only just starting out and I'm not even properly in the industry yet so I'd say there is definitely room to grow and progress in my career. I'd like to finish university and get into Graduate Fashion Week. After third year I am going travelling around the world for a year so we will see what happens from there - I want to explore the world before I settle.


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

Without a doubt.

Thank you so much to Jessica for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions! Find Jessica at the following places:

Look Book / Twitter / Facebook / Bloglovin / Instagram / Youtube

and make sure to check out her blog!

The Inspirations: Max Rathbone - Tattoo Artist

 Max's work

Back with a bang, we interviewed Pixie's (one half on Wonderland) fiancée and very talented tattoo artist Max! So if you fancy yourself as a budding tattooist this is the post for you!

 

Max's Instagram 

Tell us about what you do.

I tattoo at Off Key Tattoo Studio in Birmingham UK  

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

All my designs are drawn on the day of appointment, so the first hour or two is all preparation. I'll do anywhere from one to three tattoos in a day usually. I don't have any breaks other than to smoke so everyday is pretty hectic.

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

I work with a guy called Robert Ashby. His work is the opposite of mine but I think we compliment each other well. His wife is also there learning to tattoo and she does a few days a week. 

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 wanted to do it as far back as I can remember, my earliest memory is my Dad coming home with a new tattoo and I loved them ever since.

 How long ago did you start on this path?

Not long after I dropped out of art college, think I was probably about 19.

 Max's work from Instagram

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

The first two years were unpaid. I was working anywhere up to 80 hours a week so didn't have time to give myself any other form of income. Luckily my Dad was very supportive and allowed me to live at home without rent, so I only had to find money for cigarettes. After two years I started making little bits of money

 What kind of education do you have?

I did okay during school and went to art college for about three years. So not much really.

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

100%. Very few people manage to become tattooists so it's important to have a back up plan.

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 hated school and college was just messing around. At that age I didn't really look past next week let alone what I would be doing ten years later. I did fine art, but I would recommend anyone to chose illustration.

 Max's work on our Pixie

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

I love so much about my job. It really is amazing the amount of people who give me free reign with their bodies. It's just an awesome feeling creating something new everyday and knowing that customer will keep it for the rest of their lives. Tattoos are one of the few things someone will buy that they will still own in five years, unlike phones, clothes, cars and any other possessions.

What’s the worst thing?

I can never switch off. Mentally, I'm constantly involved in tattooing.

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

Honestly I'm fine with it. No matter what job I was doing I'd be the same, so it might as well be for a job I love.

 Taken from Max's instagram

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

Get tattooed. By as many different reputable artists as possible

...How about number two?

Draw as much as possible. So many people say they don't have time to draw, that's bullshit. I used to sleep five hours a night so I would have time to draw

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

So many things. I'd love to go back in time five years and just talk at myself for hours.

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

People seem to think it's a lot more glamorous than it is in reality, probably because of what they see on TV.

 More of Max's work

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

Nope. I don't force anyone to get tattooed by me (except for close friends.)

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

I met the love of my life Pixie.

 Pixie and Max 

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

I want to be the best. I'm a long way off, and there is a very good chance I'll never get there. But I'm going to do everything I can to get there.

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

I could name hundreds. Eckel, Sneaky Mitch, Tiny Miss Becca, Greggletron, Justin Hartman, Wendy Pham, Lus Lips, Jeff Gogue, Thomas Hooper, Emily Rose Murray. Each one has had a massive influence on me, if you google them you will see why

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

Anywhere from 60-80. 

 Instagram

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

I really want to travel. I want to work at all the best shops in the UK, I'd love to work in the States, Australia and around Europe. I want to work at London Tattoo Convention, be on the cover of magazines and tattoo all the celebrities I grew up idolising. If I could tattoo CM Punk I'd be over the moon. I don't know how much of that I can accomplish, but I'm going to try.

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

For as long as my health will let me. Even then I will probably still try.

Thanks so much to Max for taking the time out to answer these questions for us! For more of his work and for booking information check out his instagram here!

The Inspirationals - Victoria from Inthefrow.com!

 

All photos in this post from Victoria's Instagram

Victoria is by far one of my favourite bloggers, but not to only read her blog, but to work with. Classy, gracious and genuinely a lovely person who I am super proud to call a friend. Making a massive name her herself in the blogging world, but doing it her own way and with such inimitable style and sparkle. Not only does she research, write, and take photos for her blog Inthefrow she is also a Lecturer in Fashion Retailing, a fashion retail graduate and fashion doctorate grad. (Not a lot going on then!) This is why we decided that Victoria is most defiantly an inspiration - and asked her to tell us about what she does, and how she fits it all in! Hope you enjoy!

Tell us about what you do.

In the daytime Im a fashion retail lecturer at the University of Manchester after nearly finishing a fashion PhD.

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

An average day includes writing lectures, possibly marking or chatting with students about work, giving my lectures to 120 students or writing my thesis. I do love it though.

 

Do you primarily work alone or with other people?

Generally alone or with another lecturer, but we always come together as a group every now and again to talk ideas over.

 

 

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?

No by accident really. After my degree I fell into the PhD and after that it is the natural progression to move into lecturing. So that’s where I am now.

But then I have my blog, so lets talk about that. Its far more fun. I had no idea I would get into blogging, so it was totally unplanned and a great surprise.

 

 

 

How long ago did you start on this path?

Around 20 months ago now, in October 2012 I started blogging.

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

Its not quite my primary form due to my actual job, but I would probably say in a year or so I could make it my primary income if I wanted to. So I guess 2 and a half years?

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

To the point its at now, it was small steps to build it all up and make it what it is now.

 

What kind of education do you have?

Almost at PhD level now, depending on me getting these corrections written, arghhh. 

 

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

For someone who wants to get blogging, perhaps not so much unless you want to brand yourself as an expert. Otherwise anyone with a fab personality and a great way of writing can do well in blogging.

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 did love studying yes. I was quite an inquisitive child and loved to learn new things mainly. I studied textiles and art and hoped it would lead me to fashion design, but it turned out I loved marketing much more. 

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

Blogging gives you a pretty cool social life. Lots of events, parties and champagne to drink plus the opportunity to meet some awesome people. 

What’s the worst thing?

It takes up the majority of my spare time because I’m addicted to it.

 

 

 

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

Definitely. At the moment I’m struggling with how much I have to do, but otherwise I’m extremely determined to do well in my career so it doesn’t really bother me. 

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

I would say you have to have something different now to do this as there are so many bloggers out there already. You need to be innovative.

...How about number two?

Dont just do it for the products. Do it because you love to write and you want to build it into something amazing.

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

I wish I had known how fantastic it would be and how much time it would take up due to my love for it.

 

 

 

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?

People may think its a breeze, but in fact its really hard work and takes up so much of my time.

 

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

 

I often worry about people thinking I’m selling them too much stuff and that they’ll think Ive sold out. But I only talk about products I love, so I hope that doesn’t happen.

 

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

I’ve won a Company award, modelled for some incredible brands and gotten to meet some awesome people.

 

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

 

Im motivated every day by how amazing my followers are, and the feeling that I want to give them something new to read every day. And also the idea of being able to do it full time drives me on further.

 

 

 

 

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

 

I love bloggers such as Native Fox and Beauty Crush who just ooze style and seem so lovely. Id love to sit down and have coffee with them some day!

 

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

I would say I am around 75. Still hoping to do better but so proud of my achievements so far!

 

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

 

With blogging there will be an end point and at that time, Id love to start my own business. So we will see :)

 

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

 

Definitely not, but I will certainly do something in a similar niche. Fingers crossed!

 

 Thank you so much to Victoria for finding the time to answer these questions! Need a bigger fix, find Victoria at the following places! Blog / Twitter / Youtube / Instagram / Tumblr  /  Facebook and be sure to click this link to follow her on Bloglovin!