How did you get your start?

Well and truly from the start! I have always been creative from the word go probably because of an overactive imagination. I was a total tomboy and not afraid to get mucky. I always loved art and drawing at school, a picture is worth a 1000 words the teachers would say.

Russian Dolls Bag : £28.00

Do you have any formal training?

I did fine art and textiles at college (A-Level) but thats about it. After that I didn’t do any creative projects for a long time, just little bits here and there.

When and why did you create your business?

I was actually working on another online shop and I was always so in awe of all the stock I’d get it. I used to daydream about designing my own line of bags and accessories. October last year I kept getting ideas and drawing loads and loads of pictures that I thought would look cute on bags and things. So I took the plunge and started working on it and by May this year my little online boutique was open for business.

Has it changed at all since you began? How?

Well its all just the beginning still so I’m really excited about future prospects. It’s very thrilling and amazing.

What is the best part of running your own business?

Being your own boss and being as creative as you like!

and the worst?

I’m loving it all but I would say paperwork. You also have to be prepared to have no free time and to accept that you may not be making huge profits to begin with.

I Love Tea Brooch : £6.50

You create so many wonderful pieces. Where does your inspiration come from?

Thank you. Things just jump out at me at me most the time, or they just click in my head. I’m always inspired by my childhood toys and memories, and food! lol! I love adding the blushing cheeks and winking eyes to everyday things like a tea cup or cake and it adds cuteness instantly. They are my little blushing buddies.

I also love nostalgic pieces you find at carboots or odd little shops. I’m working on some lovely fairytale and circus designs at the moment.

Who is your favorite indie designer?

There are so many talented designers and makers out there……..

I love Lynda Lye, creator of the Little Odd Forest Boutique. Her notions are very similar to my ideas, just whimsical quirky oddities that make you smile.

What was your most recent indie buy?

I bought this lovely handmade unicorn necklace from etsy. Etsy is a minefield of wonderfull bits and bobs.

Billie Fawn Cosmetic Bag : £12.00

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

Materialisticly it would have to be………my toothbrush (+ paste), ooh that was hard, so many things were flashing through my mind ha!

What music/books/magazines are you into right now?

ooh ok Music, I love the Tings Tings right now. I always love listening to movie soundtracks like Practical Magic or something. Love love David Bowie and the music in Juno.

Books would have to be Harry Potter! haha, and I like books by James Herbert and occasionally some chic lit. I also like looking at crafty books.

I’m trying to cut down on magazines but I’m partial to a bit of Glamour!

What advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

Go for it! and promote promote promote. Most of all believe in yourself and remember why you wanted to do it in the first place. You also have to love what you do as there is a lot of hard work and long ours involved.

Where do you hope you/your business will be in 5 years?

I would like to have a whole range of goods for fashion and home. I’ already working on some clothing designs and some interior pieces. I would also like to open a little boutique in London or Brighton or somewhere funky.

Bettie Biscuit Wallet : £16.00

Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

I have some weekend bags, clutch bags, coin purses, pocket mirrors designs in the making…… watch this space.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received regarding your business?

The best thing for me was that I had family and friends who rooted me on and believed in me. So I would say believe you can do it and get yourself out there as much as possible.

www.kategarey.com

Tags: Boutiques, Interviews

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