How did you get your start?

I started selling my artwork in a previous etsy store called SparksFly last August? I had originally opened the store to sell my photography, but I ended up designing packaging for other etsy sellers, and was staying WAY too busy. It was then that I decided to pick up an old passion of mine… drawing. I really had no photoshop experience whatsoever, but knew how to use a pencil. I listed a few finished pieces, and it turned out people were interested, and buying. It was like a dream come true. I decided in January to take the plunge and start fresh with vol25. I feel very fortunate that things have picked up and stayed fairly constant ever since opening. Many people ask what the story is behind the name vol25. In January of 2008 when I opened the doors to my little shop (via etsy.com) I was 25 years old, and vol25 was like opening a new volume in my life, which in turn has created several new chapters for me.

Do you have any formal training?

No, I am proud to say that I am completely self taught. However, it did take quite a few google searches, and online tutorials to teach myself photoshop.

When and why did you create your business?

After I got married in October of 2003, my husband and I decided I would quit my job (secretary at our local chevy dealership) and we would try to live off of one income, his. We had immediate plans to start a family, and knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom. The following November our daughter was born. We managed to get by with his income just fine. Granted it wasn’t always a picnic, we had to make responsible decisions… which meant very few splurges. I have always been a crafty person and loved making original handmade baby books with my illustrations. One day I did a search for handmade baby book, and it brought me to etsy. I opened up my first shop that same day. A few months later, I was still at home with my daughter, filling my need to create and making extra money for those “splurges.” We still do not rely on my income, and this keeps it “extra.”

Has it changed at all since you began? How?

Yes, it has dramatically. Photography is hard to sell on etsy, because there are SO many talented photographers with shops. I really didnt feel like I could even compete with them… my lack of sales made it obvious. I have always had a desire to create graphics, and began learning photoshop, designing banners, business cards, and other packaging for etsy sellers. I was doing VERY good, but my family was suffering. Working around customers’ schedules, and NEVER resting until my customer was 110% satisfied. It was then that I decided to test the waters with my art. It was so much more relaxing, to create at my own pace, on my own time. While I still have a few super sweet customers that followed me over to vol25, for the most part I am focusing completely on my art. It is nice to not feel pulled in so many different directions.

What is the best part of running your own business?

Being able to do 90% of my work at home in my pj’s, with my daughter in my lap.

and the worst?

Setting myself a schedule! Since I enjoy drawing so much, I find it is hard to make myself stop and get things done around the house.

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

Thank You! Clothing stores inspire a lot of my color combinations. Lately, quotes have been inspiring an entire drawing. I also have a huge collection of Martha, Real Simple, and Domino Magazines, they inspire me as well. My husband is also a constant source of inspiration, he is always encouraging me to try something new.

Who is your favorite indie designer?

I have a few favorites, but I simply adore Alix from treehouse28′s designs. Not only is she super sweet, but her talent is amazing. treehouse28.etsy.com

What was your most recent indie buy?

I bought a pair of minky baby frog feet for my niece from justkiddn on etsy. JustKiddn.etsy.com too cute!

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

My 10 mp sony a-100 digital camera.

What will you be wearing come summer?

Anything comfortable. I am due this July to deliver our second child.

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

Currently my Ikea catalogue is getting quite a bit of loving. After drooling over the last three years of catalogues, I am finally planning a trip to Ikea. As you could guess my wish list is somewhat long… I am keeping track of page numbers, prices, and getting a grand total before I even walk through the store doors! We will be leaving this saturday, so wish me luck!

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

I sure do. Don’t expect the sales to come immediately flowing in… but be optimistic about your work, and believe in its potential. Have a plan mapped out, and definately be prepared to spend a little money advertising. Search blogs that seem to target your audience, and inquire on advertising. Many blogs will host giveaways that bring in a ton of exposure, and you would only be out that one product you donated.

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

I would love to have had a couple magazine features, my own room/studio, a few more customers, and several new *favorite* pieces of art hanging on my walls.

Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

Yes! I have a pregnancy book designed, and almost completely ready to send to the printer. I plan to follow up with a matching baby book. I have several designs featuring some of my more popular pieces of art in mind. I think there is a HUGE market for baby/pregnancy books that are not so frilly and cutesy… a little more modern. I hope to launch these into my etsy shop by the end of the year.

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

Do not expect people to fall into your shop… promote, promote, and when you dont think you can promote anymore… promote.

Site: vol25.etsy.com

How did you get your start?

I’ve been designing for as long as I can remember. I have a very clear memory being in sixth grade and just knowing that I was going to be a fashion designer when I grew up. I majored in fashion design in college and one of my final projects during my sophomore year was to design and make a handbag. I really enjoyed the project and from there started experimenting and making bags for myself and as gifts. My older sister really encouraged me to try to sell my bags and after some serious fear I just went for it. I spent the summer of 2006 before my senior year of college making bags non-stop, on top of designing my senior collection. At the end of January 2008, in the midst of the craziness making my senior collection, I opened my etsy shop. From there everything has just grown! After graduating and some exciting and unexpected local press, I decided to make MABeLâ„¢ my full time job. Its all been a dream come true!

What was the first item you ever made?

I learned how to hand sew in brownies in first grade and I used to make clothes for my barbies and american dolls.

Do you have any formal training?

My mom taught me how to use a sewing machine and serger in high school. And Syracuse University is where I learned to pattern make, drape, construction and so much more!

When and why did you create your business?

MABeLâ„¢ handbags was born in November 2003. It started as a hobby, but after realizing how much I enjoyed making bags, it turned into a business in February 2007.

What is the best part of running your own business?

Working for myself is pretty great, but the thing that I love the most is seeing people on the street wearing one of my bags. It makes me so happy…I just wanted to run up to them and hug them!

and the worst?

Starting a business is so scary. You don’t know what to expect and there is always a possibility of failure, but some risks are worth taking. I have faith in myself and I’m still young. Life is too short to hesitate!

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

I am very inspired by pop culture and music. I also find a lot of inspiration from children. They see things in such a different way, so innocent and unaware and imaginative. To them everything is possible. I like that mindset.

Who is your favorite indie designer?

I love Yana of Supayana! Her stuff is so adorable. I’m also obsessed with John Galliano; he’s not really an indie designer, but he’s so unpredictable. I love him! His Fall 2005 Couture collection for Dior is my favorite collection of all time!

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

mascara.

What will you be wearing come spring/summer?

shorts and dresses.
wedges.
leopard print, yellow and purple.
I like to mix and match prints, too!

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

Authors: Chuck Klosterman and David Sedaris.
Magazines: Nylon, Missbehave
Music: Hello Stranger, Her Space Holiday, the Editors, Mates of State

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

Be patient. It takes time. The first few months I would sell one bag, but now I’m selling every day. I still get frustrated, but I try not to expect too much so I don’t get disappointed. You can be successful. Don’t give up! Don’t take constructive criticism personally. To be in business for yourself, you really have to develop a tough skin. Have faith in yourself and your product. If you believe in it, others will too! It make take time, but life is short so do what makes you happy.

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

I just hope my sales will continue to progress and people continue to love my bags. I would like to start selling in stores and boutiques, as well.

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

Don’t under-price.

View the entire collection at www.mabelhandbags.com

How did you get your start?

Lan and I use to live together so we would have little sewing projects we do together. We made our own appliques and sewed it on American Apparel tops, hand sewed skirts, and then had sample sales to raise money for our business. We expanded to dresses and tube tops, pick up a couple of local accounts and thought we were on our way. What we later learned was that we didn’t use the right machine for the jersey fabric and the clothes were starting to tear at the seams. And that is how we started to get into production.

What was the first item you ever made?

We make these flower barrettes that we sold for peanuts! We laugh about it now.

Do you have any formal training?

I have a photography degree and Lan studied fashion marketing. I shoot all the photos for our linesheets and websites, and Lan does all the styling.

When and why did you create your business?

We worked at Agnes B. together, then our store closed. Lan and I always talked about starting our own clothing line, so we said “Let’s just do it!”

What is the best part of running your own business? and the worst?

The best part is when people tell you how much they love your clothes. The worst is production problems. There is never a season we go without running into something. It doesn’t ever get any easier.

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

Hawaii! Simply because of the laid back lifestyle and our year round sunny days. We want to create pieces that we can wear all the time, everyday, day into night. Easy, comfortable, versatile.

Who is your favorite indie designer?

Rona Marie jewelry- my partner Rona, she makes really cute jewelry, very reflective of things that can found in Hawaii-beauty, ocean, sunrise, and the likes.

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

Rona: My surfboard.
Lan: my facial moisturizer to keep me looking young haha!!

What will you be wearing come spring/summer?

Rona: Our dress Joey in neon and lots of bright shorts!
Lan: I’ll be having an indian summer with my tie-dyed dress rio- its subtle, sexy, and has an amazing low back

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

Rona: I read a bunch of blogs everyday, but my favorite is icanhascheezburger.com
I’m listening to The Go Team, Bonde Do Role, Radio Head (In Rainbows) and The Mattson 2.
Lan: I read really bad gossips like PerezHilton.com and JustJared.com, thats how I get my daily news. I am still listening to everything 80′s-my flashback years, and am still into The Killers.

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

Don’t give up when people say “no” to you and don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions. If you don’t know, you just don’t know it, just ask!

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

I hope we will be super rich! And happy.

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

When problems arise, sometimes it is better to just make a decision and move on.

How did you get your start?

I bought a little felt bag at a Christmas market in Union Square in NY in 2001 and was really curious about the process so I did some research on the Internet. I tried wet felting first and made scarves then started needle felting and made flowers. The results were pretty cool so I started selling them at a few little indie markets around NY and people really liked them. Michael Pittard (he was my boyfriend at the time, now he is my business partner and husband) built Supermaggie.com so we could sell stuff online. We took a few ads out in some of the indie magazines and got a little bit of press and things just took off. It was great! Now Supermaggie is our full time job.

What was the first item you ever made?

As a kid, I seem to vaguely remember making some little cross stitch pillows for my dollhouse and my mom showing me how to sew them almost closed then turn them right side out, stuff them and hand sew them up.

Do you have any formal training?

I studied art and painting in college and grad school. I don’t’ have any formal training for the screenprinting and felting I do now. I taught myself how to do that stuff from the Internet and lots of trial and error.

When and why did you create your business?

I registered Supermaggie in 1999 when I was living in New York and going to art school originally as a place to show off my paintings and other stuff. I started the business part of Supermaggie sort of as a happy accident in 2001 after I started getting a positive response to my scarves and flowers, and have been doing it full time since 2003. The selfish reason for starting Supermaggie was trying to avoid a “real” job, but I was also motivated by the contact I had with the people who bought my stuff. They really seemed to appreciate meeting the person who made the object they were about to buy and either wear or give as a gift. I like providing an option to the depressing overstuffed department stores and anonymous malls of the world.

What is the best part of running your own business?

I get to be creative and work with my hands everyday, I can (kind of ) work my own hours. I really enjoy the interaction I get with our customers, it’s great to make something then meet the person who bought it. I also really love doing the indie craft fairs like Renegade and Stitch, they are hard work but they are so much fun!

and the worst?

The worst part is when I have to do a ton of repetitive production work and not much creative stuff.

You create so many wonderful pieces from handmade scarves to screenprinted tees.
Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from the world around me, everything from my crazing overgrown garden to our road trips and the interstate system to our old creaky house. I take everything in and it comes back out as the things I make. I want to make beautiful things that people can wear everyday (well, maybe not the scarves in the summer).

Who is your favorite indie designer?

Don’t make me choose – there are so many – but right now I am in love with Chia www.chiahats.com , she does some really beautiful work plus some really cute hats and bags.

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

Coffee!

What will you be wearing this winter?

Since we live down south I get to wear flip flops and t-shirts all year when I am working, but when I want to dress up it will be tight straight leg jeans, heels and feminine, slim cut button down blouses.

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

I am reading the field guide to the Grand Canyon and listening to the local college radio station.

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

Reach out to others, try trading links, keep a blog (but only if you update it regularly). Advertise in print and the web. Keep your work fresh, don’t worry about what other people are making, try to develop and stay true to your own style.

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

I hope we will have a full time screen printer to help take some of the production pressure off of me, we want to have our things in more fantastic stores around the country and I hope we will have a big beautiful workspace.

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

You learn more from mistakes then success. (Art Teacher) and Save your receipts! (CPA)

Site: www.supermaggie.com

How did you get your start?

I got my start in early 2007. I’ve ran a few businesses before, but I got the idea to launch the Tees For Change t-shirt line and I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. It lets me combine my love for eco-friendly products with my experience in marketing and my passion for positive thinking. It’s a constant source of inspiration and empowerment for me.

What was the first item you ever made?

The first tees that I made said “be courageous,’ ‘choose happiness,’ ‘stay balanced’ and ‘stay strong.’

Do you have any formal training?

I don’t have any formal design/fashion training, but I feel that I was born to be an entrepreneur. And I’m a strong believer that if you really want to do something you love, you figure out a way to do it and you learn along the way. I received my college degree in marketing, so that definitely helps me when it comes to getting the word out about the tees. I also have a background working with eco-friendly companies and I know how important it is to be as ‘green’ as possible, so that is why I only print my designs on sustainable materials such as organic cotton or bamboo.

When and why did you create your business?

I created my business in early 2007 in Boulder, CO. When I was pregnant with my son earlier this year I encountered a lot of negative reactions from friends and family who didn’t understand why my husband and I wanted to have a home birth. I felt like I was constantly having to defend myself and I was mentally exhausted each time I would have a conversation about giving birth at home. I took a few prenatal yoga classes and I felt different when I practiced yoga. I felt empowered and positive. Then I imagined the words “be courageous” on a t-shirt. Just thinking about those two words made me feel strong. I came home from yoga class that day and I told my husband “I am going to do this. And he said “Go for it.”

What is the best part of running your own business?

Constantly learning from my customers and other companies I come in contact with (vendors, suppliers, partners, etc.). I love making a difference in other people’s lives, whether it’s through the people who wear the tees or the various organizations to which I donate money or tees. I love that I get to express my creativity and share it with others. I love that every day is different and at the end of the day I feel that I accomplished something and made a difference.

and the worst?

I’m always working!

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from the people who purchase and wear my shirts and who write in to tell me about the difference one of the tees has made for them. It also comes from my 6 month old son, my husband, my family and friends. Also, the wonderful people I’ve met at various events and conferences, the people who run the businesses that I collaborate with… everyone with a passion for what they are doing!

Who is your favorite indie designer?

They’re not fashion designers, but the ladies at Lightning Bug Designs. They design wonderful websites and graphics for indie companies and they are just so great to work with. Their positive energy and willingness to help you succeed is contagious. They are currently re-designing the Tees For Change website and I am so excited to re-launch it later this week.

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

One thing I couldn’t live without is people who are passionate about what they do.

What will you be wearing this winter?

Definitely my ‘laugh often’ long sleeve tees

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

I love magazines: Yoga Journal, body + soul, Oprah Magazine, Entrepreneur, Fit Yoga, Natural Health, Yogi Times, Pink Magazine. And I love to read books about women entrepreneurs and their success stories.

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

Learn as much as you can from other successful people who are doing what you want to do. Treat your customers with respect and always make them your #1 priority. Stay passionate about what you do and believe in your product/business. Reach out to other companies and offer to help (by offering product donations, link exchanges, etc.)

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

I hope that Tees For Change will continue to make a difference through our positive message tees, our use of sustainable materials and our donations to worthy causes. I want to expand the line to include other eco-friendly producs. I want to see our tees in all the yoga studios, boutiques and natural products stores out there. I also hope to have a Tees For Change storefront where people can come in and be inspired.

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

Trust your instincts and stand by what you believe in. Treat your customers with respect.

Site: www.teesforchange.com

This week our interview is with Laura Su of Prismera Design. The work that she creates is contemporary with traditional influences. Laura aspires to be constantly challenging and reinventing herself with every new collection. She has done just that with her newest collection The Flora & Folium Collection. Feminine and modern botanical silhouettes, cut from recycled stainless steel. 10% of all profits from this collection go to www.kab.org.

How did you get your start?

After graduation, I landed a job in as a production assistant in the fashion district. I had an amazing art education that I loved and the day to day duties of a lowly PA was pretty hard to deal with after awhile! I started looking for escape during my lunch hour and found it in a bead supply store a block away. One thing led to another and I launched my jewelry business several months later and have been creating ever since.

What was the first item you ever made?

The first thing I made was a pair of earrings made out of Swarovski crystal drops. The idea behind them was that they acted as prisms and cast rainbows on the wearer’s hair and shoulders. The idea inspired my first collection but has since been retired to make room for new things.

Do you have any formal training?

I went to the Rhode Island School of Design for illustration; my focus was on 3d works, which entailed a lot of sculpting little hands or making in itty-bitty toothbrush for my puppets. All that came in handy when I started to make jewelry. I think my background in illustration gives me a different perspective when it comes to creating pieces because I tend to pay a great deal of attention to things like space and line.

When and why did you create your business?

I launched my online business in 2006. I had been struggling with finding a style of illustration and when I discovered jewelry, I realized that I didn’t have to stick with a style; I had the option of coming up with something entirely new for each collection. That revelation was so incredibly exciting for me.

What made you decide to focus on jewelry?

I needed to create beautiful pieces that were conceptually interesting to me and jewelry was the perfect medium because it connects to people on so many different levels. You don’t have to understand the concept necessarily to appreciate the quality or aesthetic of each piece.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love designing and the problem solving challenges that come when I have to figure out a way to express any new concept I have. It’s hard to be bored when you wear so many hats!

I love your new flora & folium collection. What inspired you to create this collection?

I was doing gallery tours at the Brooklyn Museum and fellow RISD alum, Walton Ford, had just opened an amazing exhibition called the ‘Tigers of Wrath.’ It was an eye-opening and emotional experience to do a tour of his work. I came away obsessed with old botanical prints and wanting to use my skills to contribute to some social or environmental awareness. The Flora & Folium collection was born out of my excitement from his exhibition and although it’s nowhere near the same level of his work, it’s been really gratifying to see how people have responded to it.

Who is your favorite indie designer?

That is such a tough question! I have no favorites, or else they are all my favorites. Right now, I’m loving Loyale clothing because of their simple and feminine style, as well as their use of organic and recycled fabrics. I just found out that Laurel Denise made a planner that I’m dying to get my hands on. For jewelry, I adore everything that Swallow makes. I’d like to emphasize ‘everything’. Get back to me in a month and I’ll have new designers for you.

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

My little Canon SD630. Best camera ever!

Summer can be a slow season for some of us in the indie world. What have you been doing to keep busy?

Slow sales is the perfect time to market and plan for the holiday season. I’ve been doing research for future collections, reaching out to stores, visiting shops for potential wholesale accounts, and putting materials together to get more press.

What music/books are you into right now?

Feist’s newest album is always on repeat these days and I’m reading this great little book called How to Make Mobiles. I’ve been thinking about mobiles for 6 months now and am hoping to come out with a couple of designs in time for next year’s holiday season.

You’ve been very successful at selling your designs online, what advice would you give to other designers that are just starting out?

Plan at least 6 months ahead. Make sure you’ve done your research and have a great product that you truly believe in. Once you have that, don’t give up, no matter how discouraged you might feel at times. Remember to always promote yourself. You will be the only person who is willing to promote your business 24/7 so don’t stop. (Except maybe your mom.)

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

My business is only a little over a year old at this point, so I’m just hoping to have a self-sustaining company. If it can sustain me too, that would be a dream!

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

This is the best thing that anyone’s said to me but also the most frustrating at times: what works for one person’s business may or may not work for yours. There is no formula, so do what you feel is best. There are a lot of people out there that feel like they know what’s best for your business but I’ve done well to keep this particular piece of advice in mind.

For more of Laura’s jewelry visit www.prismera.com. To learn more about Keep America Beautiful visit their website at www.kab.org.